THG Automation Standardizes UR8 Long for Welding, Cuts Cycles 30% (Sep 2025)

THG's Welding Win

THG Automation has standardized the UR8 Long across its welding operations, achieving a 30% reduction in cycle times as demonstrated in September 2025 trials. This move addresses persistent labor shortages in fabrication by deploying the cobot for repetitive welds on large assemblies, freeing skilled workers for intricate tasks. The integration transforms tight production cells, boosting output without expanding footprints. Industry observers note this as a benchmark for scalable cobot adoption, with THG reporting smoother workflows and fewer defects right after rollout.

Reach Redefines Limits

The UR8 Long disrupts traditional trade-offs with its 1750 mm reach paired to an 8 kg payload in a 44.7 kg frame, enabling operators to teach complex paths effortlessly via enhanced freedrive mode. Lighter than predecessors by 30%, it mounts easily on gantries for overhead welding, while MotionPlus coordination syncs with rotary tables for flawless multi-axis precision. THG engineers highlight how this setup minimizes reprogramming, accelerating deployment in high-mix environments.

Precision Powers Advances

Built-in 6-axis force/torque sensing at the flange delivers ±150 N force and ±10 Nm torque detection, ensuring consistent weld quality on irregular surfaces. PolyScope X software optimizes trajectories for 5 m/s TCP speeds, slashing vibrations during fast cycles. THG's trials in September 2025 validated these gains, with the cobot's joint architecture outperforming older models in deep bin access and seam tracking, redefining reliability for demanding industrial rhythms.

Welding Transforms Shops

Beyond welding, THG deploys UR8 Long for deep bin picking in automotive lines and precision dunnage handling, extending uninterrupted runs in space-pinched cells. Multi-point inspections benefit from its ±0.08 mm repeatability, while machine tending integrates seamlessly into existing setups. These applications cut downtime across metals and plastics sectors, proving the cobot's versatility in real factories where flexibility drives competitiveness.

Specs Drive Efficiency

Key specifications empower industrial performance: control box measures 460 x 449 x 254 mm with a Ø204 mm robot footprint and 44.7 kg weight for easy integration. It achieves 5 m/s TCP speed, aided by a 6-axis force/torque sensor (±150 N, ±10 Nm) at the flange for precise feedback. Safety includes 20 configurable functions meeting EN ISO 13849-1 PLd, powered by PolyScope 5 / PolyScope X. These enable welding's cycle gains, bin picking depths, and inspection accuracy in compact spaces.

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