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Our History
“Make robot technology accessible to all.”
2005
Universal Robots is officially founded
Universal Robots is officially founded by Esben Østergaard, Kasper Støy, and Kristian Kassow, who met at the University of Denmark. Their goal: to make robot technology accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises. The establishment of the company is made possible by an investment by Syddansk Innovation.
2008
First Collaborative robot sold
Considered one of the most significant technological achievements coming out of the robots community in decade, the first lightweight, flexible UR5 cobot is shipped. The robot arm pioneers user-friendly, yet sophisticated 3D programming with an intuitive user interface that enables anyone to quickly set up and operate it.
2012
First generation UR10 launches
Universal Robots launches the first generation UR10. Targeted towards manufacturers with larger tasks, the UR10 features a lifting ability of 10 kg and a reach of 130 cm. The company also establishes an American subsidiary, based in New York, USA.
2015
Teradyne Inc. acquires Universal Robots
Teradyne Inc. (Nasdaq: TER) acquires Universal Robots for $285M. According to Mark Jagiela, Presidnet and CEO of Teradyne, the acquisition complements the company’s System and Wireless Test businesses while adding a powerful growth platform to Teradyne.
Previous to the acquisition, Universal Robots achieves record revenue growth in 2014, increasing by 70% from 2013 and reaching $38 million USD, with profit more than doubling from the prior period.
2016
The company launches the Universal Robots+ ecosystem
The company launches the Universal Robots+ ecosystem. Featuring leading-edge products from global Certified Partners, UR+ is the premier platform for manufacturers wanting to create custom solutions that automate tasks – big or small – on the factory floor. The new online showroom features grippers, accessories, vision systems and software – all tested and approved to work with the company’s cobots.
2018
Universal Robots introduces the new e-Series
Universal Robots introduces the new e-Series collaborative robots at Automatica 2018. The ground-breaking automation technology leverages the company’s years of experience as a market leader, with the “e” in “e-Series” standing for “evolution,” “empowering people,” and most importantly, “easy to use.”
Universal Robots co-founder Esben Østergaard is awarded the Engelberger Robotics Award 2018 by the American Robotic Industries Association (RIA). Long considered the “Nobel Prize” for robotics, the award recognizes the development of Universal Robots’ collaborative robot arms as one of the most significant technology breakthroughs coming out of the robotics community in decades.
2019
Milestone
Universal Robots announces it has sold 35,000 robot arm units.
2005
Universal Robots is officially founded
Universal Robots is officially founded by Esben Østergaard, Kasper Støy, and Kristian Kassow, who met at the University of Denmark. Their goal: to make robot technology accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises. The establishment of the company is made possible by an investment by Syddansk Innovation.
2008
First Collaborative robot sold
Considered one of the most significant technological achievements coming out of the robots community in decade, the first lightweight, flexible UR5 cobot is shipped. The robot arm pioneers user-friendly, yet sophisticated 3D programming with an intuitive user interface that enables anyone to quickly set up and operate it.
2012
First generation UR10 launches
Universal Robots launches the first generation UR10. Targeted towards manufacturers with larger tasks, the UR10 features a lifting ability of 10 kg and a reach of 130 cm. The company also establishes an American subsidiary, based in New York, USA.
2015
Teradyne Inc. acquires Universal Robots
Teradyne Inc. (Nasdaq: TER) acquires Universal Robots for $285M. According to Mark Jagiela, Presidnet and CEO of Teradyne, the acquisition complements the company’s System and Wireless Test businesses while adding a powerful growth platform to Teradyne.
Previous to the acquisition, Universal Robots achieves record revenue growth in 2014, increasing by 70% from 2013 and reaching $38 million USD, with profit more than doubling from the prior period.
2016
The company launches the Universal Robots+ ecosystem
The company launches the Universal Robots+ ecosystem. Featuring leading-edge products from global Certified Partners, UR+ is the premier platform for manufacturers wanting to create custom solutions that automate tasks – big or small – on the factory floor. The new online showroom features grippers, accessories, vision systems and software – all tested and approved to work with the company’s cobots.
2018
Universal Robots introduces the new e-Series
Universal Robots introduces the new e-Series collaborative robots at Automatica 2018. The ground-breaking automation technology leverages the company’s years of experience as a market leader, with the “e” in “e-Series” standing for “evolution,” “empowering people,” and most importantly, “easy to use.”
Universal Robots co-founder Esben Østergaard is awarded the Engelberger Robotics Award 2018 by the American Robotic Industries Association (RIA). Long considered the “Nobel Prize” for robotics, the award recognizes the development of Universal Robots’ collaborative robot arms as one of the most significant technology breakthroughs coming out of the robotics community in decades.
2019
Milestone
Universal Robots announces it has sold 35,000 robot arm units.
Organization
Universal Robots is a company of enduring strength. We've been privileged to play a role in empowering thousands of people transforming how they work.