|

KUKA Showcases Automation for Human/Machine Collaboration at ATX West

February 7, 2023

KUKA
KUKA’s LBR iisy, ready to use right out of the box

During the ATX West show, KUKA Robotics showcased several new technologies geared specifically for safely automating those manufacturing processes where humans interact with robots on a regular basis. Among those technologies were the new LBR iisy cobot, the new KUKA KMP 600-S diffDrive automated mobile platform and the company’s LBR iiwa robot incorporated into an automated mobile robotic material-handling system.

Referred to as Sensitive Cobotic technology, KUKA’s LBR iisy represents the future of automation. The cobot is ready-to-use automation that quickly and easily integrates into any manufacturing application from pre-defined production processes to open, unstructured work environments with unpredictable conditions from one job to the next.

Whether loading/unloading machines, assembling components or packaging, the cobot provides increased versatility and can be immediately operated by anyone from an automation expert to a cobotics newcomer. Featuring various operator levels, the user-friendly system adapts to the corresponding level of user knowledge.

Ready to use right out of the box, the LBR iisy allows for use in more applications than ever before, including those so simple that most wouldn’t think they could be automated. Operating the iiQKA.OS system and supported by the iiQKA Ecosystem, the LBR iisy is ready for use in a matter of minutes – depending on pre-configured options – from unpacking to productive work. As such, the cobot also eliminates long training times or having to learn complex programming techniques.

With six axes, a 3-kg payload, 600-mm maximum reach and 18.8-kg overall weight, the LBR iisy is well suited for overcoming the challenges posed by confined workspaces. KUKA also offers the LBR iisy in 11-kg and 15-kg payload versions.

KUKA's new KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform
KUKA’s new KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform

As the perfect collision-free coworker, KUKA’s new KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform takes intralogistics to a new level – especially in the consumer goods manufacturing industry. The platform provides a new automated guided vehicle system with high-speed support for production intralogistics and a payload of up to 600 kg. At the same time, the KMP 600-S diffDrive is ideally equipped for the tough everyday environment of industrial production. Its IP 54 design always enables it to work reliably even under adverse conditions – including water spray and dust.

For maximum safety and flexibility all KUKA mobile platforms, including the KMP 600-S, guarantee employees maximum freedom of movement without the need for safety fencing. Laser scanners mounted at the front and rear provide maximum safety and allow for high speeds in all directions of travel when cycle times require it. Additionally, the KMP 600-S diffDrive uses eight safety zones at both the front and rear – customizable for vehicle speeds and specific applications.

Developed in partnership with the world’s largest semiconductor fabricators, the mobile robotic solution KUKA demonstrated at ATX West reliably transfers materials in areas unsuitable for traditional automated material handling systems. As the first of its kind, the KUKA mobile robotic wafer-handling system for human/machine collaboration offers an ideal solution for material transport of 200mm or 300mm wafer boxes and SMIF boxes, open cassette machine loading and unloading.

The system combines a KUKA LBR iiwa 14 R820 CR robot mounted on one of the company‘s KMP 200 CR automated mobile platforms. Both the robot and mobile platform are cleanroom class ISO 3 rated and feature advanced safety and navigational functionality. For simplicity and ease of use, the solution is completely integrated with one controller for the robot, platform and navigation as well as one software solution for all three.

More Information

LBR iisy cobot

KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform

Related Story

Mission Until 2030 KUKA Makes Automation Available to Everyone

In the next ten years, more and more people around the world will be working with robots. Automation is becoming mainstream and is finding its way into more and more areas. Easy access to robotics: That’s KUKA’s ambitious goal – and therefore is presenting the first elements of a preview of an operating system of the future at the digital Hannover Messe 2021. Because therein lies the key: simple operation and intuitive handling of automation solutions, which until now have often been reserved for experts.

“Our mission by 2030 is: Automation will be simpler, more intuitive, and thus available to everyone. This will lower the entry threshold. Programming a robot will then be as easy as working on a PC today,” says Peter Mohnen, CEO KUKA Group.

Peter Mohnen, CEO KUKA Group

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • M12 Cable Material Selection Guide: PUR vs. PVC vs. TPE

    May 13, 2025 M12 Cables have become the industry standard for sensor/actuator connectivity in industrial automation environments. When selecting the right M12 cable for your application, the jacket material is one of the most critical factors that will determine performance, durability, and reliability. This guide compares the three most common M12 cable jacket materials: PUR (Polyurethane), PVC… Read More…

  • Insights into Navigating Version Control in Industrial Automation

    May 13, 2025 Learn how to ensure reliable and secure PLC program management Challenges in Version Control for Industrial Automation Systems In the rapidly evolving world of industrial automation, version control remains a critical aspect of maintaining reliable and efficient operations. The wrong version control system can lead to increased troubleshooting time, security vulnerabilities, and… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • SINUMERIK 828 CNC Provides Seamless Integration with KUKA Robots — a Dream Team for Shopfloor Productivity

    May 13, 2025 Siemens expands its Run MyRobot platform to allow cost-effective part handling and articulation functions of a KUKA robot directly on the control of the machine tool In Booth 3232 at this year’s AUTOMATE show in Detroit, Siemens is presenting an automation solution for the busy, multi-tasking job shop, as it demonstrates a… Read More…

  • MOXA ioLogik R1214 Ethernet Remote I/O

    May 13, 2025 MOXA ioLogik R1214 Features: MOXA ioLogik R1214 Introduction Process control I/O system. Remote serial I/O products offer process engineers the benefit of simple wiring, as they only require two wires to communicate with the controller and other RS-485 devices while adopting the EIA/TIA RS-485 communication protocol to transmit and receive data at high speed… Read More…