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The collaborative robot is transforming manufacturing plants into smart factories. KUKA already developed the world’s first collaborative robotic arm – the LBR iiwa – back in 2014 and is setting new standards with the new LBR iisy. They take on work steps that are strenuous, monotonous or dangerous for humans. In this way, the collaborative robot optimizes processes and boosts productivity.
Cobots or collaborative/collaborating robots, unlike conventional industrial robots, can work together with humans in the same workspace without safeguards or fencing. Sensors and cameras on the cobot help to ensure that the robot will not injure its human colleagues. Conventional industrial robots, on the other hand, require safety fences and other safety precautions.
Dangerous overhead applications, monotonous and repetitive processes, or meticulously detailed production tasks: cobots can perform these work steps, relieve employees and deliver consistently high quality. With their integrated sensors, the collaborative robots enable assembly tasks, featuring small parts, to be automated – they can assemble automotive transmissions, insert rubber plugs or process non-rigid parts.
Their human colleagues can thus concentrate on other areas of their work. While the cobot is processing a part, the worker can already prepare the next production step. The sensitive robots respond intelligently to their environment and move independently. This is referred to as human-robot collaboration (HRC) or collaborative robotics. Intelligent cobots are opening up new areas of automation: they can load machines or logistics systems, build industrial robots themselves and much more besides.
The new LBR iisy is ready for operation in just a few minutes and, thanks to the iiQKA.OS operating system, can be intuitively controlled. The cobot can also be used in a wide range of production areas and taught by means of simple manual guidance, so no prior knowledge of robotic programming or collaborative robots is required. The LBR iisy is particularly suitable for the loading and unloading of machines, as well as the handling of small parts, pick-and-place tasks, and packaging and testing applications, according to the model's maximum payload capacity. When it comes to deploying the LBR iisy, therefore, the sky’s the limit.
The KMR iiwa (KUKA Mobile Robotics) combines the advantages of the LBR iiwa with a flexible, mobile platform. The mobile robot thus enjoys great flexibility and can be easily integrated into a wide variety of manufacturing processes. The mobility of the cobot enables maximum maneuverability and can decisively optimize production processes. The HRC-capable mobile robot is equipped with Mecanum wheels and is thus extremely flexible to automate. In the cleanroom version, it guarantees the safe transfer and also the safe handling of sensitive components (wafers, masks, carriers) from one process to the next. It navigates in all directions autonomously and without safety fencing.
In the field of medical technology, particularly, precision work is essential. With the KUKA LBR Med cobot, physicians and medical staff have a reliable computer-controlled colleague at hand.
The sensitive seven-axis lightweight robot can be used for everything from diagnostics and treatment to surgical procedures and even incorporate a vision system. It can be found wherever strenuous, repetitive, tiring activities or particular precision are required.
