Automate Your CNC Machining with Robot2CNC

Seamlessly Connect Universal Robots to Your CNC Machines

VersaBuilt’s Robot2CNC is a complete hardware appliance and software solution designed to bridge the communication gap between Universal Robots and your CNC equipment. Using our intuitive URCap software directly within the UR PolyScope interface, Robot2CNC eliminates the need for complex, custom integration scripts, allowing you to get your automated machine-tending cell up and running faster.

How Robot2CNC Works

The Robot2CNC appliance connects to your CNC through Ethernet or RS-232 serial cables and communicates securely using standard protocols such as Haas Machine Data Collection or the FANUC FOCAS 2.0 protocol.

A robust “Dispatcher” G-code program runs in the background of your CNC, listening for commands from the robot to safely execute machining cycles and actuate workholding.

Key Benefits

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

The Robot2CNC URCap adds a dedicated setup tab and program nodes directly to the Universal Robots teach pendant. Using simple drop-down menus, operators can command the robot to run CNC programs, check machine status, and wait for machining cycles to finish—all without leaving the PolyScope interface.

Universal Compatibility

Robot2CNC speaks your machine’s language. It comes preconfigured to communicate seamlessly with major machine-tool brands and control systems, including:

  • Haas Next Generation Controls
  • Haas Legacy controls
  • FANUC FOCAS 2.0

Powerful Features

Flexible I/O and Hardware

The Robot2CNC appliance includes a built-in five-port network switch, dedicated cycle-start wiring, and additional user-configurable relays.

These relays can trigger auxiliary devices and signals—including foot pedals, pallet-ready signals, and other equipment—directly from your Universal Robots program.

Secure Remote Support and Diagnostics

Minimize downtime with built-in diagnostic tools. Operators can manually test doors, vises, and cycle-start commands directly from the Universal Robots installation screen.

The Robot2CNC appliance also features a local Wi-Fi interface for convenient configuration and a secure remote-support token system, allowing VersaBuilt technicians to provide rapid over-the-air assistance.

Dual CNC Tending

Maximize your robot’s return on investment. A single Universal Robots cobot can tend two or more CNC machines simultaneously by networking a dedicated Robot2CNC appliance to each machine.

You can also program the robot to intelligently poll multiple machines and tend whichever machine finishes its cycle first.

Robot2CNC Advanced Edition

Complete Cell Control

Go beyond simply starting the CNC machine. Robot2CNC Advanced Edition allows the Universal Robots cobot to control additional equipment throughout the automated cell, including:

  • Pneumatic CNC automatic doors
  • Single or dual vises
  • Robot grippers
  • Part-cleaning air blasts using VersaBlast

Advanced Macro Communication

Robot2CNC enables true two-way communication between the robot and the CNC. The robot can read and write CNC macro variables during operation, supporting dynamic program selection, offset management, and intelligent error handling.