Universal Robots Establishes Korea Office to Full-Scalely Target the Korean Market
SIS Adds Official Korean Distributor, Expands Technical Support

Our collaborative robots focus on 'safety' and 'convenience,' and we hope users can utilize them as a kind of work 'tool.'

Shemin Godfresen, APAC Country Manager at Universal Robots, reiterated the company's strategy and vision at the official announcement of the establishment of the Korean office. Since its founding in 2005, the Danish company Universal Robots has consistently pursued the development of flexible and approachable robots.

The UR5, released by this company in 2009 as an industrial collaborative robot, is a 6-axis robot arm weighing 18 kg that can support a load of 5 kg and has a working radius of 850 mm (85 cm). Additionally, the UR10, released in 2012, weighs 29 kg, can support a load of 10 kg, and has a working radius of 1300 mm (130 cm). The UR3, released last year as an ultra-lightweight product, is a robot arm that weighs a light 11 kg and can support a load of 3 kg (working radius of 500 mm).

Regarding the company's collaborative robots, Branch Manager Shemin Godfreysson said, "Because they are small and ultra-lightweight, they offer flexibility in repositioning." "It has the advantage of being able to fit into small areas of the production line and use the product without changing the entire line," he said, emphasizing that "collaborative robots, which can work safely alongside humans, are convenient to use as they require no secondary components." He also added that because they are monitored by two systems, they automatically stop if resistance (collision) occurs during operation, ensuring safety.

Universal Robots explained that it enables a fast and simple programming process by allowing the robot arm to be moved to a desired position and programmed to operate using a touchscreen tablet or manually.

Universal Robots announced the establishment of its "Korea Office" and stated that it is entering the Korean market in earnest. The company established the Korean branch to strengthen after-sales service and technical support for small and medium-sized manufacturers, whose sales volume is increasing. The company plans to provide prompt service domestically, tailored to the characteristics of industrial robots where technical support is crucial. The Korea Office will begin full-scale operations this coming September.

In addition, Universal Robots' Korean office recently selected SIS Corporation as an additional official distributor. Established in 2004, SIS is a company specializing in the sale of factory automation equipment, such as laser processing and inspection systems. In addition to SIS, there are a total of four official distributors of Universal Robots in Korea: Visionsemicon, a semiconductor manufacturing equipment specialist; TES, a vacuum transfer robot specialist; and A&G Technology, an automotive testing equipment manufacturer.

"Universal Robotics has aimed to be a global supplier from the start, focusing on manufacturing and development, while providing solutions and system services is handled by distributors or partners," said General Manager Godfreson. "In particular, although it was acquired by Teradyne in 2015, it continues to operate independently, and there have been no changes to its business model or strategy."

He went on to discuss the Korean robot market, stating, “Korea is one of the top three markets in the APAC region. Currently, we have sold hundreds of robots in Korea across the cosmetics, semiconductor, and home appliance sectors.” He added, “Going forward, the Korean branch will play the same role as the Singapore branch and plans to conduct continuous training and technical workshops for distributors and partners.”

The company plans to continue investing in R&D this year and focus on expanding technology and market awareness. The Korea office emphasized that this will serve as an opportunity to strengthen sales markets and expand technical support.