Since the development of the world's first commercially viable cobot in 2008, Universal Robots has recorded continuous growth: In 2020, the company celebrated the sale of its 50,000th lightweight robot to its sister companies VEMA technische Kunststoffteile GmbH and VEMA Werkzeug- und Formenbau, which successfully use the robot arms in production.

New technologies are becoming increasingly popular

Kim Povlsen, who has been President of Universal Robots since March 2021, sees this quarter's results as a clear indication of future growth: "We are seeing increasing demand for our cobots and growing acceptance of new technologies in the industry. At the same time, the manufacturing sector is facing new challenges: The shortage of skilled workers and supply difficulties are causing problems for the industry. These challenges can be overcome through the use of collaborative robots. We also see from the impact of the pandemic that companies are increasingly questioning the way they work and looking for new ways to make their businesses more resilient and improve the working conditions of their employees."

Expansion of the partner network

To make the products even more user-friendly, Universal Robots also provides its users with the UR+ ecosystem. This is a platform for developers to design and produce accessories, innovative end effectors and software solutions for cobots. Similar to an app store for smartphones, products can be evaluated and selected via the UR website and then purchased via the partner network. In collaboration with around 300 independent partners, the company has already driven the development of a wide range of components and applications across the industry - including in previously non-automated areas such as welding and grinding.

Universal Robots plans to further expand its business area in the future: "There is huge potential for collaborative robots on the market. We are therefore clearly still on course for growth. That is why we are expanding our already large network of sales partners and certified system integrators and recruiting additional employees at 22 locations. We currently have over 70 vacancies - so it's a really exciting time for the company," says Povlsen.