MathWorks Joins Universal Robots Ecosystem to Offer Robotics Engineers AI and Autonomy Capabilities in Cobot Programming

MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, joins the UR+ program, the industry’s largest and most comprehensive ecosystem of products certified to integrate seamlessly with cobots from Universal Robots (UR).  MathWorks received the UR+  certification for MATLAB, a programming and numeric computing platform that provides software tools and algorithms for designing, simulating, testing and deploying robotics applications, including those for Universal Robots’ cobots.

Robotics engineers use MATLAB for specialized or sophisticated cobot applications that are difficult to program using the UR teach pendant or graphical-based programming tools, including applications that incorporate machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, optimization, sensor fusion, and advanced signal processing.  MATLAB provides AI capabilities for cobots to move more efficiently and productively by perceiving dynamically changing workspaces and sophisticated robot algorithms.      Engineers can verify their UR cobot applications by connecting MATLAB to URSim, a simulation software for robot programs, or UR hardware. MATLAB support for Universal Robots is compatible with the entire e- and CB- series of Universal Robots.

"We are delighted to welcome MathWorks to our UR+ solutions ecosystem and look forward to seeing this partnership help simplify the more complex cobot deployment for robotics engineers," said Christopher Savoia, Universal Robots UR+ ecosystem manager.

Offline cobot programming and simulation within MATLAB enables users to minimize downtime when programming using robots on-site.  Robotics engineers can also deploy robotic algorithms and AI models by generating C++ codes directly on embedded targets, such as GPU boards, using MATLAB Coder™ and Simulink Coder™ for standalone, accelerated execution with UR hardware.  

"With Universal Robots’ market leadership and MATLAB and Simulink's ability to accelerate the pace of innovation, integrators and end users will now have the ability to solve more complex automation workflows," said Dominic Viens, Director, Design Automation Marketing at MathWorks. “The UR hardware support package reduces the time to market for advanced cobot applications that require the integration of multiple complex technologies. This enables the small- and medium-sized manufacturers to adopt deep technology stacks at a fraction of the cost of hiring external consultants.”

About Universal Robots

Universal Robots aims to empower change in the way work is done using its leading-edge robotics platform. Since introducing the world’s first commercially viable collaborative robot (cobot) in 2008, UR has developed a product portfolio including the UR3e, UR5e, UR10e, UR16e, and UR20 reflecting a range of reaches and payloads. Each model is supported by a wide selection of end-effectors, software, accessories and application kits in the UR+ ecosystem. This allows the cobots to be used across a wide range of industries and means that they can be redeployed across diverse tasks. The company, which is part of Teradyne Inc., is headquartered in Odense, Denmark, and has offices in the USA, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania, Turkey, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Mexico. Universal Robots has installed over 50,000 cobots worldwide. For more information, please visit www.universal-robots.com or read our blog at blog.universal-robots.com.