The global manufacturing and construction industries are experiencing rapid transformation, driven by automation technologies that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and address the skilled labour shortage. At FABTECH 2025 in Chicago, Universal Robots (UR) unveiled its latest breakthrough: the UR8 Long collaborative robot (cobot).
Designed specifically for welding automation, the UR8 Long combines extended reach, precision motion control, and a compact footprint. With its 1750 mm reach and 8 kg payload, this new-generation robot aims to revolutionize welding applications, pick-and-place tasks, and quality inspection in digital construction and advanced manufacturing environments.
Key features of the UR8 Long
Universal Robots has positioned the UR8 Long as a purpose-built welding robot that bridges the gap between flexibility and performance.
Technical specifications
- Reach: 1750 mm
- Payload: 8 kg
- Footprint: Compact for easy integration in tight production spaces
- Motion Control: Advanced joint architecture and precise torque control for smooth, linear motion
- Speed: High-speed acceleration suited for repetitive welding operations
Benefits for welding applications
- Extended Reach: Enables longer welds without repositioning.
- Cost Efficiency: Matches the reach of the UR20 but at a lower cost due to reduced payload.
- Flexibility: Ideal for welding, pick-and-place, and inspection tasks.
- Ease of Use: Improved free drive functionality allows welders to manually guide the robot.
Welding automation meets software innovation
One of the strongest endorsements of the UR8 Long comes from Smooth Robotics, a Danish specialist in welding automation software. Their flagship solution, SmoothTool, simplifies robot welding with intuitive programming and advanced weld features.
SmoothTool key features
- Touch Sense: Detects the workpiece to ensure precise weld positioning.
- Weaving Patterns: Creates consistent, high-quality welds across complex joints.
- Multipass Functionality: Enables multiple welding passes without complex reprogramming.
- Seam Tracking: Automatically adjusts the welding path for longer, more accurate welds.
According to Erik Mønster, CEO of Smooth Robotics, the UR8 Long perfectly complements SmoothTool: “The UR8 Long offers the same reach as the UR20 but at a lower cost, making it ideal for welding-specific applications. The free drive feels smoother, and the extended reach pairs beautifully with our Seam Tracking feature.”
Smooth Robotics also collaborated with Universal Robots during testing and marketing, ensuring the UR8 Long meets real-world demands of professional welders.
Addressing industry challenges
Tackling the welding skills shortage
The construction and manufacturing sectors are grappling with a shortage of skilled welders. Automation solutions like the UR8 Long help companies:
- Maintain productivity despite labour shortages
- Reduce downtime caused by inconsistent manual welding
- Improve weld quality and repeatability
Supporting digital construction workflows
The UR8 Long is not only for welding shops—it plays a crucial role in the digital construction ecosystem, where robotic automation supports efficiency in fabrication, modular construction, and off-site manufacturing.
Automation solution
By combining hardware innovation from Universal Robots with software intelligence from Smooth Robotics, the UR8 Long provides a scalable, cost-effective automation solution for industries seeking resilience and competitiveness.
The launch of the UR8 Long at FABTECH 2025 represents a pivotal advancement in welding automation and digital construction technologies. With its extended reach, precise motion control, and collaboration with Smooth Robotics’ SmoothTool software, the UR8 Long addresses key industry challenges—most notably the global shortage of skilled welders.
For manufacturers and construction firms looking to embrace robot welding automation, the UR8 Long offers a future-ready solution that balances performance, cost efficiency, and adaptability. As part of Universal Robots’ next generation of collaborative robots, the UR8 Long is set to redefine how welding automation is deployed across industries worldwide.
Read next: CIC unveils strategic Corporate Plan for 2025–2030 – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
