MathWorks brings AI to the Universal Robots world
One point of criticism or question mark was why Universal Robots did not make any efforts in the direction of artificial intelligence. MathWorks has now solved this point from the sidelines, so to speak. Founded in 1984, the leading developer (6,000 employees) of software for mathematical calculations for engineers and scientists has now received UR+ certification for its MATLAB® program. This is, according to the US company, the most user-friendly and productive programming environment for engineers and scientists. With features for math, graphics, and programming, MATLAB is designed around your approach, your way of thinking, and your tasks.
I became aware of the following press release through a response from Andreas Bihlmaier on LinkedIn, one of the world's leading robotics software architects. Working in Munich at Intrinsic, he was previously responsible for robotics software at ABB. I write this because there was no Like from the Universal Robots environment at the time. Instead of the word "engineer" used below, the word "programmer" would probably make more sense. The program is not intended for the layman, but a skilled user should be able to handle it. To the press release:
MathWorks enables use of AI and autonomy features 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 for seamless integration with Universal Robots (UR) cobots. MathWorks received UR+ certification for MATLAB, a programming and numerical computing platform that provides software tools and algorithms for developing, simulating, testing, and deploying robotics applications, including Universal Robots' cobots.
Dynamic work environments can be handled more easily
MATLAB is used by robotics engineers for specialized or complex cobot applications that are cumbersome to implement using UR's teach pendant or graph-based programming tools. These include applications involving machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, optimization processes, sensor data fusion, and advanced signal processing. With MATLAB's AI capabilities and sophisticated robotic algorithms, cobots are able to better perceive changes in dynamic work environments, enabling them to move through them more efficiently and productively. Engineers can verify their UR cobot applications by connecting MATLAB to URSim, a simulation software for robot programs, or to UR hardware. In doing so, MATLAB support for Universal Robots is compatible with the entire e- and CB-series of Universal Robots.
"We are pleased to welcome MathWorks to our UR+ solution ecosystem and welcome this partnership to help simplify the more complex delivery of robots for robotics engineers," said Christopher Savoia, Universal Robots UR+ Ecosystem Manager.
Offline programming and simulation
Offline cobot programming and simulation in MATLAB enables users to minimize downtime when programming robots in the field. In addition, robotics engineers can also deploy robot algorithms and AI models by generating C++ codes using MATLAB Coder™ and Simulink Coder™ for standalone, accelerated execution with UR hardware directly on embedded target systems, such as graphics cards.
"With Universal Robots' market leadership and MATLAB and Simulink's expertise in accelerating the pace of innovation, integrators and end users now have the ability to solve more complex automation workflows," said Dominic Viens, director, Design Automation Marketing at MathWorks. "The UR hardware support package shortens time-to-market for advanced Cobot applications that require the integration of multiple complex technologies. This allows small and mid-sized manufacturers to take on comprehensive technology packages at a fraction of the cost of hiring outside consultants."
Are we networking? LinkedIn
-> Go to the Cobot group on LinkedIn (link). The author is also a consultant (robotics, tech & finance). Hardly anyone is likely to have a comparable market overview.