The Robot Report

  • Home
  • News
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
    • Research
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Humanoids
    • Industrial
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Business
    • Financial
      • Investments
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Earnings
    • Markets
      • Agriculture
      • Healthcare
      • Logistics
      • Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Security
    • RBR50
      • RBR50 Winners 2025
      • RBR50 Winners 2024
      • RBR50 Winners 2023
      • RBR50 Winners 2022
      • RBR50 Winners 2021
  • Resources
    • Automated Warehouse Research Reports
    • Digital Issues
    • eBooks
    • Publications
      • Automated Warehouse
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
    • Robotics Weeks
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Universal Robots increases UR20 cobot production to meet demand

By The Robot Report Staff | November 16, 2023

UR20 arm at Bob's Red Mill

Bob’s Red Mill is among the users of the UR20 high-payload cobot. Source: Universal Robots

Originally smaller and lighter than industrial robot arms, collaborative robots are growing in size and capability. Universal Robots A/S yesterday announced that it has accelerated production timelines for its UR20 cobot, which has a 1,750 mm (5.7 ft.) reach and 20 kg (44 lb.) payload capacity. The company said the UR20 “has has quickly become the go-to choice for manufacturers seeking a long-reach, heavy-payload cobot, prompting Universal Robots to double production capacity to meet customer needs.”

“We are thrilled by the tremendous response to the UR20. The rapid adoption by manufacturers speaks volumes about the impact this cobot is having on the industry,” stated Bryan Bird, president of Americas at Universal Robots, in a press release. “In response to the demand, we have made the strategic decision to ramp up production faster than initially anticipated.”

The global market for collaborative robots could expand from $1.2 billion in 2023 to $6.8 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate CAGR) of 34.3%, predicted Markets and Markets. The research firm cited increased demand in the e-commerce and logistics industries.

The rise of “smart factories” will also contribute to demand for cobots, noted Research and Markets. It forecast a CAGR of 26.12%, from $1.6 billion in 2023. 

At the open house of its U.S. headquarters in Boston last week, Universal Robots and partners including Robotiq and Cobot Systems demonstrated applications such as palletizing and laser welding, respectively.


SITE AD for the 2025 RoboBusiness call for presentations. Now accepting session submissions!


Mill and dairy use UR20 to free up labor

Universal Robots said the UR20 is the first in its “next generation of industrial cobots designed to take performance to new heights while embracing the UR hallmarks of versatility, usability, and small footprints.” The company said its latest system, which it unveiled last year, is designed to handle more tasks, fit more applications, and assist in more environments than its previous models.

Businesses that have integrated the UR20 into their manufacturing processes include Bob’s Red Mill. The historic whole grain manufacturer said it wanted to use collaborative robots for palletizing for many years, but it could not find a system meeting its speed, payload or reach requirements until the UR20.

Bob’s Red Mill said it now uses the UR20 to meet required cycle times, freeing up four operators while helping propel company growth.

“We had been eyeing UR cobots for a long time,” said Nick Chow, engineering and fabrication manager at Bob’s Red Mill. “We appreciate the simplicity, their track record, and the out-of-the-box features.”

Ornua Ingredients, part of Irish Dairy co-operative Ornua, has deployed the UR20 cobot in end-of-line palletizing, which it said was one of its most labor-intensive operations.

“We looked at palletizing as the first area to deploy automation due to the number of human resources we required,” observed Jack Cotton, continuous improvement lead at Ornua.

“When we learned about what the UR20 could do, we were excited by the capabilities, both in terms of the capacity it could lift and the arm reach, which were perfect for the delicate products we required support for,” he said. “The benefits of its deployment have been nothing short of brilliant, with increases in consistency and productivity boosts very clear to see.”

UR20 at Ornua

Ornua used a UR20 cobot to free employees from palletizing tasks. Source: Universal Robots

Universal Robots said it can still fulfill 2023 orders

Even as it ramps up UR20 production, Universal Robots said it has the capacity to fulfill fourth-quarter 2023 orders. The company encouraged  manufacturers to take advantage of end-of-year tax incentives by submitting their cobot orders promptly.

“We understand the urgency for businesses to optimize their operations and take advantage of available tax incentives,” added Bird. “By doubling UR20 production ahead of schedule, we aim to ensure that our customers can access the benefits of collaborative automation without delay.”

Universal Robots also recommended that manufacturers interested in integrating the UR20 into their operations contact it to discuss their specific automation needs and explore the possibilities offered by the UR20 cobot.

Founded in 2005, Universal Robots’ product portfolio includes cobots with a range of reaches and payloads and said it has sold more than 75,000 systems worldwide. The Odense, Denmark-based unit of Teradyne Inc. has built an ecosystem of partners providing software and hardware accessories for its collaborative robot arms.

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles Read More >

Mbodi AI is working with partners such as ABB.
Mbodi AI launches on Y Combinator, developing embodied AI for industrial robots
Kawasaki had one of the largest robots at Automate 2025.
10 robotics trends spotted at Automate 2025
Collaborative robots and AMR, alone or combined, can help manufacturers advance today toward higher quality, productivity accuracy with greater profitability, said Ujjwal Kumar, ME, group president, Teradyne Robotics (Universal Robots and MiR) during his keynote presentation at Automate 2025.
Automate 2025: 5 ways cobots and AMRs top humanoid robots
hero image of UR15 robot and an ABB AMR with wine barrels on it along with the podcast logo.
Automate 2025 recap

RBR50 Innovation Awards

“rr
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Robotics Professionals.
The Robot Report Listing Database

Latest Episode of The Robot Report Podcast

Automated Warehouse Research Reports

Sponsored Content

  • Sager Electronics and its partners, logos shown here, will exhibit at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo. Sager Electronics to exhibit at the Robotics Summit & Expo
  • The Shift in Robotics: How Visual Perception is Separating Winners from the Pack
  • An AutoStore automated storage and retrieval grid. Webinar to provide automated storage and retrieval adoption advice
  • Smaller, tougher devices for evolving demands
  • Modular motors and gearboxes make product development simple
The Robot Report
  • Mobile Robot Guide
  • Collaborative Robotics Trends
  • Field Robotics Forum
  • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
  • RoboBusiness Event
  • Robotics Summit & Expo
  • About The Robot Report
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search The Robot Report

  • Home
  • News
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
    • Research
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Humanoids
    • Industrial
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Business
    • Financial
      • Investments
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Earnings
    • Markets
      • Agriculture
      • Healthcare
      • Logistics
      • Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Security
    • RBR50
      • RBR50 Winners 2025
      • RBR50 Winners 2024
      • RBR50 Winners 2023
      • RBR50 Winners 2022
      • RBR50 Winners 2021
  • Resources
    • Automated Warehouse Research Reports
    • Digital Issues
    • eBooks
    • Publications
      • Automated Warehouse
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
    • Robotics Weeks
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe