When I sat down with Andreas Spenninger, Industrialization & Safety Manager at Agile Robots SE, I knew right at the beginning I was in for an enlightening conversation and an impressive look behind the scenes of a high-tech company breathing and living a start-up spirit.
Agile Robots is at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of what robots can do, and I was eager to learn more about their innovative approach and industrial-grade cobot Yu 5 Industrial, which is now available on the DELMIA Robotics Library.
A New Era of Robotics
“At Agile Robots, we’re all about making robots smarter and more adaptable,” Andreas began, his enthusiasm palpable. “We are about breaking out of the traditional limitations and exploring new possibilities being committed to connect artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies. Our goal is to develop robots that can handle tasks autonomously and efficiently, using advanced AI and machine learning facilitating safe human-robot interaction.”
This vision is particularly important in Europe, where the demand for cutting-edge robotics solutions is growing rapidly. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), Europe accounted for 33% of the global supply of industrial robots in 2022 with a strong focus on innovation and high-tech solutions.
“European companies are looking for solutions that aren’t just efficient, but also adaptable to changing customer demands and market challenges,” Andreas pointed out. “That’s where Agile Robots comes in. We’re developing solutions that enhance production quality, speed, and of course, workplace safety.”
And the demand for advanced robotics solutions is steadily increasing, especially in industries such as automotive, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. In 2023, the European robotics market was valued at approximately €14.6 billion, with projections estimating it will grow to €21.7 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8.5%.
Agile Robots has recognized what European companies are seeking. “We conduct strong market research and are setting up modern product management in a way that we can really identify the right problems our customers face. Having this data, we can design the right solutions especially for niches or new market segments.”
Say Hello to Yu 5 Industrial
Andreas’ excitement was infectious as he described the features of the industrial-grade cobot: “The Yu 5 Industrial is all about taking human-robot collaboration to a new level. It’s equipped with advanced sensors in every axis and precise motion control, so it can handle complex tasks across various industrial applications. One of the things I love most about the Yu 5 Industrial is the combination of robotics and embodied AI,” Andreas said. “Thanks to our advanced algorithms, it can solve problems, which haven’t been automatable before. That’s a game-changer in the manufacturing industry.”
He also emphasized how user-friendly the Yu 5 Industrial is. “Even if you don’t have deep programming knowledge, you can easily program the cobot. It was designed to be accessible to everyone,” Andreas explained. “Plus, it’s packed with safety features to ensure a safe collaboration between humans and robots.”
And all are validated by the TÜV Süd Certification, which was recently achieved emphasizing the quality, safety, and reliability of the industrial-grade cobot. “This certification holds great importance for us as it strengthens the trust of our customers and helps us solidify our position as a solid provider of industrial robots. It demonstrates our continuous efforts to improve and comply with industry standards. Having this know-how built up and being compliant with standards and regulations is a big enabler for selling the robot to our industrial customers,” Andreas says.
It’s there – on the DELMIA Robotics Library!
The Yu 5 Industrial has been available on the DELMIA Robotics Library since April 2024. Available on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it provides access to advanced robotic models, facilitating precise and efficient production processes. Manufacturers can simulate and optimize robotic operations in a virtual environment, reducing errors and downtime. This leads to enhanced productivity, lower operational costs, and increased flexibility in adapting to changing production demands.
“This is perfectly in line with our company strategy of providing industrial products while simplifying integration to save time and costs for users. This decision stems from our commitment to overcoming obstacles and ensuring the most time-efficient integration possible,” Andreas explains.
“From our perspective, offering our portfolio long-term on the DELMIA Robotics Library holds significant advantages: It enhances sustainability and supports lean manufacturing practices, enabling businesses to design factories using virtual twin technology. This approach minimizes waste through optimized production planning and enhances throughout across the entire value chain. For our customers, this means access to a powerful tool that not only streamlines processes but also contributes to environmental consciousness and efficiency.”
“We as Agile Robots chose this platform because it aligns with our vision of fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in industrial automation. Last but not least, we do use the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by ourselves,” Andreas concludes.
Agile Robots and the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
“The decision to implement a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system stems from recognizing that managing documents across multiple platforms was inefficient, error-prone, and time-consuming, especially during the certification process. Fragmented documentation hindered collaboration, introduced inconsistencies, and slowed down workflows. To tackle these challenges and improve efficiency, accuracy, and speed, we identified PLM as a key strategy,” Andreas summarizes the reasons why Agile Robots went for the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
“By centralizing document management and streamlining processes through a PLM system, we aimed to eliminate silos, reduce errors, and accelerate decision-making. This transition not only enhanced operational efficiency but also bolstered quality control and compliance efforts. Moreover, investing in a PLM solution reflected the company’s commitment to provide its engineers and team members with the best tools and working conditions possible.”
Over the years, Agile Robots has enjoyed a deeply positive experience with Dassault Systèmes’ products, especially SOLIDWORKS for their development needs. “The exceptional service from both Dassault Systèmes and our distributor, Bechtle PLM, combined with their thorough consultations, has built a strong foundation of mutual trust. This trust played a pivotal role in our decision to embrace the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, knowing we have reliable partners who understand and support our vision.”
Shaping the Future of Robotics
As we wrapped up our chat, I asked Andreas about the future of robotics. “With the Yu 5 Industrial, we’re setting new standards,” he said confidently. “Our advanced solutions show how technology can expand the frontiers of robotics. By combining robotics and embodied AI, we’re opening up new possibilities for the industry. Europe is on the cusp of a new era of automation and robotics,” Andreas concluded.
Companies like Agile Robots play a decisive role in shaping this transformation. “We’re not just meeting market demands; we’re actively shaping the future of robotics. And really I look forward to combining different technologies to create the next-level robotic solution for our customers.”
Hearing Andreas speak about Agile Robots’ vision and their latest innovations left me feeling inspired. It’s clear that Agile Robots is not only pushing the boundaries of what robots can do but also paving the way for a future where robots and humans work together seamlessly.
