Viam and Universal Robots Partner to Advance Industrial Automation
Viam and Universal Robots Join Forces on Automated Manufacturing
Viam, a leading robotics software engineering company, has announced a new partnership with Universal Robots, a top manufacturer of collaborative robotic arms. This collaboration will see Universal Robots’ UR Series cobots become the core hardware for Viam’s expanding industrial automation platform.
Partnership Overview
By merging Viam’s artificial intelligence-driven software with the versatile cobots from Universal Robots, the partnership aims to streamline labor-intensive manufacturing activities while improving quality and consistency. The combined approach accelerates adoption of flexible automation for manufacturers facing ongoing labor shortages and production bottlenecks.
Targeted Processes
- Fiberglass sanding
- Gelcoat and paint application
- Wood sanding and polishing
Common use cases span yacht and boatbuilding, furniture manufacturing, and broader industrial production.
Spotlight: Robotic Block‑Sanding System
One notable product resulting from the collaboration is Viam’s robotic block‑sanding system. Built on Universal Robots’ UR Series, this AI‑powered solution is designed primarily for yacht and marine manufacturers. Traditionally, fiberglass sanding has required significant manual effort and time; Viam’s automation technology minimizes repetitive labor while delivering measurable returns on investment for manufacturers.
The system is adaptable to a wide range of component sizes—from small parts to large hulls—thanks to the modular nature of UR robotic arms and Viam’s hardware‑agnostic approach.
Key Benefits
- Reduced manual sanding time and fatigue
- Consistent surface finish and quality
- Configurable for parts, panels, and large hulls
Built for Flexibility
- Modular UR cobot configurations
- AI‑guided motion and process control
- Hardware‑agnostic integration via Viam’s platform
Beyond Marine: Flexible Applications
Viam’s advanced automation extends beyond marine applications, offering solutions for gelcoat and paint spraying, as well as sanding and polishing in sectors such as furniture‑making and construction. The flexible system allows manufacturers to change out robotic arms to meet specific production requirements, maximizing efficiency and adaptability on the shop floor.
Industry Voices
“Joining Viam’s intelligent software with Universal Robots’ hardware can foster the swift adoption of automation technology across manufacturing sectors, promising global scale and robust performance for clients.”
— Eliot Horowitz, Founder and CEO, Viam
“Viam’s software will enable new uses for our collaborative robots, driving rapid innovation in both the marine industry and beyond.”
— Jean‑Pierre Hathout, President, Teradyne Robotics Group
Where to See It
The new robotic block‑sanding system made its European premiere at Metstrade 2025 in Amsterdam, following earlier debuts at the IBEX 2025 event in Tampa, Florida. Viam’s platform is compatible with a broad spectrum of robots and devices—from sensors to industrial arms—and continues to evolve through development from company laboratories based in both New York and Italy.
Looking Ahead
With this collaboration, Viam and Universal Robots aim to reshape industrial automation by making smart, flexible robotic solutions more accessible to manufacturers seeking efficient, scalable alternatives to address labor and productivity challenges.
