1. Why are there no approval (certification) markings when the OEM controller is used?

All our certifications are based on use of our standard controller.  As soon as any OEM controller is used, all certifications are void. This is because our certifications rely on meeting EMC test requirements. Because the OEM Controller CANNOT meet EMC requirements, all certifications are voided. 

2. Why are there are only approval (certification) markings on the standard control box?

All our certifications are based on use of our standard controller, which has a metal enclosure. As soon as any OEM controller is used without this surrounding metal enclosure, all certifications are void. Our certifications rely on meeting EMC test requirements. Because the OEM Controller CANNOT meet EMC requirements, all certifications are voided. 

Our robot arms (manipulators) and Teach Pendants (TP) can be used with any UR applicable robot controller (standard control box or OEM), so the arms and TPs do not have any certification markings.

3. Why are Field Evaluation Services needed in the USA?

A “Field Evaluation” and approval by a NRTL (OSHA authorized “Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory") can be required of UR robots in the USA. UR robots do not currently have US NRTL approval.

TÜV Rheinland is UR’s certifier (EN ISO 10218-1 and EN ISO 13849-1 for all currently available UR robots plus Canadian approval for the e-Series, UR20 and UR30). TÜV Rheinland has pricing that should be lower than other NRTLs due to their extensive experience with UR robots. This experience means that TÜV has a standardized process for quick and easy field evaluations. Field Evaluation Services (FES) are arranged and paid by the customer – not UR. UR is not aware of any UR robot failing field evaluation. 

Failure is possible with use of the UR OEM Controller if the UR OEM controller overheats (insufficient space or airflow) or the OEM’s wiring does not pass NRTL requirements.

4. Is there any additional information about Field Evaluation Services for the USA?

Attached is information that might be helpful. The document “FES Overview” provides contact information.

5. What about Canada?

Canada has the same program as the USA, but the evaluation is called a “Special Evaluation Service”. UR Robots using our standard controller have cTÜV which means that there is NRTL approval for Canada when the UR robot has the standard control box (e-Series, UR20, and UR30).