Universal Robots Introduces the UR8 Long: A High-Reach Cobot Designed for Confined Industrial Environments
Universal Robots (UR), a major player in collaborative robotics and part of Teradyne Robotics, has expanded its lineup with a new model: the UR8 Long, unveiled at the FABTECH show in Chicago. Designed for manufacturers who face tight workspaces and demanding production requirements, the new robot aims to push automation further into tasks previously difficult to automate with cobots.
A Long Reach in a Slimmer, Lighter Form Factor
Retaining the 1,750 mm reach of the UR20, the UR8 Long stands out with a slimmer profile and lighter architecture. It delivers a payload capacity of 8 kg, suitable for precision tasks such as inspection, handling, and welding
Its compact and robust design targets factories where footprint is limited particularly in metal fabrication, automotive, and plastics industries. Weighing roughly 70% of the UR20, and equipped with a more compact wrist, the cobot is easier to install on gantries, rails, and other external axes.
The real revolution is not in the
robot that walks, but in its ability
to transform human labor.
A Cobot Engineered for Complex Welding
Universal Robots clearly positions the UR8 Long as a response to the growing demand for collaborative welding.
The extended reach, combined with UR’s new MotionPlus technology, enables smoother trajectories and consistent quality, even on large or irregular assemblies. High repeatability and fine motion control are intended to reduce finishing work, such as grinding and rework.
For many companies, the introduction of collaborative welding solutions is also a way to attract younger talent, often more motivated by robot-assisted work than by traditional manual welding, which remains physically demanding and difficult to staff.
Partnership demos at FABTECH including THG Automation, Hirebotics, and Vectis Automation illustrate the ecosystem forming around the new model.
Enhanced Bin Picking Capabilities
Beyond welding, the UR8 Long targets another increasingly strategic use case: bin picking.
The combination of long reach, compact wrist, and faster joint speed allows the cobot to access deeper areas of industrial bins common in automotive, metalworking, and manufacturing.
According to UR, improvements in joint design can reduce cycle times by up to 30% compared to previous-generation cobots, an important factor in high-throughput environments.
Intuitive Programming With PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X
The UR8 Long operates with UR’s PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X platforms.
The updated Freedrive mode enables more precise, manual path teaching by simply guiding the arm by hand no external software or hardware tools required.
MotionPlus improves synchronisation with linear axes, rotary tables, and positioners, enabling smoother, more accurate complex motions in multi-axis automated cells.
With the UR8 Long, Universal Robots
aims to combine long reach and compactness
two features rarely found together in
industrial workshops.
European Demonstrations to Follow
After its debut in Chicago, the UR8 Long will be showcased in Europe on 18 September at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN in Essen, Germany. A first demonstration in France is scheduled for 18 November at the Prod&Pack trade show in Lyon.
A Step Forward in UR’s “Automation for Everyone” Strategy
The UR8 Long fits within Universal Robots’ stated goal of making automation accessible to businesses of all sizes. With over 100,000 cobots deployed worldwide and a strong ecosystem of software, training, and integration partners, the company continues to push collaborative robotics into tasks that were traditionally reserved for conventional industrial robots.
FAQ – Universal Robots UR8 Long
2. What industrial applications are humanoid robots suited for?
Humanoids can be deployed in logistics and warehouses for sorting and transporting items, in production lines for assembly and quality checks, and in service roles such as automated reception, delivery, and light medical assistance.
3. How do humanoids complement rather than replace specialized robots?
Specialized robots like robotic arms or AMRs excel in repetitive, precise tasks. Humanoids add value in variable or complex environments. Future industrial setups are likely to be hybrid, combining arms, AMRs, and humanoids to optimize efficiency for different tasks.
4. What are the current limitations of humanoid robots?
Challenges include high costs, limited battery life, complex maintenance, safety and ergonomic concerns, and regulatory hurdles such as CE certification and liability rules. These factors slow large-scale deployment despite technological maturity.
5. How does artificial intelligence drive humanoid capabilities?
AI enables dynamic motion planning, object recognition, adaptive learning, and safe human-robot collaboration. It turns humanoids from simple prototypes into functional industrial tools capable of executing tasks autonomously and improving through experience.
6. Are humanoids already economically viable for industry?
While costs remain high, the potential benefits—flexibility, safety, and versatility—make them attractive for certain industrial, logistics, and service operations. Early adopters are beginning to deploy humanoids in targeted roles, demonstrating tangible returns.
7. What is the outlook for humanoid robots between 2026 and 2030?
Production plans by Tesla, Figure AI, and Fourier aim for tens of thousands of units annually. Humanoids will integrate with AMRs, cobots, and cloud systems, comply with international safety standards, support human supervision roles, and expand into service and domestic applications, gradually transforming work and industry.
