Kuka’s new ‘Edition’ robots will help customers automate welding tasks efficiently in price-sensitive markets. Initially, the KR CyberTech nano ARC will initially be available in two Edition variants, with other Kuka robots to follow.

No one would drive a Formula Onecar on a highway, so why use a highly specialised process robot for very simple applications? The new hollow-wrist KR CyberTechnano ARC HW Edition robot is for simple arc welding. Edition robots draw on Kuka’s current technology portfolio, including the newly updated KR CyberTech nano series, the latest-generation KR C5 controller and appropriate welding software, such as Kuka.ArcTech Basic.

“Instead of downsizing, we are opting for ‘right-sizing,’” explains Markus Hollfelder-Asam, portfolio manager at Kuka. “The Edition robot variant offers simplified, focused, reliable technology that remains a genuine Kuka original.”

For customers in highly dynamic and price-sensitive markets, the adapted design of the Edition robot significantly lowers procurement costs, reports Kuka.

The KR CyberTech nano ARC HW Edition robot is for payloads up to 6 kg and is suitable for installation on the floor or ceiling. To match varying requirements in the entry-level segment, Kuka offers two versions of the Edition robotwith reach up to 1440 mm or 2010 mm. The standard version uses a 50 mm hollow wrist with bearings on one side, whereas the Edition robot features a hollow wrist with bearings on both sides, a diameter of 46 mm and 0.04 mm repeatability.

“This is exactly right for entry-level applications in the field of arc welding,” Hollfelder-Asam confirms. “We were determined to deliver typical high Kuka quality. This means the hollow wrist supports optimal positioning for the welding process and avoids additional disruptive contours.”
For further information www.kuka.com

As a specialist in material handling and supply chain solutions, the Kion Group relies on Cloos automation solutions for welding industrial trucks. In total, the group uses more than 70 Cloos robot systems at eight manufacturing sites worldwide.

“In the years of collaboration with Cloos, we were able to develop new technology standards that have created added value for both sides,” explains Jürgen Grünewald, senior project manager – welding andautomation production technologies at the Kion Group.

For example, Cloos and Kion have developed a chained robot system for the automated welding of masts at the Stribro site.

With more than 40,000 employees in over 100 countries, Kion’s solutions improve the flow of materials and information in production plants, warehouses and distribution centres. More than 1.6 million forklift trucks and warehouse trucks and around 8000 installed systems are in use worldwide – at customers of various sizes in numerous industries.

The Stribro site in the Czech Republic has grown very strongly since opening. Around 70 of the approximately 400 employees work in the welding area. Due to the general shortage of skilled workers and many industrial companies in the region, it is not easy to find qualified employees. Kion wants to counter this issue with a high level of automation. The company currently uses seven robot welding systems at Stribro, with another in the assembly process.

“We chose Cloos because the company is the best provider on the market when it comes to combining welding processes and robot systems,” Grünewald emphasises. “This is a big advantage for Kion because welding is a key manufacturing process for us.”
For further information www.cloos.co.uk