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| name = KUKA AG | name = KUKA AG
| logo = KUKA-logo.svg | logo = KUKA-logo.svg
| type = '']'' | type = '']''
| traded_as = {{FWB|KU2}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1898}} | foundation = {{start date and age|1898}}
| location = ], Bavaria<!-- DO NOT LINK, see ] for further guidance -->, Germany | location = ], Bavaria<!-- DO NOT LINK, see ] for further guidance -->, Germany
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| industry = ] | industry = ]
| products = ]s, automated ]s | products = ]s, automated ]s
| revenue = €4.4 billion(2022)
| revenue = €3.5&nbsp;billion {{small|(2017)}}<ref name="Annual_Report_2017">{{cite web| url=https://www.kuka.com/en-de/investor-relations/reports-and-presentations/ | title=Annual Report 2017| access-date=15 July 2018| publisher=KUKA}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{€|102.7}}&nbsp;million (2017)<ref name="Annual_Report_2017" /> | operating_income = €118.4 million(2022)
| net_income = {{€|47.9}}&nbsp;million (2017)<ref name="Annual_Report_2017" /> | net_income = €-42.6 million(2022)
| assets = €2.58 billion(2022)
| assets = {{€|2,640.1}}&nbsp;million (2017)<ref name="Annual_Report_2017" />
| equity = €3.9 billion(2022)
| equity = {{€|866.6}}&nbsp;million (end 2017)<ref name="Annual_Report_2017" />
| num_employees = 14,256 (2017)<ref name="Annual_Report_2017" /> | num_employees = 15,000(2024)
| owner = ] | owner = ] (95%)
| divisions = {{Plainlist| | divisions = {{Plainlist|
* ] * ]
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}} }}
{{Infobox company {{Infobox company
| name = KUKA Systems GmbH | name = KUKA Systems GmbH
| logo = KUKA Logo 800x260.png | logo = KUKA Logo 800x260.png
| logo_size = 200px | logo_size = 200px
| caption = | caption =
| type = '']'' | type = '']''
| genre = | genre =
| fate = | fate =
| predecessor = | predecessor =
| successor = | successor =
| foundation = 1996 | foundation = 1996
| founder = Johann Josef Keller and Jakob Knappich | founder = Johann Josef Keller and Jakob Knappich
| defunct = | defunct =
| location_city = | location_city =
| location_country = | location_country =
| location = ], Germany<!-- DO NOT LINK, see ] for further guidance --> | location = ], Germany<!-- DO NOT LINK, see ] for further guidance -->
| locations = | locations =
| area_served = | area_served =
| key_people = | key_people =
| industry = Machine systems and plant engineering, automation technology | industry = Machine systems and plant engineering, automation technology
| products = Plant engineering, special purpose machine manufacturing, automotive, automation technology, joining technology, engineering, photovoltaic industry, equipment manufacturing, press automation, forming technology, welding technology, control systems | products = Plant engineering, special purpose machine manufacturing, automotive, automation technology, joining technology, engineering, photovoltaic industry, equipment manufacturing, press automation, forming technology, welding technology, control systems
| services = | services =
| revenue = {{Euro|1,025.3}}&nbsp;million (2012) | revenue = €4.4 billion(2022)
| operating_income = | operating_income =
| net_income = | net_income =
| aum = | aum =
| assets = | assets =
| equity = | equity =
| owner = | owner =
| num_employees = 3,902 (2012) (worldwide) | num_employees = 15,000(2024)
| parent = KUKA | parent = KUKA
| divisions = | divisions =
| subsid = | subsid =
| homepage = {{Official URL}} | homepage = {{Official URL}}
| footnotes = | footnotes =
| intl = | intl =
}} }}


'''KUKA''' is a German manufacturer of ]s and systems for factory ]. It has been predominantly owned by the Chinese company ] since 2016.<ref>https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/trending/gjozjwvrkhepx0jql2sshw2</ref> '''KUKA''' is a German manufacturer of ]s and factory ] systems. In 2016, the company was acquired by the Chinese appliance manufacturer ].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=19 May 2016 |title=China's Midea makes offer for German robotics group Kuka |url=https://www.ft.com/content/90f9f7ae-1cd4-11e6-b286-cddde55ca122 |publisher=Financial Times}}</ref>


The KUKA Robotics Corporation has 25 subsidiaries, mostly sales and service subsidiaries, in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Russia<ref name="kukarussia">{{cite web| url=http://dmliefer.ru/ru/content/kuka| title=KUKA in Russia| access-date=31 July 2013}}</ref> and in various European countries. The company name, KUKA, is an acronym for {{Em|Keller und Knappich Augsburg}}. It has 25 subsidiaries in countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Russia, and various European nations. KUKA is an acronym for {{Em|Keller und Knappich Augsburg}}.


