Universal Robots has announced the launch of the UR8 Long, a long-reach collaborative robot (cobot) developed to support automation in space-restricted and high-precision industrial environments. The new model, unveiled at the FABTECH trade show in Chicago, is available for order immediately, with shipments scheduled to begin in October.
The UR8 Long extends Universal Robots’ cobot portfolio by combining a 1750 mm (68.9 in) reach—matching that of the UR20 model—with a narrower profile and lighter frame. With an 8 kg (17.6 lbs) payload capacity and a mass approximately 30% less than the UR20, the UR8 Long is designed for overhead mounting, gantries, and other applications where weight and reach are critical.
The new cobot supports UR’s PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X software platforms and can be integrated with the company’s MotionPlus motion control technology. This enables multi-axis coordination with external equipment such as linear tracks, rotary positioners, and turntables. According to Universal Robots, the UR8 Long delivers smooth trajectories and consistent positional accuracy, suitable for high-precision applications such as welding, bin picking, and inspection.
UR has also introduced enhancements to its freedrive functionality, allowing operators to guide the robot arm by hand with greater precision. The lead-to-teach programming approach is designed to improve ergonomics and simplify setup, particularly in complex part environments.
At FABTECH, the UR8 Long is being demonstrated across several partner booths, including THG Automation, Hirebotics, and Vectis Automation. Vectis Automation stated that the extended reach of the UR8 Long allows for new applications in welding and plasma cutting while maintaining collaborative safety standards.
The UR8 Long is also being presented as a solution for dunnage bin picking in industries such as automotive, plastics, and metals. Universal Robots reports that its updated joint architecture can reduce cycle times by up to 30% compared to previous cobot models. The cobot’s compact wrist and flange design is intended to enhance maneuverability within confined cells and enable access to deeper or more complex pick positions.
The European debut of the UR8 Long is scheduled for next week at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN in Essen, Germany. Demonstrations will be held at booths hosted by Smooth Robotics and Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH, with a dedicated presentation planned for September 18 on the Future Hub stage.
