Universal Robots Unveils UR15: The Fastest Collaborative Robot for Enhanced Performance in Automation
Universal Robots (UR), the global leader in collaborative robotics, has introduced its latest innovation, the UR15, at the Automate 2025 show in Detroit. With this new cobot, UR continues to revolutionize automation by offering unprecedented speed, precision, and flexibility across industries. Available for orders now, the UR15 will begin shipping in June 2025. It marks a significant step forward in the world of collaborative automation, bringing faster cycle times, greater productivity, and cost savings to a variety of applications.
Unmatched Speed and Efficiency
The UR15 is the fastest cobot ever released by Universal Robots, offering an impressive maximum tool center point (TCP) speed of 5 meters per second (m/s). This remarkable speed enables significant improvements in cycle times—up to 30% faster in pick-and-place tasks compared to previous UR models. The result is an increase in overall efficiency and productivity, which translates into cost reductions for businesses across various sectors.
Despite its high-speed capabilities, the UR15 maintains the core attributes that define Universal Robots’ products: a lightweight design and a compact footprint. These features make it ideal for integration into tight workspaces, where other robots might struggle to fit or function optimally. By combining speed, precision, and versatility, the UR15 is able to handle demanding applications while occupying minimal space on the shop floor.
Tero Tolonen, Chief Product Officer at Universal Robots, commented, “For 20 years, we’ve pushed the boundaries of collaborative automation, making it easier, safer, and more powerful for businesses around the world. With the UR15, we are taking another leap forward. Designed to operate at higher speeds with unmatched smoothness, the UR15 provides our partners with an opportunity to enhance existing applications and create new transformative solutions.”
Next-Level Motion Control with OptiMove
One of the standout features of the UR15 is its integration with OptiMove, UR’s new motion control technology. This technology enhances trajectory smoothness, ensuring that the robot performs with exceptional accuracy even at high speeds and when handling heavy payloads. By improving motion control, OptiMove enables the UR15 to deliver even more precise results in fast-paced and payload-intensive environments, further boosting the cobot’s versatility.
The combination of high-speed performance and OptiMove technology makes the UR15 an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from assembly to packaging, and machine tending to quality control. In high-demand production settings, the UR15’s smooth and consistent movement is essential for achieving optimal productivity.
AI-Ready with PolyScope X and UR AI Accelerator
In addition to its hardware advancements, the UR15 is powered by PolyScope X, UR’s industry-leading software platform. PolyScope X not only simplifies the user interface but also provides powerful functionality for programming and operation. Furthermore, the UR15 is fully AI-ready and can seamlessly integrate with the UR AI Accelerator—a toolkit developed by Universal Robots in collaboration with NVIDIA. This accelerator leverages NVIDIA Isaac’s™ CUDA-accelerated libraries and models, running on the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin™ system-on-module.
At the Automate show, 3D Infotech showcased a turnkey quality inspection process using the UR15 in conjunction with the UR AI Accelerator. This demonstration highlighted the potential of physical AI in real-world applications, underscoring the UR15’s ability to handle complex tasks with ease while delivering high-speed, high-precision results.
Designed for Versatility Across Industries
The UR15 is engineered to meet the demands of diverse industries, each with its own unique set of challenges. Its 15 kg (33 lbs) payload capacity—extendable to 17.5 kg (38.58 lbs) in wrist-down orientation—makes it a highly flexible solution for numerous applications. The robot’s design prioritizes both performance and reliability, making it suitable for the following industries:
- Automotive Industry: In automotive manufacturing, space constraints and the need for flexibility are key considerations. The UR15’s small footprint and full work envelope enable it to operate efficiently in tight spaces without compromising on speed or precision. Applications such as automated bin picking, machine tending, and inspection, which were previously limited by slower cobots, can now be significantly accelerated with the UR15.
- Metal and Machining: In environments where conditions can be harsh, such as metalworking or machining, the UR15 excels with improved ingress protection (IP65) and high payload capabilities. Its robust design ensures reliability even in challenging environments, while its easy deployment allows for quick setup and integration into existing workflows.
- Electronics and Technology: The electronics industry requires precision and compact design for tasks like pick-and-place and assembly. The UR15’s cleanroom-class excellence, compact form factor, and advanced motion control capabilities make it an ideal solution for high-speed, high-precision operations. Additionally, its smooth integration with Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) enables seamless automation in these environments.
Tolonen further emphasized, “When designing our products, we focus on the unique needs of each industry. Whether it’s automotive, electronics, or metalworking, we ensure that our cobots can meet the specific challenges our customers face. The UR15 will help businesses take on today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Expanding the UR Series
The UR15 joins the recently launched UR20 and UR30 in UR’s new high-performance series, known as the UR Series. These cobots are designed for industries and applications requiring higher payloads and advanced capabilities. The UR Series offers a range of options for businesses seeking more power and flexibility in demanding environments.
Universal Robots has also updated its trusted e-Series of collaborative robots. The UR5e, for example, now features a 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) payload upgrade, offering enhanced capabilities for existing applications. Additionally, the UR10e, which previously supported 12.5 kg (27.55 lbs), will be rebranded as the UR12e, reflecting its increased capacity. The e-Series also includes the UR3e and UR16e models, all designed to deliver superior versatility and trusted performance.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Collaborative Automation
The UR15 is a key part of Universal Robots’ ongoing efforts to advance collaborative automation. By providing a faster, more flexible, and highly efficient solution, the UR15 opens up new possibilities for businesses in various sectors. Whether used for existing applications or to develop innovative new solutions, the UR15 is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of automation.
As Tero Tolonen concluded, “With the UR15, we are not just providing a new product. We are enabling businesses to enhance their automation strategies and unlock new opportunities. Our customers can expect even greater levels of productivity, flexibility, and precision, all while maintaining the ease of use and safety that have become synonymous with Universal Robots.”
The Universal Robots 15 is now available for orders, with shipments expected to begin in June 2025. For more information or to place an order, visit Universal Robots’ website or contact an authorized distributor.
Image Collection: UR15
For additional visuals and to explore the UR15 in action, visit the image collection on Universal Robots’ website.