'''KUKA Systems GmbH''', a division of KUKA, is a supplier of engineering services and automated manufacturing systems, with around 3,900 employees in twelve countries globally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuka-systems.com/en/company/worldwide/|title= KUKA Systems worldwide}}</ref> KUKA Systems’ plants/equipments are being used by automotive manufacturers, such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], and by manufacturers from other industrial sectors, such as ], ] and ]. The range includes products and services for task automation in the industrial processing of metallic and non-metallic materials for various industries including automotive, energy, aerospace, rail vehicles, and agricultural machinery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1474&Itemid=2|title= KUKA Systems delivers to new Volkswagen plant|access-date=23 April 2010 }}</ref> '''KUKA Systems GmbH''', a division of KUKA, is a supplier of engineering services and automated manufacturing systems with around 3,900 employees in twelve countries globally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuka-systems.com/en/company/worldwide/|title= KUKA Systems worldwide}}</ref> KUKA Systems’ plants and equipment are used by automotive manufacturers such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], as well as by manufacturers from other industrial sectors such as ], ] and ]. The range includes products and services for task automation in the industrial processing of metallic and non-metallic materials for various industries, including automotive, energy, aerospace, rail vehicles, and agricultural machinery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1474&Itemid=2|title= KUKA Systems delivers to new Volkswagen plant|access-date=23 April 2010 }}</ref>


== History == == History ==
] ]


The company was founded in 1898 in ], Germany, by Johann Josef Keller and Jacob Knappich. The acetylene factory Augsburg was founded in 1898 by Johann Josef Keller and Jakob Knappich for the production of low-cost domestic and municipal lighting, household appliances and automobile headlights. In 1905, the production was extended to the innovative autonomous welding equipment. After the First World War, Keller and Knappich resumed production of safety-, manual- and power-winches and began the manufacturing of large containers. As a result, the Bayerische Kesselwagen GmbH was formed in 1922. The new company was responsible for the development and production of superstructures for municipal vehicles (street cleaning machines, sewage trucks, garbage trucks). In 1927, this business division presented the first large garbage truck. The name KUKA came into being in the same year through the company's name at that time "Keller und Knappich Augsburg". In Hungary, the name - being prominently displayed on the first closed container garbage trucks - eventually became a ], and ultimately a synonym for ].<ref name="index.hu – Mi köze Kukának, a törpének a kukásautóhoz?">{{cite web |title=index.hu – Mi köze Kukának, a törpének a kukásautóhoz? |url=https://index.hu/fortepan/2020/06/20/kuka/ |publisher=© 1999-2020 Index.hu Zrt. |accessdate=2020-07-19 |last1=Tenczer |first1=Gábor |last2=Barakonyi (Képszerkesztő) |first2=Szabolcs |date=2020-06-20 |language=Hungarian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://seas.elte.hu/w/!moderntalking/a_metonimikus_szemetlada |title=A metonimikus szemétláda |author=Nádasdy Ádám |date=2003-09-18 |work=Magyar Narancs |accessdate=2022-07-17}}</ref> The acetylene factory Augsburg was founded in 1898 in ], Germany, by Johann Josef Keller and Jakob Knappich for the production of low-cost domestic and municipal lighting, household appliances, and automobile headlights. Their production extended into autonomous welding equipment in 1905.
After the First World War, Keller and Knappich resumed production of safety-winches, manual-winches, and power-winches and began manufacturing large containers. As a result, Bayerische Kesselwagen GmbH was formed in 1922. The new company developed and produced superstructures for municipal vehicles. In 1927, this business division presented the first large garbage truck.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}} The name KUKA came into being in the same year through the company's name at that time, "Keller und Knappich Augsburg". In Hungary, the name—being prominently displayed on the first closed container garbage trucks—eventually became a ] and ultimately a ] for ].<ref name="index.hu – Mi köze Kukának, a törpének a kukásautóhoz?">{{cite web |title=index.hu – Mi köze Kukának, a törpének a kukásautóhoz? |url=https://index.hu/fortepan/2020/06/20/kuka/ |publisher=© 1999-2020 Index.hu Zrt. |accessdate=2020-07-19 |last1=Tenczer |first1=Gábor |last2=Barakonyi (Képszerkesztő) |first2=Szabolcs |date=2020-06-20 |language=Hungarian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://seas.elte.hu/w/!moderntalking/a_metonimikus_szemetlada |title=A metonimikus szemétláda |author=Nádasdy Ádám |date=2003-09-18 |work=Magyar Narancs |accessdate=2022-07-17}}</ref>


