The leading manufacturer of collaborative robots goes on tour this summer, showcasing its new solution for flexible machine loading at live events hosted by partners across the U.S. To further address demand, Universal Robots is adding four new ActiNav Solutions Providers to assist manufacturers in ActiNav deployments.

Automating machine loading traditionally means integrating conveyors, bowl feeders, custom trays, shaker tables or various other components and processes. These approaches can lead to a range of obstacles and challenges, including complex programming and setup, poorly-utilized manpower, inefficient machine utilization and decreased output.

ActiNav changes all that, combining intelligent vision and sensor software with the autonomous motion control of Universal Robots' world-leading cobots in one seamless Application Kit that solves the random bin picking challenge in machine tending applications. To give manufacturers an opportunity to experience ActiNav hands-on, Universal Robots and its partners are now hosting live demos, inviting attendees to bring their parts to be picked, experiencing how easy it is to set up a sophisticated machine loading system.

"We want manufacturers to experience in person the "wow factor" as they see ActiNav effortlessly pick their randomized parts and place them correctly in a designated place," says Bryan Bird, Regional Sales Director for Universal Robots' North America division. "We look forward to working with our partners in providing this unique experience."

The ActiNav Tour dates are hosted by Universal Robots partners and systems integrators on the following dates and locations:

FPE Automation: July 13, Elk Grove Village, IL
Southwestern PTS: July 22, Coppell,TX
NEFF Wisconsin: August 3, Mequon, WI
CIMTEC: August 5, Charlotte, NC
Shaltz: August 10, Flint, MI

In addition to meeting ActiNav on tour, manufacturers can now leverage an expanded network of ActiNav Solution Providers (ASPs), a vetted and carefully selected group of systems integrators across the U.S. to deploy the next-generation machine loading solution. Joining the ASP network are:

Muratec, Charlotte, NC, PCC Robotics, Germantown, WI, Computech Manufacturing Company, Washington, MI, and PrecisionForm Inc., Lititz, PA.

Bird explains that UR's selection process focused on integrators with expertise in both vision and robotics, that deliver superior value, and on time/on budget projects for customers.

Dan Carney, General Manager at Wisconsin-based PCC Robotics, is looking forward to sharing the benefits of Actinav with manufacturers in his region. "As a systems integrator we find parts staging to be a key component of nearly every application," he says. "We have reviewed a number of bin picking offerings and ActiNav is simply in a different class."

About Universal Robots

Universal Robots is the market leader in collaborative robots. Since introducing the world's first commercially viable cobot in 2008, UR has developed a product portfolio including the UR3e, UR5e, UR10e, and UR16e, reflecting a range of reaches and payloads. Each model is supported by a host of Plug & Produce end effectors, software, and accessories in the UR+ certification program, allowing for flexible redeployment of one robot into several diverse applications. Universal Robots has installed over 50,000 cobots worldwide, automating every manufacturing industry. Headquartered in Odense, Denmark, UR operates out of 21 regional offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. www.universal-robots.com