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Universal Robots Launches UR8 Long, Horizon Robotics Focuses on Automotive Smart Driving – Robotics News Roundup: September 09, 2025

September 09, 2025 – Today’s robotics news is dominated by two key developments: the unveiling of Universal Robots’ (UR) new long-reach collaborative robot, the UR8 Long, and Horizon Robotics’ presentation of its next-generation smart driving solutions at the IAA Mobility 2025 event. While other major robotics players remained relatively quiet, these two announcements represent significant advancements within their respective sectors.

Universal Robots Introduces the UR8 Long: Expanding Reach for Industrial Automation

Universal Robots, a leading provider of collaborative robots, has today announced the release of the UR8 Long, a new addition to its UR portfolio designed to address the growing demand for robots in space-constrained industrial environments. The UR8 Long is specifically engineered for applications requiring extended reach and payload capacity, marking a notable expansion of UR’s capabilities.

The robot’s key specifications include:

• Reach: A substantial 1,750 mm (approximately 67 inches) reach, significantly greater than many existing collaborative robots. This extended reach allows the UR8 Long to access machinery and work areas previously difficult or impossible to reach with conventional robotic solutions [1][2].
• Payload Capacity: An 8 kg (approximately 17.6 lbs) payload capacity, enabling it to handle a range of tasks within its target applications.
• Compact Wrist Design: The robot features a compact wrist, facilitating mounting options suitable for gantry and overhead installations. This versatility is crucial for integrating the UR8 Long into diverse production setups.
• Cycle Time Improvements: Universal Robots claims the UR8 Long offers up to 30% faster cycle times compared to previous UR models. This improvement is attributed to advanced motion-control and freedrive capabilities within the robot’s architecture.
• Simplified Operator Teaching: A key design element is the robot’s ease of use for operators. The enhanced motion-control system and freedrive technology are intended to simplify the robot teaching process, reducing the time and expertise required to program and deploy the UR8 Long [1][2].

Target Applications:

Universal Robots has identified several key applications for the UR8 Long, including:

• Welding: The robot’s reach allows it to access and manipulate welding arms and fixtures in complex welding operations.
• Deep Bin Picking: The extended reach is particularly beneficial for picking parts from deep bins and containers, a common challenge in automated warehousing and manufacturing.
• Multi-Point Inspection: The UR8 Long’s precision and reach make it suitable for inspecting multiple points on a product, improving quality control and reducing human error.

Orders for the UR8 Long are already open, with initial shipments scheduled to commence in October 2025. The company anticipates strong demand driven by the robot’s unique combination of reach, payload, and ease of use.

Horizon Robotics Showcases AI-Driven Smart Driving Solutions at IAA Mobility 2025

Away from the industrial robotics sector, Horizon Robotics presented its next-generation smart driving solutions at the IAA Mobility 2025 event, focusing primarily on applications within passenger vehicles. While the company’s technology has potential applications in industrial automation, the presentation centered on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced autonomous driving capabilities in automotive contexts [3].

Details regarding the specific AI algorithms and sensor technologies employed by Horizon Robotics were not extensively detailed during the presentation. However, the company emphasized the role of AI in improving the safety, efficiency, and overall passenger experience of autonomous vehicles. The focus remained firmly within the automotive industry, rather than extending to broader industrial robotics applications.

Limited Activity in Other Robotics Areas

Despite the two significant announcements today, there were no major new developments reported regarding other prominent robotics companies, including Boston Dynamics, ABB, FANUC, or advancements in humanoid robots, soft robotics, or substantial new robotic research breakthroughs. Search results indicated a period of relative quiet within these areas, suggesting a consolidation of efforts rather than a surge in new announcements.

Summary of Developments – September 09, 2025

Today’s robotics news was primarily defined by two key events: Universal Robots’ launch of the UR8 Long, a long-reach collaborative robot with a 1,750 mm reach and 8 kg payload, and Horizon Robotics’ presentation of its next-generation smart driving solutions at IAA Mobility 2025. While other robotics players remained largely inactive, these two announcements represent notable advancements within their respective sectors. The focus remains on practical applications and targeted technological improvements, with no significant breakthroughs reported in broader robotic research areas. The market appears to be consolidating, with established companies concentrating on refining existing technologies and exploring specific applications rather than pursuing radical new developments.

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