Higher load capacity with unchanged size
According to Kuka, the new small robot achieves a permissible load capacity of up to 16 kilograms. The provider is thus placing it in an area that was previously between the existing series. The robot combines the higher payload with a small footprint. At the same time, the manufacturer points out that movements can be carried out faster and more precisely. Cycle times can be shortened because the axes move faster and reduced vibration behavior enables greater positioning accuracy.
Fields of application in automated production processes
The robot is designed for activities such as handling, loading and unloading as well as inspection and testing tasks. Applications are envisaged in electronics manufacturing, the automotive industry and general industrial production environments. A typical application scenario is removal from injection molding machines, where the robot works directly in the production environment.
Protection class expands the area of application
A key feature of the new series is the full IP67 certification. According to the manufacturer, this version protects the entire robot from splash water, emulsions and cleaning liquids. According to the company, product manager Markus Hollfelder-Asam explains that, in contrast to previous models, not only individual axes or assemblies are protected, but the entire robot. This should also make it possible to use it in environments with regular cleaning processes.
Compact design for high integration density
The provider states that the KR Agilus ultra has a six-axis design with internal energy and cable routing. Reduced interference contours are intended to facilitate integration into production cells with high packing densities, for example in the area of advanced packaging. The small space requirement plays a particularly important role where several systems, robots and peripheral devices work together in a small space.
Control, software and future expansions
The new small robot is controlled via the KR C5 micro controller in conjunction with the iiQKA.OS2 operating system. The new handheld control device “Kuka smartPLUG” is also supported. The system is prepared for future expansions and is technically designed for the use of AI-based functions. Hollfelder-Asam emphasizes that with this so-called AI readiness, the robot is open to future developments in highly automated production environments.
What does that mean?
For companies with a high level of automation and limited space, the toolbox in production is expanding. With the new series, the manufacturer is addressing an area that previously required either larger robots or several smaller systems. For those responsible for procurement and production organization, the question arises as to whether processes can be simplified or systems can be designed more compactly by increasing the load capacity while maintaining the same space requirement. At the same time, it is becoming apparent that technological issues such as protection classes, software compatibility and long-term expandability are increasingly coming into focus, even if the specific benefits in the respective production context must be carefully examined. (av, source: Kuka)
