So i am working on a new project where i need a robot to load and unload and machine that makes plastic watering cans. For me the first choice is a Kuka robot. In this case Probably the KR10 R1420. But i was also offered a Universal robots UR10.
The thing is i am a bit hesitant to use the UR10, moslty because i am unfamiliar with it in the sense that is know what it is and what its capabilities are, but never had any hands on experience. To compare i have been working with Kuka bots for over 7 years.
So i want ask a few questions to people here who have had hands on experience with the UR10 (or another robot from universal robots) and don't want sell me a robot.
My first question is about programming. What i can find on the internet and what the seller tells me is: it is super simple, you learn it within a hour. What i hear is that there is a user friendly interface you use to program, but with limited depth. I see it the same light as the Inline forms from kuka. Yes it is easy to use, but for complicated programming with base shifts and product measurement i prefer to write my own code. Does the UR software allow for more complex programming or are you stuck with basic functions? or are there enough functions that i dont need to worry about that.
My second question concerns safety. One of the biggest advantages for the UR robot is that i dont have to fence everything off. well that is what the seller tells me anyway. I know it is not that simple (and sometimes differs between countries to make it easier). I think in my case i don't need fencing. i can probably keep speeds low and it is not like i am mounting a knive to it. But the last step is that watering can is placed on a table in front of an employee who preforms the more complex task that i can not automate (yet). That employee needs to feel safe working next to it, and that is a hard thing to quantify. To give an example with the kuka bots in normally work with (KR150) i am really happy that there is a fence between me and it. Even during programming at low speeds i am really mindfull of where it is and where it is going because i know that it wont stop if it hits me. Now this an extreme example because of the size of robot. But i have seen small robots move with high speeds, and i don't want to get near those. Basically what i am asking if people here have had crashes/accidents and how safe you feel working next to it. I know this is a bit of a vaque question, but i a really interested in this.
Looking forward to your input/thoughts