Keller & Knappich GmbH merged with part of Industrie-Werke Karlsruhe AG to become Industrie-Werke Karlsruhe Augsburg Aktiengesellschaft, eventually KUKA (Keller und Knappich Augsburg) for short. Keller & Knappich GmbH merged with part of Industrie-Werke Karlsruhe AG to become Industrie-Werke Karlsruhe Augsburg Aktiengesellschaft, eventually shortened to KUKA (Keller und Knappich Augsburg).


The development and manufacture of ] equipment began in 1936. Three years later, KUKA already had more than 1,000 employees. After the major destruction of the company during the Second World War in 1945, KUKA started manufacturing welding machines and other small appliances again. With new products such as the double-cylinder circular knitting machine and the portable typewriter "Princess", KUKA introduced new industrial fields and gained independence from the supply sector. The development and manufacture of ] equipment began in 1936. By 1939, KUKA had more than 1,000 employees.


Starting in 1934, KUKA expanded to become a major company. Its owners joined the ] early on and benefited from the contacts this provided. The production of machine tools and machine components for the increasing demands of the arms industry, such as being an important supplier for ], and of anti-aircraft guns led to significant workforce expansion. The company had 1,000 employees in 1939, and this number steadily increased with the use of prisoners of war, “civilian workers,” and concentration camp prisoners. In 1944, 1,400 people working for “KUKA” were housed in Collective Camp II alone.<ref></ref>
⚫ In 1956, KUKA manufactured the first automatic welding system for refrigerators and washing machines and supplied the first multi-spot welding line to Volkswagen AG. Ten years later, the first ] machine went into production.


After the major destruction of the company during the Second World War in 1945, KUKA resumed manufacturing welding machines and other small appliances. With new products such as the double-cylinder circular knitting machine and the portable typewriter "Princess," KUKA introduced new industrial fields and gained independence from the supply sector.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Product distributor |url=https://servosupplier.com/pages/about |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=Servo Supplier |language=en}}</ref>
⚫ In 1967, the arc welding method was applied for the first time at KUKA. In 1971, the delivery of the first robotic welding system for the S-Class took place. A year later, the magnetic arc-welding machine came to the market.

⚫ In 1956, KUKA manufactured the first automatic welding system for refrigerators and washing machines and supplied the first multi-spot welding line to Volkswagen AG. Ten years later, the first ] machine went into production.


⚫ In 1971, the delivery of the first robotic welding system for the S-Class took place. A year later, the magnetic arc-welding machine came to market.
⚫ In 1973, KUKA created its own industrial robot FAMULUS.<ref></ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifr.org/uploads/media/History_of_Industrial_Robots_online_brochure_by_IFR_2012.pdf |title=History of Industrial Robots |access-date=27 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224213437/http://www.ifr.org/uploads/media/History_of_Industrial_Robots_online_brochure_by_IFR_2012.pdf |archive-date=24 December 2012 }}</ref> At that time, the company belonged to the ] group.


⚫ In 1973, KUKA created its own industrial robot, FAMULUS.<ref></ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifr.org/uploads/media/History_of_Industrial_Robots_online_brochure_by_IFR_2012.pdf |title=History of Industrial Robots |access-date=27 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224213437/http://www.ifr.org/uploads/media/History_of_Industrial_Robots_online_brochure_by_IFR_2012.pdf |archive-date=24 December 2012 }}</ref> At that time, the company belonged to the ] group.
In 1978, beginning with the IR 601/60, robot production went into mass production


