A UR cobot concerned in sanding, for which Viam is offering software program. Supply: Common Robots
Drive- and power-limited robots have lengthy been thought of restricted of their utility for industrial processes. Viam Inc. has partnered with collaborative robotic chief Common Robots A/S because it expands its software program engineering platform.
Viam has developed an AI-powered robotic surfacing system that can use UR Sequence cobots to speed up manufacturing processes, cut back delays, and guarantee consistency. The companions mentioned their options can automate bodily demanding duties, beginning with shipbuilding.
“Viam’s clever software program layer mixed with Common Robots’ cobots can allow fast adoption of automation,” acknowledged Eliot Horowitz, founder and CEO of Viam. “They’re a real business chief in robotic {hardware} and can assist us to scale our options globally, each within the marine sector and in manufacturing broadly.”
Viam provides robotic architectures for manufacturing
As producers battle with ongoing labor shortages, Viam mentioned its platform allows the automation of essentially the most difficult duties. It additionally unlocks new progress alternatives for corporations and their groups, the firm famous.
Viam claimed that its “all-in-one” robotic options can remodel manufacturing. It added that its software program can run on a variety of gadgets, from small sensors to the biggest robotic arms.
The firm has robotics laboratories at each its New York headquarters and in Italy. Viam was a 2023 RBR50 honoree for the innovation of an open-source robotic structure with an built-in cloud service. In March, it raised $30 million in funding to scale its platform.
Common Robots appears to new cobot functions
“We’re excited to accomplice with Viam,” mentioned Jean-Pierre Hathout, the new president of Teradyne Robotics Group. “Viam’s AI-powered software program opens new functions for our collaborative robots and units the stage for fast innovation within the marine sector and throughout industries within the years forward.”
Common Robots mentioned it has bought greater than 100,000 cobots worldwide. The Odense, Denmark-based unit of Teradyne Robotics famous that its user-friendly platforms are supported by the PolyScope software program and an in depth accomplice ecosystem. In September, the corporate launched the UR8, its longest cobot arm, with a slim profile.
Nevertheless, Teradyne’s robotics group earlier this month lower about one other 14% of its employees worldwide, saying income progress had not matched expectations. As flagship {hardware} accomplice with Viam, UR might discover new clients for its cobots.
Viam and UR goal marine functions
Within the marine sector, Viam mentioned its AI-powered block-sanding system allows constant and environment friendly fiberglass sanding. Historically, that may be a labor-intensive and time-consuming course of.
Viam asserted that its automation helps yacht producers and boat builders to streamline operations. Paired with UR’s robotic arms, the system can adapt to numerous element sizes throughout marine manufacturing, from smaller components to bigger hulls.
Via Viam’s hardware-agnostic intelligence layer, builders can simply swap out robotic arms primarily based on their wants. The corporate mentioned this permits it to supply versatility, cut back guide effort, and ship a measurable return on funding (ROI).
Along with marine functions, Viam mentioned its adaptive system can lengthen to gelcoat and paint utility, wooden sanding, and sprucing. They’re all key processes in furnishings, building, and industrial manufacturing.
Viam and UR’s robotic block-sanding resolution made its European debut at Metstrade 2025 this week in Amsterdam.
