The Universal Robots UR3 is a collaborative tabletop robot designed for light assembly tasks and automated workbench scenarios. It has a compact form factor, weighing only 24.3lbs (11kg) but has a payload capacity of 6.6lbs (3kg). It is equipped with a +- 360-degree rotation on all wrist joints and an infinite rotation on the end joint.

Due to its small footprint, the UR3 is an excellent fit for tight workspaces, making it well-suited for light assembly and screwdriving applications. It is also offered as an OEM robot system. The UR3 is highly flexible, lightweight, and perfect for working alongside humans to increase productivity. The Danish pioneer of collaborative robots has designed this new, smaller robot to meet the industry's needs.

Universal Robots will launch the UR3 in the United States at Automate 2015 in Chicago, March 23. This robot is ideal for assembly, polish, glue, and screw applications that require uniform product quality. Its compact form and easy programming make it easy to switch between tasks, enabling it to meet agile manufacturing needs, reducing total cost ownership, and fast payback periods.

UR3 applications vary from medical devices to circuit boards and electronic components. With the UR3, a single worker can accomplish what traditionally would be a two-person job, making it an ideal choice for applications that require 6-axis capabilities and where size, safety, and costs are critical. The robot's 15 advanced, adjustable safety settings are enabled to relieve employees from working in environments with toxic or hazardous materials.

UR3 robot is an expert craftsman and can perform tasks like picking up screws, mounting, and tightening them, applying the correct torque. In addition to that, UR3 can also be used in a separate work station mounted on the table, picking, assembling, and placing parts in optimized production flows. By combining UR’s industry-leading easy programming technology with an infinite rotation and improved force control, the UR3 attains high accuracy levels. It also follows the outline of a surface – such as the aluminum edge around a smartphone – by “feeling” rather than through the programming of precise movements and coordinates.

The UR3 robot from Universal Robots boasts a number of key features that make it an optimal assistant for a range of automation tasks. This collaborative table-top robot is equipped with six axis motion, allowing it to apply glue with steady and consistent pressure, as well as tighten screws with the correct torque.

The UR3 weighs 24.3 lbs and has a payload of 6.6 lbs, making it highly versatile for a range of applications. It has a reach of 19.7 inches and can rotate 360 degrees on all wrist joints, with infinite rotation on the end joint. Its repeatability measures +- 0.1 mm, ensuring precision in its movements. It also features advanced safety settings with five adjustable force limits, defaulting at 150N and adjustable down to 50N.

Furthermore, the UR3 robot has a modular design which allows for easy joint exchange in under 30 minutes with one day delivery. It also provides improved force control and has a new motherboard for faster boot-up. The robot is suitable for various applications such as soldering, gluing, painting, screwing, pick and place, operating hand tools, laboratory work, and fume hood tasks.

The UR3 robot is priced at US $23,000 in the United States. Alternatively, reconditioned robots are a less expensive option with prices typically costing half as much as new robots. Used robots prices range between an estimated $25,000 and $40,000, and systems with applications components can range between $50,000 and $75,000.

The Universal Robots UR3 provides manufacturers with access to advanced robotic automation without incurring extra costs associated with traditional robots such as difficult programming, long set-up, and shielded work cells. The compact size, easy programming, and quick installation of the cobot make it easy to switch between different tasks. Additionally, the addition of a force sensor ensures consistent performance and safety.

The UR3 robot is ideal for standing next to employees and can help with light assembly tasks and other activities around a workbench. It is equipped with attributes such as a controller box, touch screen, and software which enables easy programming via a graphical interface accessible to everyone. The robot can be operational without shielding and can be placed in a shared workspace with employees, adhering to applicable rules and regulations.

While the UR3 robot provides many advantages such as easy programming, low cost of ownership, and fast payback period, it does have certain limitations. The robot has a small work envelope, an outdated UI and controller, and a heavy teach pendant. Installations also require specific guarding accommodations to be met. Additionally, it has a lower payload and reach, making it ideal for smaller applications such as soldering and glue application.

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