Universal Robots unveiled the UR8 Long, a long-reach collaborative industrial robot designed for the most demanding automation tasks in confined spaces. The new model, first shown at the Fabtech trade show in Chicago, combines a 1750 mm reach, identical to the UR20, with a lightweight design and an 8 kg payload. The extended reach, together with coordinated multi-axis motion, enables complex welds with consistent quality. Optimized motion profiles deliver smoother movements at maximum speeds, improving bin-picking throughput. The manufacturer reports that the UR8 Long is already available for purchase, with shipments starting in October. Thanks to its compact build and 30 percent lower mass than the UR20, the model is intended for tight workcells and for mounting on gantries, rails, and overhead systems, where external axes can operate more efficiently. Applications include, among others, welding, case packing, and multipoint quality inspections.
Control, integration, and mounting
The UR8 Long works with both PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X, Universal Robots’ software platforms. It can be extended with MotionPlus, a motion-control technology that enables integration with external linear axes and rotary positioners. This solution provides precise guidance, smoother trajectories, and consistent accuracy.
Using enhanced Freedrive functions, users can manually guide the arm with high precision. This facilitates lead‑to‑teach programming and shortens setup, including for complex parts, without multi‑layer interfaces or external tools. The lower mass and compact joints favor mounting on gantries, rails, and overhead systems, as well as inverted mounting, broadening the range of applications.
"The UR8 Long is an intelligent robot arm that can reach farther and perform more tasks than ever before. It was designed to help people and companies work faster, more safely, and with less physical strain" said Jean Pierre Hathout, president of Universal Robots. "Whether it’s lifting, moving, or performing repetitive or physically demanding tasks, this robot makes the job easier. Its longer reach means it can cover a larger workspace, and its advanced features open new opportunities to automate work that was previously done manually."
Applications: welding
With its long reach, advanced motion control, and high precision and repeatability, the UR8 Long is aimed at welding processes. According to the manufacturer, the robot offers simpler programming than traditional welding robots, and weld quality is said to surpass manual welding, reducing rework.
"The UR8 Long enables simpler programming than traditional welding robots, delivers better weld quality than manual welding, and reduces the need for rework, saving time and costs" said Will Healy III, Global Industry Manager for Formed Metals at Teradyne Robotics. "Based on feedback from manufacturers worldwide, the UR8 Long was designed with welding collaboration in mind. As a result, it increases productivity and helps attract new workers, who often prefer operating a robot over performing repetitive manual welding."
At Universal Robots’ partner booths, the solution is being presented by THG Automation, Hirebotics, and Vectis Automation. "The enhanced capabilities of the UR8 Long make it possible to extend the scope of applications to new welding processes and plasma cutting without compromising safety and human–robot collaboration" said Marcus Yakawich, product manager at Vectis Automation. "We look forward to sharing the benefits of this extended reach with our customers."
Bin picking
At Universal Robots’ booth at Fabtech, B13045, the UR8 Long demonstrates handling of a full dunnage bin, common in the automotive, metalworking, plastics, and other manufacturing sectors. The extended reach, compact wrist flange, and fast joints increase the number of possible pick positions and make it easier to reach into bin corners.
These features are especially desirable in automotive, where the UR8 Long can integrate smoothly into tight workcells, enabling a higher number of picks and stable, uninterrupted workflows. The refined joint architecture can shorten cycle times by up to 30 percent compared with earlier generations of cobots.
Demonstrations and trade show premieres
The European premiere of the UR8 Long will take place at the Schweissen & Schneiden trade fair in Essen, Germany. Universal Robots’ partner Smooth Robotics will present the solution at its booth, and Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH will show the UR8 Long at the Universal Robots booth in Hall 3, 3C18. A special presentation of the UR8 Long is also scheduled for Thursday, 18 September at 11:30 on the Future Hub stage.
