Universal Robotics Announces Expansion of Artificial Intelligence Robot Cells and a New Corporation, Universal Logic

NASHVILLE, TN – March 1, 2017. Today Universal Robotics^® announces the expansion of its labor replacement line of Neocortex^® Goods to Robot (G2R) Cells.  Responding to customer demand for a broader range of reach and load capability, the company has introduced two new pre-engineered sizes to join the first offering.

Neocortex G2R Cells

Built on Universal’s Neocortex artificial intelligence software platform, these cells are designed to replace labor on the supply chain in a one-for-one swap. Pull out the operator and set in the Neocortex G2R Cell without modification to the existing line.  It is a complete prefabricated robot workcell that installs in one day.  Prices start at $120,000 for a complete cell including installation. Lease options are available. Payback can be less than one year.

The Neocortex G2R Cell targets tasks along the supply chain that, until today, required manual process.  The artificial intelligence-controlled robot cell handles extreme variability at speeds exceeding human capability.  It is used in both finished goods and manufacturing supply chains.  The Cell can pick from bins, fill orders, tend to machines, and handle process flow.  In short, wherever a laborer is working in the chain, the Neocortex G2R Cell may be a viable replacement.  Its effective cost is $7 an hour for a two-shift operation over 5 years, far lower than fully burdened labor costs.

Universal Logic

Universal expands with the formation of a new company, Universal Logic.  Universal Logic better reflects the company’s focus on general purpose artificial intelligence solutions.  Neocortex machine learning works with more than just robots.  It is capable of controlling any actuated machine. The nine-year-old parent company was the first to use 3D industrial vision commercially, the first to demonstrate real-time reactive control of an industrial robot, and the first to synthesize vision, robot actuation, and artificial intelligence for industrial purposes.  Universal Robotics remains the system integrator of the organization.

All three Neocortex G2R Cells pick items from bins, totes, conveyors or pallets, and place them into shipping boxes, bags, or machine fixtures. The Cells can read barcodes, identify labels, or take measurements. The medium-sized Cell uses a Yaskawa Motoman six-axis robot, and typically picks 600 – 700 items per hour.  The new small Cell increases average robot speed by 15%.  The new large Neocortex G2R Cell increases maximum item or box weight to 46 pounds.

Neocortex G2R Family Performance and Price

The Neocortex Small G2R Cell handles 700 – 800 items per hour (peaks to 25 per minute) that weigh up to 15 lbs.  The starting price is $120,000 and 5-year lease is $2, 875 per month.  The Neocortex Medium G2R Cell handles 600 – 700 items per hour (peaks to 27 per minute) that weigh up to 22 lbs. The starting price is $125,000 and 5-year lease is $2975 per month. The Neocortex Large G2R Cell handles 500 – 600 items per hour (peaks to 22 per minute) that weigh up to 46 lbs.

Prices are for a complete robotic work cell.  This includes: a six-axis robot with controller, pendant, multi-function gripper, Neocortex^® artificial intelligence software, Spatial Vision® software platform, sensors, safety barriers, PLC interface, HMI screen, frame with forklift slots, electrical and controls panel, onsite installation in North America, operator training, five-year remote diagnostic service with an additional $400/month software warranty, and one-year warranty on all hardware.  Optional equipment and custom integration are available.

For more information, click here.  To see the Neocortex G2R Cells in action, click here. 

About Universal Robotics and Universal Logic

Universal provides supply chains with complete automated material handling systems for high-mix/high-volume applications.  Systems integrate artificial intelligence with vision, grasping, and motion control giving machines human-like flexibility at high speed. Neocortex artificial intelligence technology was invented for NASA twelve years ago and developed for industrial use by Universal starting in 2008. For more information contact Universal at 615-366-7281 or click here.