Viam software to enable UR cobots for industrial applications - The Robot Report

Viam Inc. has partnered with Universal Robots (UR) to integrate its AI-powered robotic surfacing software with UR’s collaborative robots (cobots), aiming to enhance industrial manufacturing processes. This collaboration targets automation of physically demanding tasks, beginning with shipbuilding, by accelerating production, reducing delays, and ensuring consistent quality. Viam’s software platform is hardware-agnostic and scalable, capable of running on devices ranging from small sensors to large robotic arms. The company, recognized for its innovative open-source robot architecture and cloud integration, recently secured $30 million in funding to expand its platform. Universal Robots, a leader in cobot hardware with over 100,000 units sold globally, sees this partnership as a way to unlock new applications, particularly in the marine sector, where Viam’s AI-driven block-sanding system automates labor-intensive fiberglass sanding for yacht and boat manufacturing. The system’s adaptability allows manufacturers to switch robot arms easily, enhancing versatility and delivering measurable ROI. Beyond marine uses, V