Universal Robots Introduces IMMI: A Seamless Interface for Cobots and Injection Molding Machines

In response to growing demand, Universal Robots (UR) has unveiled the Injection Molding Machine Interface (IMMI), a plug‑in solution that lets its e‑Series cobots communicate directly with molding machines.

IMMI supports the standard EUROMAP 67 and SPI AN‑146 communication protocols, eliminating the need for hard‑wired discrete I/O and custom application software to map I/O points.

For newer 2020‑model e‑Series robots, the interface can be installed in the control box in under ten minutes. Using the expansion port, a ribbon cable connects to the extension bus, and a 6‑meter cable links the cobot to the injection molding machine. The Polyscope operating system includes a ready‑made template for the IMMI in its programming tree.

Through UR’s UR+ platform, the IMMI is available as a certified add‑on for any cobot that meets the compatibility requirements.

In a recent virtual press conference, UR cited market research indicating that 15 % of all cobot applications in 2020 were in injection molding, covering tasks such as insert placement and post‑mold handling.

Universal Robots’ new injection molding machine interface eliminates the need for hard‑wired connections with discrete I/O.

With IMMI, molders can set up, program and control the entire application cycle from the cobot’s teach pendant.

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Automotive molder 2K Trend recently deployed a UR10 for machine tending.