In 1980, the ] family withdrew and a publicly owned firm was established. In 1981, KUKA's main activities were grouped into three independent companies: the ''KUKA Schweissanlagen und Roboter GmbH'', the ''KUKA Umwelttechnik GmbH'' and the ''KUKA Wehrtechnik GmbH'', which was re-sold to ''Rheinmetall'' in 1999. Towards the end of 1982, the ''LSW Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Bremen'' became a subsidiary of KUKA. In 1980, the ] family withdrew and a publicly owned firm was established. In 1981, KUKA's main activities were grouped into three independent companies: ''KUKA Schweissanlagen und Roboter GmbH'', ''KUKA Umwelttechnik GmbH'' and ''KUKA Wehrtechnik GmbH'', which was re-sold to ''Rheinmetall'' in 1999. Towards the end of 1982, ''LSW Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Bremen'' became a subsidiary of KUKA.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Over 50 years of robotics expertise |url=https://www.kuka.com/pl-pl/firma/iimagazine/2023/11/experience-the-german-engineering-spirit |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=KUKA AG |language=pl-PL}}</ref>


In 1993, the first laser-roof-seam welding systems were manufactured. These welding systems were then further expanded to adhesive bonding and sealing technologies in the following year. Around the same time, KUKA took over the tools & equipment manufacturers ''Schwarzenberg GmbH'' and expanded its business to China and the USA in the following years. In 1993, the first laser-roof-seam welding systems were manufactured. These welding systems were then further expanded to adhesive bonding and sealing technologies in the following year. Around the same time, KUKA took over the tools and equipment manufacturers ''Schwarzenberg GmbH'' and expanded its business to China and the USA in the following years.


In 1995, the company was split into KUKA Robotics Corporation and KUKA Schweißanlagen (now KUKA Systems), now both subsidiaries of KUKA AG. The company is a member of the ] (RIA), of the ] (IFR) and the German engineering association ]. In 1995, the company was split into KUKA Robotics Corporation and KUKA Schweißanlagen (now KUKA Systems), both subsidiaries of KUKA AG. The company is a member of the ] (RIA), the ] (IFR), and the German engineering association ].
In 1996, ''KUKA Schweissanlagen GmbH'' became an independent company and, two years later, the leader among European welding equipment manufacturers. The supply of the first pressing tools for automobile side-walls made of high-strength steel began in 2002. The company launched the KUKA RoboScan with remote laser welding head in 2003. Since 2006, ''KUKA Systems'' is operating its own body shell factory in ], Ohio, and produces the bodywork for the ] by Chrysler. In 1996, ''KUKA Schweissanlagen ]'' became an independent company and, two years later, became the leader among European welding equipment manufacturers. The supply of the first pressing tools for automobile side-walls made of high-strength steel began in 2002. The company launched the KUKA RoboScan with a remote laser welding head in 2003. Since 2006, ''KUKA Systems'' has operated its own body shell factory in ], Ohio, producing the bodywork for the ] by Chrysler.


In the course of internationalisation and expansion of business units and technologies such as reshaping, tooling, bonding, sealing, etc., ''KUKA Schweissanlagen GmbH'' became ''KUKA Systems GmbH'' in 2007. In 2010, KUKA presented a newly developed standardised cell concept for welding machines, KUKA flexibleCUBE. In the course of internationalisation and expansion of business units and technologies such as reshaping, tooling, bonding, sealing, etc., ''KUKA Schweissanlagen GmbH'' became ''KUKA Systems GmbH'' in 2007. In 2010, KUKA presented a newly developed standardized cell concept for welding machines, KUKA flexibleCUBE.


In the automation sector, KUKA Systems offers standard and customised products for industrial production automation; joining technologies and component handling are amongst their activity. The technologies are tested and the production processes are fully optimised prior to the development. In addition, KUKA Systems offers engineering and individual counselling.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kuka-systems.com/en/company/group/history/1898|title= Company history located on the KUKA Systems Homepage|access-date=21 April 2010 }}</ref> In the automation sector, KUKA Systems offers standard and customized products for industrial production automation; joining technologies and component handling are among their activities. The technologies are tested, and the production processes are fully optimized before development. Additionally, KUKA Systems offers engineering and individual counseling.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kuka-systems.com/en/company/group/history/1898|title= Company history located on the KUKA Systems Homepage|access-date=21 April 2010 }}</ref>


