Universal Robots (UR) cobots are the world's most widely deployed collaborative robots. The UR3, UR5, UR10, UR16, and UR20 cover a range of payload and reach requirements for most factory applications.
UR cobots are marketed as "easy to program." That claim is partially true and partially misleading — it depends heavily on what you mean by "easy" and what task you are trying to program.
The UR Programming Stack
Universal Robots has three main programming interfaces:
PolyScope (Teach Pendant)
The PolyScope graphical interface lets operators position the robot by physically guiding the arm and saving waypoints. For simple tasks with a fixed sequence and no conditional logic, this is accessible to trained factory workers.
Limitations:
- Complex paths require precise waypoint management
- Conditional logic and signal integration require additional scripting knowledge
- New tasks cannot be created without physically guiding the robot
- Every SKU or fixture change may require re-teaching
URScript
URScript is the underlying programming language that gives full access to UR functionality. It supports:
- Precise trajectory control
- Digital and analogue I/O
- Conditional logic and loops
- External communications (TCP/IP, Modbus)
Limitations:
- Requires programming knowledge
- Integrators charge $150–250/hr to write and maintain URScript programs
- Each task change is a new programming engagement
URCaps
URCaps are third-party software plugins that extend PolyScope. Common URCaps handle:
- Gripper control (Robotiq, OnRobot, etc.)
- Vision system integration
- Force-torque sensor integration
Limitations:
- Each URCap adds setup cost and version management complexity
- URCap compatibility must be verified for each UR software version
What "No-Code" UR Programming Means in Practice
The phrase "no-code Universal Robots programming" can mean several different things:
Level 1: PolyScope waypoint-only tasks Simple sequences with no conditional logic. Accessible to factory workers with PolyScope training. Does not require URScript. Limited to tasks that can be expressed as a linear sequence of fixed waypoints.
Level 2: PolyScope with URCaps Extends Level 1 with gripper control and basic I/O. Still accessible without deep programming knowledge, but requires URCap configuration by a trained operator.
Level 3: Video demonstration with intent extraction (Aurevix) Replaces manual waypoint teaching entirely. A factory worker films the task once. The system extracts task intent, generates the robot plan, and exports URScript for deployment. The team reviews the plan in simulation before the robot moves.
Level 3 is what Aurevix enables for supported tasks on supported UR models.
Supported UR Models and Tasks
Aurevix supports Universal Robots cobots including the UR3, UR5, UR10, UR16, and UR20 for supported workflows.
Supported task types include:
- Pick and place (single and multi-step)
- Machine tending
- Assembly sequences
- Signal-wait logic
- Pneumatic, electric, and vacuum gripper control
Getting Started
The fastest way to evaluate no-code UR programming for your specific task is to describe the task and your robot model.
Contact the Aurevix team with your UR model, the task you want to automate, and your gripper type. We will come back with a clear assessment of fit and a path to a pilot.