The strategic alliance between Universal Robots (UR), a global leader in collaborative robots, and Nvidia, a prominent name in artificial intelligence and accelerated computing, is redefining the industrial robotics landscape. This collaboration has led to innovations that not only enhance the capabilities of existing cobots but also unlock new categories of applications that were previously considered out of reach.
At the core of this partnership is the Universal Robots AI Accelerator, a development platform created in collaboration with Nvidia. This tool allows programmers to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge vision and AI technologies into UR’s augmented reality-enabled cobots. It facilitates real-time object recognition, adaptive motion control, and continuous learning, revolutionizing the way these machines operate in dynamic environments.
One of the most compelling examples of this synergy is the UR15, the fastest cobot released by Universal Robots. Powered by the AI Accelerator and utilizing the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin system-on-module and CUDA-accelerated Isaac libraries, the UR15 achieves up to 30% faster cycle times in pick-and-place tasks compared to previous UR models. With a top speed of 5 meters per second and an unmatched range of motion, it sets a new standard for industrial automation.
The integration of Nvidia’s accelerated computing technology has brought dramatic improvements. Motion planning is now up to 100 times faster and more precise than traditional approaches. With minimal training, AI models deliver highly accurate 3D pose estimation. Perhaps most impactful is the significant reduction in time-to-market, enabling UR partners to deploy advanced, AI-powered cobot solutions with increased agility and flexibility.
These advancements have proven especially effective in unpredictable environments. For example, in a pick-and-place operation, a cobot equipped with a mounted camera and Nvidia’s AI capabilities can accurately locate and grasp objects whose positions aren’t predefined. This level of adaptability showcases the transformative power of combining UR’s robotics expertise with Nvidia’s technological leadership.
The collaboration has also drawn AI-centric partners into the Universal Robots ecosystem, reinforcing UR’s position as a preferred platform for AI-driven automation. By simplifying the setup of common industrial tasks, this technology has opened the door to increased automation in high-mix, low-volume production settings.
Ultimately, the success of this partnership highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies into industrial robotics. The fusion of UR’s cobot knowledge with Nvidia’s AI and accelerated computing is forging a future where collaborative robots are smarter, more responsive, and capable of overcoming complex automation challenges once deemed insurmountable. Beyond boosting productivity and efficiency, this evolution creates new opportunities and revenue streams within manufacturing and logistics, turning intelligent automation into a central pillar of modern industry.
Automating a process can radically transform your production. At URT, we offer not only high-quality refurbished robots but also personalized technical consulting to support you at every stage of the journey. Contact us today and discover how automation can take your business into the future.