Universal Robots' new UR20 collaborative robot is showcasing welding capabilities with partners Vectis Automation, Hirebotics, and Melton Machine & Control at the FABTECH expo. The UR20's extended range expands possible weldments in a given fixture setup.

Vectis co-founder Josh Pawley said, "The long-reach UR20 arm greatly impacts the market, improving on UR's already robust cobot products."

As UR's fastest, strongest cobot, the UR20 has a 44 lb payload, 68.9 in reach, ±0.002 in repeatability, and up to 30% more speed/torque than other UR units. Like the e-Series, its PFL safety and ISO 13849/10218 compliance make it ideal for collaboration.

According to UR Welding Segment Manager Will Healy, "Coordinated motion enables larger, more complex welded parts without repositioning the workpiece or robot, increasing efficiency."

At FABTECH, Hirebotics is launching AI-powered Beacon Recommendations to assist welding/cutting parameter selection for faster, higher quality setups. Their new Cobot Cutter is the first UR-powered plasma cutting system.

Meanwhile, Kane Robotics' new GRIT system pairs a UR10e cobot with an automated grinding/finishing tool from FerRobotics. GRIT performs manual post-weld grinding at double human speed with 50-80% improved productivity.

The UR20's expanded reach unlocks new automation possibilities for small-batch welding. Combined with smart assistive features from UR's partners, it streamlines setup while improving quality and part flexibility.

Welding represents an enormous but under-penetrated cobot opportunity. The UR20's specialized strengths, plus UR's extensive collaborative experience and partner ecosystem, are now realizing more of this potential. By showcasing the UR20's welding capabilities, Universal Robots underscores that cobots will transform fabrication's future.