Noting the booming economy of the Philippines, Denmark’s Universal Robots (UR) has partnered with a local firm to expand its presence in the country.
UR has tapped Elixir Industrial Equipment as its local distributor to introduce the former’s collaborative robots, or “co-bots”, to local industries.
The Danish company took pains to point out that its co-bots are “co-workers” because they were not designed to complement — not displace — workers.
Elixir, headed by its president and CEO Wilfred G. Gui, said this is the first time that the company is venturing into robots distribution. It is known as a solutions provider for printing, packaging and materials handling.
“We bring in technology from other countries such as marking systems and code product manufacturing information. We have gone south as far as Zamboanga,” he said.
Presently, UR has three co-bots in its portfolio: UR3, UR5, and UR10. The numbers relate to the weight they can carry in kilos.
Even before the two partners could officially launch their partnership in a media event last Aug. 17 at The Fort, Taguig City, Gui said they already received and delivered four co-bots — one UR3, one UR5 and two UR10.
The customer, Artesyn Embedded Technologies, an electronics and semiconductor company, will deploy co-bots in their production line.
He said Artesyn expects to boost their workplace productivity and facilitate skills upgrade of opportunities for their employees now that co-bots are part of its “workforce”.
UR described the Philippines as “key to its strategic expansion plan in Southeast Asia” as the country has rich resources, burgeoning infrastructure, and increasing receptiveness to automation.
“The Philippine market has a strong base for manufacturing and possesses tremendous growth potential. We are excited to expand our business in the country, and even more pleased to welcome Elixir into our family in the region,” said Shermine Gotfredsen, UR general manager for Asia Pacific (APAC).