In June 2016, ] offered to buy Kuka for about €4.5&nbsp;billion ($5&nbsp;billion). Midea completed the takeover bid in January 2017 by purchasing a 94.55% voting stake in the company.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's Midea receives U.S. green light for Kuka takeover |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kuka-m-a-mideamidea-group/chinas-midea-receives-u-s-green-light-for-kuka-takeover-idUSKBN14J0SP|agency=Reuters|date=30 December 2016}}</ref> In June 2016, ] offered to buy Kuka for about €4.5 billion ($5 billion). Midea completed the take over bid in January 2017 by purchasing the 94.55% voting stake in the company.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's Midea receives U.S. green light for Kuka takeover |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kuka-m-a-mideamidea-group/chinas-midea-receives-u-s-green-light-for-kuka-takeover-idUSKBN14J0SP|work=Reuters|date=30 December 2016}}</ref>


In late 2017 Kuka announced that 250 employees of KUKA Systems were terminated. The management named trouble with projects as a reason.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/augsburg/Kuka-baut-250-Stellen-ab-id43272376.html|title= Local german newspaper|access-date=9 February 2018 }}</ref> In late 2017, Kuka announced that 250 employees of KUKA Systems were terminated. The management cited project troubles as the reason.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/augsburg/Kuka-baut-250-Stellen-ab-id43272376.html|title= Local german newspaper|date= 17 November 2017|access-date=9 February 2018 }}</ref>


Most robots are finished in "KUKA Orange" (the official corporate colour) or black. Most robots are finished in "KUKA Orange" (the official corporate color) or black.


== Corporate structure == == Corporate structure ==
The company is headquartered in ], Germany. As of December 2014, KUKA employed more than 13,000 workers.<ref name="AnnualReport2016">{{cite web| url=http://www.kuka.com/-/media/kuka-corporate/documents/ir/reports-and-presentations/annual-report/kuka-annual-report-2016.pdf| title=Annual Report 2016| access-date=28 January 2018| publisher=KUKA| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114080323/http://www.kuka-ag.de/res/AG/financial_reports/2015/kuka_gb14_e_s.pdf| archive-date=14 January 2016}}</ref> While previously emphasising customers in the ] industry, the company has since expanded to other industries. It has 5 divisions:<ref>{{cite web |title=Corporate structure |url=https://www.kuka.com/en-au/about-kuka/corporate-structure |website=KUKA AG |access-date=31 December 2019 |language=en-AU}}</ref> The company is headquartered in ], Germany. As of December 2014, KUKA employed more than 13,000 workers.<ref name="AnnualReport2016">{{cite web| url=http://www.kuka.com/-/media/kuka-corporate/documents/ir/reports-and-presentations/annual-report/kuka-annual-report-2016.pdf| title=Annual Report 2016| access-date=28 January 2018| publisher=KUKA| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114080323/http://www.kuka-ag.de/res/AG/financial_reports/2015/kuka_gb14_e_s.pdf| archive-date=14 January 2016}}</ref> While previously emphasizing customers in the ] industry, the company has since expanded to other industries. It has five divisions:<ref>{{cite web |title=Corporate structure |url=https://www.kuka.com/en-au/about-kuka/corporate-structure |website=KUKA AG |access-date=31 December 2019 |language=en-AU}}</ref>
*Systems *Systems
*Robotics *Robotics
*Swisslog Logistics Automation *Swisslog Logistics Automation
*Swisslog Healthcare *Swisslog Healthcare
*China *''China''<ref name=":1" />


== Notable milestones == == Notable milestones ==
⚫ 1971 – Europe's first welding transfer line built for ].


⚫ * 1971: Europe's first welding transfer line built for ].
1973 – The world's first industrial robot with six electromechanically driven axes, known as FAMULUS. * 1973: The world's first industrial robot with six electromechanically driven axes, known as FAMULUS.

1976 – IR 6/60 – An utterly new robot type with six electromechanically driven axes and an offset wrist. * 1976: IR 6/60 – A new robot type with six electromechanically driven axes and an offset wrist.
⚫ * 1989: A new generation of industrial robots is developed – brushless drive motors for low maintenance and higher technical availability.

