Singapore-  Universal Robots, the pioneer and market leader of collaborative robots (cobots), is continuing to evolve its ground-breaking, collaborative automation technology with the introduction of its new flagship e-Series cobots. The new range follows Universal Robot’s co-founder, Esben Østergaard being awarded the 2018 Engleberger Award, the ‘Nobel Prize’ of robotics.

This new e-Series cobot platform includes technology advances that enable faster development for a wider variety of applications. Improvements include the ability to economically address even more applications, thanks to greater precision and sensitivity provided by a built-in, tool-centric Force/Torque sensor.

Like other Universal Robots offerings, the new e-Series offers unparalleled convenience. It takes just one hour to unpack the cobot, mount it and program the first task. A wrist-join-tool communication interface reduces production line integration time and complexity. Meanwhile, from a service standpoint, all joints can be replaced in 2 to 6 minutes.

A re-designed intuitive and responsive-touch user interface expedites program development by simplifying programming to a few clicks on a new lightweight, wide-screen Teach Pendant.

17 safety functions, including customisable stopping time and distance, make collaborative automation easier. Certified by TÜV Nord all these functions are in compliance with the EN ISO 13849-1 and EN ISO 10218-1 (Cat. 3 PLd) machinery safety standards for unobstructed human-robot collaboration.

Looking at the big picture, e-Series users can expect a fast return on investment, a cobot system ready for any future application, and long-term productivity gains.

“Our e-Series platform is leveraging our years of experience as the market leader within collaborative robots,” says Jürgen von Hollen, President of Universal Robots. “The ‘e’ in e-Series underpins our key vision and overall product philosophy, specifically Empowering people and making it Easy for Everyone.”

With the e-Series launch, Universal Robots now provides two different technology platforms. For customers interested in cobot capacity expansion for proven applications, the G3 is an ideal choice. The e-Series benefits businesses with advanced applications and diverse or uncertain future needs.

Growing Importance of Automation in Southeast Asia

Demand for automation and robotics continues to grow in Southeast Asia, particularly in the electronics, semiconductor, metal and machining, food and beverage and pharma industries.

The electronics industry has been a high adopter of cobots globally for decades. This is similarly reflected in Southeast Asia where electronics is the largest export sector in the region, comprising 25 per cent of total exports in goods. Electronics production hubs are Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

In Vietnam, robots are employed in hospitals to assist in surgeries.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, an average of 63 industrial robots were installed per 10,000 employees in Asia. In Southeast Asia, robot density is led by Singapore with 488 units per 10,000 employees, followed by Thailand and Malaysia with 45 units and 34 units each.

Shermine Gotfredsen, General Manager, Southeast Asia and Oceania at Universal Robots, said: “Cobot demand is growing in the region as automation is increasingly becoming a necessity for businesses to achieve greater production efficiencies amid rising operational costs, labour shortages and increasing competition. With the e-Series and G3 product lines, we now offer customers two distinct technology platforms, catering to a wider range of business needs,”she said.

The e-Series is now available. Universal Robots plans to begin shipping units to customers from 1 August 2018.