- May 28, 2024
PARIS - May 22, 2024 - Designed with simplicity, amplification and flexibility, United Robotics Group launched its uLink series of service robots for retail, warehouse logistics and manufacturing settings at VivaTech in Paris. The European leader in service robots expands its CobiotX solutions with their newest cobiot, designed to integrate retail and logistics operations on the global stage.
uLink will offer a modular platform that seamlessly fits into workflow, enhanced with industry-standard accessories. uLink is designed to simplify operations and boost safety and efficiency in a range of settings including retail, warehouse logistics, manufacturing and healthcare. uLink is engineered for simplicity, efficiency and safety. Its unique blend of features—ranging from a modular design and open API for effortless integrations, to sophisticated 3D LiDAR-based navigation and real-time operation data visualization—sets a new standard in the industry.
uLink offers a comprehensive modular robotics solution, equipped with IDE, SDK and fleet management tools for seamless integration into existing IT systems and lidars, motors and sensors, that ensure the robot’s responsiveness and security. Its modular platform allows the robot to respond to multiple logistics challenges in retail and warehouse fulfillment, which by nature vary according to sector, size of site and automation needs. uLink's accessory interface (or spine) is customizable, allowing the structure to hold up to 60 kg of payload and is equipped with SEER navigation control, allowing it to carry out deliveries in a spanned area of <400,000 m².
Accessories including a locker for click and collect or confidential deliveries, a pegboard for tools and parts delivery or trays for transporting stock items can be integrated into the platform in a plug and play mechanism that align with the platform’s interface and allow its functionality to evolve throughout the day. Partner integrators can also create new accessories to respond to specific needs.
“The retail and logistics sector has been experiencing significant transformation for years, linked to the growth of e-commerce, automation and a shortage of talent in the value chain, for example stock fillers in stores or water spiders in a warehouse or production plant. It is important for us to be able to support players in the sector in this evolution and to offer solutions that meet tailor-made needs,” explained Thomas Linkenheil, co-CEO of United Robotics Group. “In a highly competitive sector, consumers are looking for a faster, more personalized experience and this logistics solution responds to the ability of teams to be able to provide cutting-edge customer service in store without worrying about certain back and forth and warehouse searches which can take time and impact the in-store experience."
The first cobiot with an open API, increasing connectivity and flexibility, uLink, as United Robotics Group’s CobiotX robots and robotic solutions, is designed with a user-friendly interface based on no-code principles, enabling users without robotics expertise to quickly take adopt the robot into daily operations. In addition, the robot features an open API platform that allows the robot to communicate with existing operations and other connected systems including automatic doors and elevators and can work with other automated mobile robots and guided vehicles like AMRs and AGVs.
The launch of uLink marks United Robotics Group’s expansion of robotics solutions in logistics and warehouse management and industrial production. The robot will be deployed in retail and logistics settings including department stores, supermarkets, warehouses and fulfillment centers, factories and manufacturing settings as well as airports and healthcare facilities.
The robot is equipped with 3D Lidar and PL-Lidar systems for highly accurate mobility, allowing the platform to process changes in environment (like movement or presence of people or machines) immediately. uLink is connected to an online dashboard that facilitates workflow management and decision making between front and back of house teams.
uLink has a long battery life with up to 14 hours of operations possible on one charge and features a smart, wireless charge function developed with a German battery manufacturer that allows the robot to automatically return to the charging base between missions. The robot adheres to the highest safety and data privacy standards including EU machine directives “Performance Level D” and GDPR regulations.
The robot, along with United Robotics Group’s logistics and warehouse management fleet, including RBWatcher and Mobile Palletizer will be operating in display at the company’s stand at VivaTech (Hall 1, stand G18) from May 22 to 25 in Paris.