⚫ * 2004: The first ] KUKA LBR 3 is released. This computer controlled lightweight robot can interact directly with humans without safety fences, resulting from a collaboration with the ] institute since 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dlr.de/rm/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-12464/21732_read-44586/ |title=History of the DLR LWR |date=17 March 2018 }}</ref>
⚫ 1989 – A new generation of industrial robots is developed – brushless drive motors for a low maintenance and a higher technical availability.
⚫ * 2007: KUKA Titan – at the time, the biggest and strongest industrial robot with six axes, entered the ].<ref>Guinness World Records Ltd. (Hrsg.): Guinness World Records 2007. Bibliographic Institute, Mannheim, 2007. {{ISBN|978-3411140770}}</ref>

⚫ * 2010: The robot series KR QUANTEC completely covers the load range of 90 to 300&nbsp;kg with a reach of up to 3100&nbsp;mm.
⚫ 2004 – The first ] KUKA LBR 3 is released. This computer controlled lightweight robot is able to interact directly with humans without safety fences and was the result of a collaboration with the ] institute since 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dlr.de/rm/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-12464/21732_read-44586/ |title=History of the DLR LWR |date=17 March 2018 }}</ref>
⚫ * 2012: The new small robot series KR AGILUS is launched.

⚫ * 2014: The company gained recognition with a video supposedly teasing their new robot, specialized in Table Tennis, showing a match against ], a German professional. The video, a commercial with heavy CGI, received criticism from the table tennis community but has been viewed over 10 million times on YouTube and has won numerous awards.<ref></ref>
⚫ 2007 – KUKA Titan – at the time, the biggest and strongest industrial robot with six axes, entered into the ].<ref>Guinness World Records Ltd. (Hrsg.): Guinness World Records 2007. Bibliographic Institute, Mannheim, 2007. {{ISBN|978-3411140770}}</ref>
⚫ * 2016: KUKA was acquired by the Chinese company ].<ref>{{cite news|title=China's Midea Has 86% of Robot-Maker in $4.4 Billion Bid|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-20/china-s-midea-has-86-of-robot-maker-kuka-in-4-4-billion-bid|work=Bloomberg.com|date=20 July 2016}}</ref>

* 2024: KUKA's next generation comes to Modex 2024.
⚫ 2010 – As the only robot family, the robot series KR QUANTEC completely covers the load range of 90 up to 300&nbsp;kg with a reach of up to 3100&nbsp;mm for the first time.

⚫ 2012 – The new small robot series KR AGILUS is launched.

⚫ 2014 – With a video released in March, the company gained some recognition with the general public. The video supposedly teased their new robot, specialised in Table Tennis and shows a match against ], a German professional. It is however not a real match but a commercial with heavy CGI and the video received strong criticism from the table tennis community. The video has been viewed over 10 million times on YouTube and has won numerous awards.<ref></ref>

⚫ 2016 – It has been bought by the Chinese company ].<ref>{{cite news|title=China's Midea Has 86% of Robot-Maker in $4.4 Billion Bid|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-20/china-s-midea-has-86-of-robot-maker-kuka-in-4-4-billion-bid|work=Bloomberg.com|date=20 July 2016}}</ref>

2017 – KUKA robots are heavily featured in a music video<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAdqazixuRY| title = AUTOMATICA – Robots Vs. Music – Nigel Stanford | via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> by artist ].


== System information and application areas == == System information and application areas ==
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]


=== System information === === System information ===
The KUKA system software is the operating software and the heart of the entire control. In it, all basic functions are stored which are needed for the deployment of the robot system. The KUKA system software is the operating software and the core of the entire control system. It contains all the basic functions needed for the deployment of the robot system.


Robots come with a control panel(the KCP, or KUKAControlPanel), also known as a ], that has a display and axis control buttons for A1-A6, as well an integrated ] mouse, with which the robot can be moved in manual(teaching) mode. The pendant also allows the user to view and modify existing programs, as well as create new ones. To manually control the axes, an enabling switch (also called a ]) on the back of the pendant must be pressed halfway in for motion to be possible. The connection to the controller is a proprietary video interface and ] for the safety interlock system and button operation. Robots come with a control panel (the KCP, or KUKA Control Panel), also known as a ], which features a display and axis control buttons for A1-A6, as well as an integrated ] mouse that allows the robot to be moved in manual (teaching) mode. The pendant also enables users to view and modify existing programs, as well as create new ones. To manually control the axes, an enabling switch (also called a ]) on the back of the pendant must be pressed halfway for motion to be possible. The connection to the controller is a proprietary video interface and ] for the safety interlock system and button operation.


