miniPAL, a collaborative palletizing robot from North American integrator Columbia/Okura, has been added to the Universal Robots UR+ Applications Program. With this certification, Universal Robots confirms it has tested and approved miniPAL to work with its portfolio of collaborative robots.

When powered by the UR10e cobot arm, miniPAL can palletize at two pallet locations for optimized operation. The UR10e cobot arm has a 10kg (22 lb.) payload and 1,300mm (51.1 in.) reach. miniPAL has a footprint of 3.3 x 3.9m (11 x 13 ft.).

miniPAL also features an integrated lifting column for tall loads, built-in fork pockets for easy mobility, area scanners and pressure mats for additional safety, and intuitive pattern building software. The system plugs into 110V AC wall power, can be set up in less than a day, and delivers an average payback between 8 to 10 months, depending on application and industry.

“The UR+ program is an excellent platform for Columbia/Okura to showcase our newest product – the miniPAL – to potential clients across a multitude of different industries,” said Michael Stuyvesant, Director of Sales for Columbia/Okura. “And having met the comprehensive testing and certification criteria established by Universal Robots, those potential clients can be assured they are getting a robust solution backed by our quarter century of palletizing experience.”

You can watch a video of miniPAL in action above. Universal Robots recently demoed miniPAL during “The Cobot Expo,” a virtual expo that featured an extensive range of collaborative robotics news and demonstrations, including 30 booths, insightful keynotes, interactive Q&As and live chats with automation experts. Universal also demoed the system at ATX West and other in-person trade shows earlier in 2020.

The UR+ program debuted in 2016 and since grown rapidly to include more than 262 launched products and 301 different companies. Universal recently expanding that ecosystem with “plug-and-produce” UR+ application kits it hopes will make it easier to deploy automation in common applications.