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KUKA Robotics offers a broad range of highly modular robots, covering all common payload categories, from 3 kg to 1000 kg. Over two thirds of the KUKA robots installed in the field use our open architecture PC-based controller, making KUKA the number one PC-controlled robot manufacturer in the world. KUKA controllers are also available for integration with other components of your automation systems. Other products include SoftPLC, Remote Service, KUKA SIM simulation software, Networking Services and a variety of dress packages. In addition, our Systems Partners - experts in their respective industries - offer key technologies that transform the KUKA robot into an application-specific solution. Our advanced KUKA College enables fast learning through flexible training systems that simulate a variety of real-world applications. KUKA Robotics offers a 24-hour service hotline as well as engineering services.

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KUKA Robotics Corporation Showcases the KR 1000 Titan

POSTED 09/10/2008

World’s first industrial robot with 1000 kg payload introduced to North America manufacturing market at IMTS 2008

Clinton Township, Mich., Sept. 8, 2008 – KUKA Robotics Corporation is showcasing the KUKA 1000 Titan to the North American manufacturing market at the upcoming International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2008 from Sept. 8-13 at McCormick Place in Chicago, booth B-6000.

“KUKA developed this product based on understanding its customers’ requirements and responding to market needs,” said Stu Shepherd, president KUKA Robotics Corporation.  “By understanding future market needs, KUKA can develop working ideas that break all the records.  The Titan can handle the heaviest of payloads over the greatest of distances with unrivaled flexibility.”

With the KR 1000 Titan, the company has succeeded in producing not only a heavyweight champion, but also a technology powerhouse combining payload, reach and precision thanks to an innovative drive concept.  The KR 1000 Titan opens up many new fields of application for this new automation solution – wherever power, reach and precision are required.

KUKA Titan – the heavyweight champion
It is not only the giant’s strength that is impressive. The physical attributes of the KR 1000 bring about clear advantages that are simply not possible with alternative machines. The Titan is a series-manufactured machine, which makes it a far more cost-effective solution than conventional systems.  In addition, there is no comparable product on the industrial robot market in terms of payload capacity, reach and handling flexibility.
KUKA, one of the world’s leading providers of industrial robots, came up with this unique development in response to customer requests. They wanted a new robot type that is ideally suited to the handling of heavy, large or bulky workpieces. The heavyweight champion was developed for sectors such as the building materials, automotive and foundry industries. 

KUKA developed the Titan after over a year of research, programming and testing, which means one of the leading manufacturers of industrial robots reacted quickly to customers’ wishes for a new robot model suitable for lifting large, heavy or bulky components.

For example, the Titan is capable of moving whole car bodies entirely unaided.  Prior to the Titan, this was only possible using at least two robots – or by using complex special kinematic systems for heavy loads. In the building materials sector it can lift concrete staircase segments, taking the place of a crane that is much heavier than the Titan. 

In addition, the Titan can handle large castings or meter-thick panes of glass.  The robot is strong and robust, without compromising on precision or accuracy.  At full stretch, it reaches a height of over four meters. Next to this giant, its predecessor the KR 500 – a powerful lifter in its own right – appears almost small and delicate.

Nine drive units with the power of a mid-sized car
Nine motors are installed, which together deliver the power of a mid-sized car. As a result, its design called not only for a robust steel base frame but also for a completely new drive concept. In axes 1 and 3, two motors feed into a single gear unit. Axis 2 is also powered by two motors, each with its own gear unit. The KUKA Titan can also withstand a static torque of 60,000 Newton meters (Nm), which is all the more remarkable if you consider that a powerful car has a maximum drive torque of only 600 Nm (just one percent of the power of the Titan). Its work envelope of 78 cubic meters puts its fellow robots in the shade.


 

KUKA look & feel
For all the record-breaking new features, KUKA remained true to its principles with regard to the look & feel of the robot, offering all the regular advantages of the KUKA family – from the wrist right down to the control concept. From its modular construction to programming and intuitive control, the KR 1000 has all the standard features.  With its user-friendly design, the Titan has an excellent weight-to-payload ratio of less than 5. The KR 1000 can thus be transported in a standard container and can be installed in any industrial production shop thanks to corresponding mounting plates.

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, Email: [email protected]

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