A ] located in the control cabinet communicates with the robot system via the MFC,<ref name=":0">Multi Function Card</ref> which controls the real-time servo drive electronics. Servo position feedback is transmitted to the controller through the so-called DSE-RDW/RDC<ref>Resolver Digital Converter</ref> connection. The DSE<ref>Digital Servo Electronics</ref> board is in the control cabinet, usually located on or integrated into the MFC, the RDW/RDC board in located in the base of the robot. A ] located in the control cabinet communicates with the robot system via the MFC,<ref name=":0">Multi Function Card</ref> which controls the real-time servo drive electronics. Servo position feedback is transmitted to the controller through the DSE-RDW/RDC<ref>Resolver Digital Converter</ref> connection. The DSE<ref>Digital Servo Electronics</ref> board is in the control cabinet, usually located on or integrated into the MFC, while the RDW/RDC board in located in the base of the robot.


The software comprises two elements running simultaneously – the user interface and program storage, which is run on Windows 95 for KRC1 and early KRC2 controllers, Windows XP Embedded for KRC2 controllers, and Windows 7 Embedded for KRC4 controllers, as well as VxWin,<ref>{{cite web |title=VxWin – Windows real-time platform |url=https://www.acontis.com/en/vxworks-hypervisor.html |access-date=17 April 2019}}</ref> a KUKA-modified version of the VxWorks ] for program control and motion planning, which communicates to the MFC.<ref name=":0" /> The software comprises two elements running simultaneously: the user interface and program storage, which run on Windows 95 for KRC1 and early KRC2 controllers, Windows XP Embedded for KRC2 controllers, and Windows 7 Embedded for KRC4 controllers, as well as VxWin,<ref>{{cite web |title=VxWin – Windows real-time platform |url=https://www.acontis.com/en/vxworks-hypervisor.html |access-date=17 April 2019}}</ref> a KUKA-modified version of the VxWorks ] for program control and motion planning, which communicates with the MFC.<ref name=":0" />


The systems also contain standard PC peripherals, such as a CD-ROM drive(or 3.5" floppy on older controllers), USB ports, as well as a standard interface, either ISA or PCI/PCIe, for adding software and hardware options for industrial automation, such as ], ], ] and ], and others. The systems also contain standard PC peripherals, such as a CD-ROM drive(or 3.5" floppy on older controllers), USB ports, as well as a standard interface, either ISA or PCI/PCIe, for adding software and hardware options for industrial automation, such as ], ], ] and ], among others.


== Fields of application == == Fields of application ==


=== Aerospace === === Aerospace ===
]


KUKA Systems supplied the ] cell for the upper stage of the ] launcher-rocket. KUKA Systems supplied the ] cell for the upper stage of the ] launcher-rocket.
TIG welding stands for tungsten inert gas welding and is a special form of arc welding and is one of the core activities of KUKA Systems. The company also provides apparatuses appliances for the construction of aircraft structural elements. TIG welding stands for tungsten inert gas welding and is a special form of arc welding, which is one of the core activities of KUKA Systems. The company also provides apparatuses and appliances for the construction of aircraft structural elements. Aerospace customers include ], ], ] and ].

], ], ] and ] are among KUKA Systems' respective customers.


{{Clear}} {{Clear}}


=== Automotive === === Automotive ===
]


The KUKA Systems portfolio includes the spectrum of production automation of joining and assembling of vehicle body structures: from low-scale automated production facilities to highly flexible manufacturing systems; from production of individual equipments or subassemblies to the assembly of complete body structures and mechanical parts. Equipments for assembling discs and mounting systems for vehicle bodies and chassis (so-called “marriage”) or component installation are also available. The KUKA Systems portfolio includes a wide range of production automation solutions for joining and assembling vehicle body structures, from low-scale automated production facilities to highly flexible manufacturing systems. This includes the production of individual equipment or subassemblies to the assembly of complete body structures and mechanical parts. Equipment for assembling discs, mounting systems for vehicle bodies and chassis (so-called “marriage”), and component installation are also available.


BMW, GM, Chrysler, Ford, Volvo,Hyundai, Volkswagen and Daimler AG are among the customers in this business sector. BMW, GM, Chrysler, Ford, Volvo, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Daimler AG are among the customers in this business sector.


{{Clear}} {{Clear}}


=== Production of rail vehicles === === Production of rail vehicles ===
]


Manufacturers of rail vehicles are also among the customers of KUKA Systems e.g., for the construction of locomotives, subway wagons or in setting up of innovative and highly automated production lines for freight wagons. Manufacturers of rail vehicles are also customers of KUKA Systems, for the construction of locomotives, subway wagons, or in setting up innovative and highly automated production lines for freight wagons.


