ROBO-STOX marks launch of global robotics and automation index ETF with robot ringing NASDAQ closing bell
Cross Company was proud to participate in this historic event – the first robot to ring the NASDAQ bell! Cross Company supplied the UR5 (UR5 AE3), integrated it with the SCHUNK gripper, and programmed its movements throughout the ceremony. Below is the press release related to the event.
UR5 (UR5 AE3) Robot Arm from Universal Robots Rings NASDAQ Closing Bell, Showcasing Market-Leading ‘Collaborative Robot’
DALLAS — November 13, 2013 — ROBO-STOX LLC, the world leader in developing investment solutions targeting the robotics and automation space, commemorated the launch of the ROBO-STOX™ Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (Ticker: ROBO) by having a robot ring the closing bell at the NASDAQ MarketSite in New York’s Times Square on Tuesday, November 12, 2013.
The ETF recently began trading on Exchange-Traded Concepts’ accelerated, low-cost and private-label ETF platform. It tracks the ROBO-STOX™ Global Robotics and Automation Index, the first investment benchmark for the worldwide robotics and automation industry.
“Investors everywhere now have the opportunity to capitalize on the accelerating global growth in robotics,” said Frank Tobe, Co-Founder of ROBO-STOX and Editor of The Robot Report, a robotics news portal tracking the worldwide business of robotics. “As robots are introduced in more companies in more sectors, investors can use our index as a benchmark by which to judge investment opportunities in the expanding robotics arena.”
The “bell ringer,” the UR5 robot arm from Universal Robots, the Danish manufacturer of industrial robots, was chosen to showcase a market leader within “collaborative robots,” an emerging class of robots propelling the use of robotics in companies that previously thought robots would be too expensive and complex to deploy. The UR5 robot arm is equipped with a three-fingered gripper designed by SCHUNK.
Thomas Visti, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Universal Robots, said the company targets a new market for automation within small and medium-sized businesses by making a robot that can safely work alongside human employees, and is affordable and easy to use.
“The moves in the bell-ringing application were programmed in ‘teach mode,’ allowing the user to simply grab the robot arm and show it the desired moves,” said Mr. Visti. “This eliminates the steep learning curve often experienced when trying to program and operate a robot.”
Universal Robots introduced itself to the North American market by implementing a high-tech distribution channel throughout the U.S. and Canada in September 2012. The company’s robots have been integrated into a broad range of sectors, including automotive, machine tools, medical, packaging, pharmaceutical, assembly and electronics.
“The transition to smart and autonomous automation is ongoing not only in manufacturing but also in collaborative work of all types, and consequently there is money to be made in creating robots to fill that need,” said Rob Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of ROBO-STOX. “Our index and ETF enable investors to benefit from the many business opportunities in the global robotics and automation industry.”
About ROBO-STOX
ROBO-STOX LLC is the creator of the first benchmark index to track the global robotics and automation market. Through the expertise of its leadership team and strategic advisors, ROBO-STOX looks worldwide to find new innovations in the robotics space, from companies of all sizes and verticals, to deliver the growth of robotics to investors — from individuals to institutions.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ROBO-STOX is the recognized leader in developing investment solutions that target the robotics, automation and related technology sectors. To learn more about ROBO-STOX, please visit www.robostox.com.
About The “Bell Ringer”
In the NASDAQ bell ringing application, the UR5 robot arm has been integrated with a three-fingered SDH gripper by German manufacturing company SCHUNK with the assistance of the Universal Robots’ distributor, Cross Company’s Automation Group. The six-axis UR5 weighs only 40 lbs. and handles payloads of up to 11.3 lbs with reach capabilities of up to 33.5in. Repeatability of +/- .004” allows quick precision handling of even microscopically small parts. Programming happens through an intuitive 3D tablet touchscreen — or by simply grabbing the robot arm to demonstrate desired movement.
If the robot comes into contact with an employee, the built-in force control limits the forces at contact and does not cause bodily harm, adhering to the current safety requirements on force and torque limitations. Eighty percent of the more than 2,000 UR robots deployed globally operate with no safety guarding in the immediate vicinity of employees. The robot is quickly moved around the production site and integrates in all industries — from the small machine shop to the large auto assembly line. Payback period is typically 3-8 months. Watch the video showing how Universal Robots brings manufacturing back to United States:
About Universal Robots
Universal Robots is a first mover within a new segment of collaborative robots focusing on user friendliness and flexibility. Since the first UR robot entered the market in 2009, the company has seen substantial growth with the robotic arms now being sold in 50 countries worldwide. The company is headquartered in Odense, Denmark where all development and production is carried out.
