The global leader in industrial robots offers the most technologically advanced solutions for industry. Robots from this brand are used in many different industries.
Precise sorting of clutch discs when working with a honing machine
A small KUKA robot from the KR AGILUS series, based on coordinates from a 3D vision sensor, precisely removes unsorted clutch discs from wire baskets and transfers them to a honing machine for further processing. It has been specially designed to achieve high operating speeds, has a maximum load capacity of 6 kg and a reach of approx. 901 mm.
The robot can be operated in a three-shift system, with personnel only required during two shifts. This solution ensures uniform and precise sorting of clutch discs. This is made possible by a 3D vision sensor, which recognises the exact position of the clutch discs and transmits the coordinates directly to the robot. The KR AGILUS series robot then removes the relevant part from the wire basket and places it precisely in the honing machine for further processing.
KR AGILus ensures flexibility of application
HBi Robotics has developed the robot in such a way that it can also be used for other tasks. Once production of a particular component is complete, the system can be easily reprogrammed. It can also be used in other machine tools. Thanks to the precise observation of movement sequences using 3D position recognition, collision edges can be detected much earlier. According to Harald Bader, founder and CEO of HBi Robotics GmbH, the cycle time of a complex automation system can also be determined precisely. It is precisely these features that have convinced customers in the automotive industry, which is why further automation solutions are already being planned.
Lightweight robots support employees during gluing processes
Two sensitive LBR iiwa robots from KUKA are used in the final assembly process at Dürr. They perform important tasks related to glue application and are not separated by a protective fence. This increases quality, saves time and reduces unit production costs.
Collaboration between humans and robots in the final assembly process at Dürr without protective barriers. The company uses extremely sensitive, lightweight LBR iiwa robots for bonding GPS antenna covers and gluing tanks into the car body. This solution improves the quality of the bonding results, saves time and reduces unit production costs.
The LBR iiwa detects any defects when inserting the GPS antenna cover
When gluing the GPS antenna cover, the employee manually inserts the object into the robot’s gripper, which sucks it up and guides it to the glue nozzle located on the application tower. The LBR iiwa slowly pushes the cover from below to the glue nozzle. If it encounters an obstacle, its collision detection capability allows it to move back slightly and then start moving forward again. Only after three attempts does it return to its starting position. The gluing process then begins and a layer of adhesive is carefully applied while the robot moves away along the track. Finally, the employee picks up the cover again at the starting point and installs it in the vehicle.
Photo credit: KUKA
Precise adhesive joint thanks to the seventh axis of the LBR iiwa robot
In the case of automated tank gluing in the final assembly process, the employee guides the tank onto a turntable using a manipulator. There, they clean it, position it correctly and hand it over to the robot for further processing. When the starting point is reached with the tank stationary, the nozzle opens under pressure. This prevents air bubbles from forming.
The robot then evenly applies the adhesive bead to the tank. Sensors on the application head monitor the exact thickness of the bead. The LBR iiwa robot applies the bead using its seventh, rotating axis without changing its orientation within a 360-degree radius – without having to be repositioned. Once the LBR iiwa has completed its work, an employee fits the tank into the designated position on the vehicle body.
‘Although the adhesive can be applied manually, the robot does so with incomparable precision.’ Dieter Ahlborn, Director of APT/Gluing Final Assembly, Dürr Systems AG
HRC solutions as the future of the market
Dürr has already sold ten gluing systems. That is why this manufacturer of systems and machines is optimistic about the future. It is currently working on HRC solutions for the robotic gluing of small discs and other components.
KR CYBERTECH wins the RedDot Award 2017
The KUKA KR CYBERTECH industrial robot won the RedDot Award 2017 in the design category. Thanks to its smaller, compact dimensions, it has gained speed, agility and precision.
KR CYBERTECH: a slim robot for high speeds and long reaches
KR CYBERTECH is ideal for machining, handling large components, assembly, palletising and inert gas welding. And now it has also been recognised for its design. The jury’s reasoning: ‘The KR CYBERTECH industrial robot with its slim, elongated silhouette goes beyond the limits of what is possible in terms of speed and range of operation.’
Economical use of material reduces energy consumption
With a reach of 2,100 mm, the robot can operate at extremely long distances for its 20 kg payload class. This was not possible with previous models. Economical use of material reduces energy consumption and increases the durability of the device.
“The robot should be fast and agile, as well as reliable and precise. In addition, it should cover a large working range and offer maximum application flexibility so that it is suitable for a wide range of industrial manufacturing applications, enabling its use in new industries,” said Mario Selic, industrial design specialist. The robot can be mounted on the floor, wall, ceiling or at a specific angle.
Photo credit: KUKA
Customers appreciate the compact design of the KR CYBERTECH robot
KR CYBERTECH is the answer to ever-increasing automation requirements. It sets new standards in terms of performance and range of operation. The highest precision with a repeatability accuracy of 40 micrometres allows you to enjoy all the benefits of the device even at maximum speed. Customers appreciate its compact dimensions and maximum free space during production: the robot performs well in a working space of 23 m3.
‘A product can only gain the user’s complete trust if it is reliable and mature in design. After all, the aesthetic qualities of a product also allow its technical advantages to be fully appreciated.’ Mario Selic, industrial design specialist.
