KUKA Robotics Blazes a Trail

KUKA introduces three innovative technologies at the International Manufacturing Technology Show 2008

Clinton Township, Mich., Sept. 5, 2008 – KUKA Robotics Corp. is blazing a trail for the welding sector by making three innovative product introductions in North America – the KR 5 arc, a versatile and highly dynamic lightweight robot, the KR 5 arc HW (Hollow Wrist) and the PosiFlex positioner at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2008 from Sept. 8-13 at McCormick Place in Chicago, booth B-6000.

KR 5 arc – functionally flexible
Thanks to its compact dimensions, the KR 5 arc takes up very little space and can be integrated into virtually any cell concept. Whether mounted on the floor or inverted on the ceiling, the KR 5 arc performs its tasks quickly and efficiently with high continuous-path accuracy, and boasts a working envelope of over 1400 mm. Its modular design makes it a cost-effective solution. For example, it uses the same slim wrist as its big brother, the KR 6. The flange and interfaces for mounting the wire feeder are also identical.

With a payload of 5 kg and a supplementary load of 12 kg, the KR 5 arc is extremely flexible. It is also available with absolutely accurate calibration. With the service-proven KUKA KR C2 controller, all the usual controller expansions are possible. This allows the control of external axes and, with the KUKA Safe Robot und KUKA RoboTeam technologies, it can become a team player and work together with humans and other robots.

KR 5 arc HW
KUKA Robotics is also unveiling the KR 5 arc HW (Hollow Wrist), a robot developed specially for the arc welding sector.  This new robot type offers several features that put it in a class of its own. For example, it has a fluid supply system which is integrated in the arm.

This protected routing of the dress package allows infinite rotation of axis 6 without the need to reorient the robot wrist during the work cycle. For the user, this means not only improved component accessibility and optimal protection of the dress package, but also simplified offline programming. The torch connection hose pack of the KR 5 arc HW can be separated from the wire feeder and the rotary interface. Due to the use of standard plug-in connections, it can be fitted with all available welding equipment types. And just like any true welder, the latest member of the KUKA robot family isn’t troubled by tough working conditions. On the contrary: with a protection rating of IP 54, the KR 5 arc HW is in its element.

Worry-free maintenance
Both the KR 5 HW and the KR 5 arc are available with absolutely accurate calibration and team capability. The two KUKA newcomers are also equally rapid and precise in their operation. With a weight of only 120 kg, both robots are more dynamic than most of their competitors. And when it comes to maintenance, the new KUKA robots have the edge here too. An oil change can be carried out without difficulty on all axes – and is only necessary every 20,000 hours.

KUKA PosiFlex
KUKA is also introducing Posiflex, its highly dynamic automated multi-axis positioning system that can be combined with flexible robots to achieve optimal workpiece positioning and accessibility and rapid process speeds. Combining the KUKA robots and Posiflex series of positioners creates ideal automation modules for cost-effective production for arc welding, spot welding, laser welding, plasma welding or bonding/sealing.  The KUKA Posiflex is more cost effective since it is a modular system.

The KUKA Posiflex offers improved freedom, flexibility and speed.  It is more dynamic, offering high rotational speeds and accelerations in the main and planetary axes.  This helps keep non-productive time down to a minimum.  It offers very high positioning accuracy and is more reliable due to its integrated and protected energy supply systems.  The Posiflex also features a simpler design with plug and play control via the robot controller.  Posiflex is based on standard modules which can be combined in accordance with individual requirements, resulting in a wide range of different types for the most diverse kinematics and sizes.   Flexible distances between the planetary axes minimize the interference contours arising from the workpiece or the fixture.  The new positioner allows improved flexibility in the distance between the face plates, which makes it easier to react to individual workpiece or fixture requirements.  In addition, the positioner axes are controlled as external robot axes, thereby allowing mathematically coupled motion with the robot-guided tool. 

KUKA Robotics Corporation
KUKA Robotics Corporation, with KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial robots, with an installed base of over 75,000 units. The company’s robots range from 5kg to 1000kg payloads, and 635mm to 4000mm reach, all controlled from a common PC based controller platform. KUKA robots are utilized in a diverse range of industries including the appliance, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, logistics, food, pharmaceutical, medical, foundry and plastics industries and in multiple applications including material handling, machine loading, assembly, packaging, palletizing, welding, bending, joining, and surface finishing. For more information contact KUKA Robotics at 866-873-5852 or visit their website at www.kukarobotics.com.

About the KUKA Robot Group
KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, is a member of the KUKA Aktiengesellschaft group of worldwide companies and ranks among the world’s leading suppliers of industrial robots. Core competencies are the development, production and sale of industrial robots, controllers, software and linear units. The company is the market leader in Germany and Europe, and the number three in the world. The KUKA Robot Group employs about 2,000 people worldwide. Of these, 1,200 are employed in Germany, either at the KUKA Robot Group headquarters in Augsburg, or at various subsidiaries. In 2007, sales totaled 413 million euro. 25 subsidiaries provide a presence in the major markets of Europe, America and Asia.

Contact:
KUKA Robotics Corporation
James Cooper
Tel: 586.738.5486

KUKA Roboter GmbH
Jürgen Schulze-Ferebee, Head of Corporate Communications
Tel.: +49 821 4533 3473
Hery-Park 3000 ? 86368 Gersthofen, Germany