Universal Robots (UR), a global leader in collaborative robots, announced the launch of its newest model, the UR8 Long, at FABTECH in Chicago. Designed for demanding and space-limited industrial applications, the robot is now available for order, with shipments expected to start in October.
With a 1750 mm (68.9 in) reach and a slim, lightweight design, the UR8 Long offers an 8 kg (17.6 lbs) payload while delivering reach, stability, and precision in a compact and rugged frame. It’s an ideal solution for environments with limited space and for tasks such as complex welding, precision dunnage picking, and multi-point inspections.
“The UR8 Long can reach farther and do more than ever before. It’s designed to help people and businesses work faster, more safely, and with less physical effort,” said Jean Pierre Hathout, President of Universal Robots. “Whether it’s lifting, moving, or handling repetitive or physically demanding tasks, this robot makes the work easier. Its extended reach covers more area, and its advanced design opens new possibilities for automating tasks that were once done manually.”
The UR8 Long operates with UR’s advanced software platform and can be paired with MotionPlus—an advanced motion control solution that simplifies integration with linear axes, rotary positioners, and turntables, allowing for smooth, accurate movements and precise control. With improved freedrive capabilities, users can manually guide the robot arm with ease, making lead-to-teach programming more intuitive and reducing setup time even for complex parts. The robot’s lighter mass—30% less than the UR20—and compact wrist design also make it suitable for mounting on gantries, rails, or overhead systems.
The UR8 Long’s reach, motion control, and accuracy make it a perfect fit for welding tasks. “UR8 Long offers a better teaching experience compared to traditional welding robots, improves weld quality over manual methods, and reduces rework, saving both time and money,” said Will Healy III, Global Industry Manager for Fabricated Metals at Teradyne Robotics. “The robot was built to support collaborative welding processes, helping improve productivity and attract operators looking for advanced, hands-on automation.”
The extended reach, compact tool flange, and fast wrist joints enable the robot to access deeper bin corners and more pick locations, making it highly suitable for industries like automotive. It fits easily into space-constrained cells, offering more picks per bin and smoother workflows. The updated joint design also enables up to 30% faster cycle times than previous models. The UR8 Long will make its European debut on September 15 at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN in Essen, Germany.
Universal Robots is a global leader in collaborative robotics, supporting a wide variety of industries with automation solutions. With over 100,000 cobots sold globally, its mission is simple: automation for anyone, anywhere. The user-friendly platform is supported by intuitive software, comprehensive training, and extensive services, along with the world’s largest collaborative robotics ecosystem. Universal Robots is part of Teradyne Robotics, a division of Teradyne (NASDAQ:TER), a leading provider of automation and testing solutions.
