Universal Robots is taking a confident stride forward with its new Direct Torque Control technology, designed to give you precise command over each joint in its collaborative robots. Delivering torque updates at a sharp 500 Hz, this approach eliminates the hassle of setting up a custom software stack, making it much simpler for researchers and developers to focus on what matters—innovative application and cutting-edge research.
Anders Billesø Beck, vice president of technology, explains that this feature is especially attractive in research and education settings, where precision is paramount. “These capabilities are becoming increasingly sought after within research and education, especially for AI. With our new interface, we’re making it much easier for researchers and partners to work with direct torque control. Instead of spending a long time implementing alternative solutions, they can now focus immediately on their research or on developing new, innovative applications using the capabilities already incorporated into our PolyScope software,” he notes.
Practical applications are already emerging. For instance, NVIDIA Robotics has used a beta version of this interface to tackle gear assembly, proving its effectiveness in converting simulations into reliable real-world results. Even against a backdrop of market challenges—Universal Robots faced a 3% decline in sales while its parent group, part of Teradyne Inc., made considerable cuts—the innovation shines as a beacon of potential. With over 100,000 cobots sold, Universal Robots continues to lead by balancing breakthrough technology with the realities of a competitive market.
To drive further efficiency, the company has also introduced the UR15, touted as their fastest cobot. Clocking a top TCP speed of 5 m/s, the UR15 is engineered to boost productivity and cut costs by reducing cycle times by up to 30% compared to earlier models. If you’ve ever struggled to meet production targets or juggle speed with accuracy, these advancements might just be the edge you need.
