Deal Between Universal Robots, Haas Distributor to Increase Machine Shop Access to Cobots

A distributor agreement between Universal Robots (UR) and Phillips Corp. is expected to further the rapid deployment of cobots with Haas CNC machines. Phillips is said to be the largest Haas Factory Outlet.

“This partnership between the largest distributor of the leading CNC brand and the leading collaborative robot brand offers a huge advantage for manufacturers, helping them to solve staffing issues and stay competitive,” says Stu Shepherd, Americas sales director for UR. “We expect this new partnership to fast-track cobots in this sector, with significant advantages for manufacturers.”

With nine offices representing 12 states throughout the South and Mid-Atlantic regions, Phillips has an installed base of more than 19,000 Haas machines. “There is tremendous potential both for retrofitting existing installations with UR cobots and for getting through the door to new customers, offering turnkey solutions,” says Michael Garner, president of the distributor’s commercial division and chairman of Haas Automation’s North American distributor council. “We see a significant demand for cobots, which address labor shortages and also support manufacturers who need flexible automation tools they can operate without safety caging.”

UR’s VersaBuilt system is offered with a Haas CNC Integration Kit, whose interface enables UR cobots to easily execute any machining program stored on the Haas CNC directly through the cobot’s own teach pendant, maintaining all Haas safety interlock features. More than 60 different Haas models can be automated with UR’s cobot arms, according to the company.