{{Clear}} {{Clear}}


=== Production of photovoltaic modules === === Production of photovoltaic modules ===
]


KUKA Systems offers solutions for every step of the photovoltaic module production – from brick-sawing to cell handling and cross-tie soldering to framing and packaging of modules. KUKA Systems offers solutions for every step of photovoltaic module production, from brick-sawing to cell handling and cross-tie soldering to framing and packaging of modules.


{{Clear}} {{Clear}}


=== Welding technology – General === === Welding technology – General ===
]


KUKA Systems represents itself in various other industrial sectors as well. A few examples out of many are the production of baby strollers or the production of white goods for BSH (Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH). KUKA Systems is active in various other industrial sectors as well. Examples include the production of baby strollers and the production of white goods for BSH (Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH).


{{Clear}} {{Clear}}
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=== Application areas === === Application areas ===
The industrial robots are used in many application areas, such as material handling, loading, and unloading of machines, palletising and depalletising, spot and arc welding. They are used in some large companies, predominantly in the automotive industry, but also in other industries such as the aerospace industry. Specific applications include: Industrial robots are employed across various sectors including material handling, machine loading and unloading, palletizing and depalletizing, spot and arc welding. They are prominently utilized by large enterprises, primarily in automotive and aerospace industries. Specific applications include:
* Transport industry: for the transport of heavy loads, where their load capacity and free positioning are used. * Transport industry: Used handling heavy loads, leveraging their load capacity and maneuverability.
* Food and beverage industry: for tasks such as loading and unloading of packaging machines, cutting meat, stacking and palletising, and quality control. * Food and beverage industry: Tasks include loading and unloading of packaging machines, meat cutting, stacking, palletizing, and quality control.
* Construction industry: e.g., for ensuring an even flow of material. * Construction industry: Ensures smooth material flow.
* Glass industry: used, for instance in the thermal treatment of glass and quartz glass in laboratory glass production, bending and forming operations. * Glass industry: Applications range from thermal treatment of glass and quartz in laboratory settings to bending and forming operations.
* Foundry and forging industry: the robots' heat and dirt resistance enable them to be used directly before, in and on the casting machines. They can also be used for operations such as ], ], or ], and for quality control. * Foundry and forging industry: Robots are resistant to heat and dirt, enabling their use in and around casting machines for tasks like ], ], ], and for quality assurance.
* Wood industry: for grinding, ], drilling, ], ] or sorting applications. * Wood industry: Applications include grinding, ], drilling, ], ], and sorting.
* Metal processing: for operations such as drilling, milling, sawing or bending and punching. Industrial robots are used in welding, assembly, loading and unloading processes. * Metal processing: Used in drilling, milling, sawing, bending, punching, as well as in welding, assembly, loading, and unloading operations.
* Stone processing: the ceramic and stone industries use the industrial robots for stone cutting and shaping. KUKA has an exclusive partnership with BACA Systems to develop this technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Innovative solutions in the stone cutting industry: 100 robots for BACA Systems in North America|url=https://www.kuka.com/en-us/company/press/news/2021/06/100-robots-for-baca-systems-in-north-america|access-date=8 September 2021|website=KUKA AG|language=en-US}}</ref> * Stone processing: Industrial robots are employed in ceramic and stone industries for tasks like cutting and shaping. KUKA collaborates exclusively with BACA Systems to advance this technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Innovative solutions in the stone cutting industry: 100 robots for BACA Systems in North America|url=https://www.kuka.com/en-us/company/press/news/2021/06/100-robots-for-baca-systems-in-north-america|access-date=8 September 2021|website=KUKA AG|language=en-US}}</ref>


== KUKA Entertainment == == KUKA Entertainment ==
In 2001, KUKA formed a partnership with ] to develop the world's first passenger-carrying industrial robot. The ride uses ]-style seats attached to robotic arms and provides a roller coaster-like motion sequence through a series of programmable manoeuvres. Riders themselves can also program the motions of their ride. A second generation system, the RoboCoaster G2, was deployed at ]'s ] theme park in ], Florida in 2010, in conjunction with ]. ]'s seats are mounted on robotic arms, which are in turn mounted on a track allowing the arms to travel through the attraction while performing their movements in synchronisation with the ride's show elements (animated props, projection surfaces, etc.).<ref>{{cite web|last=Harry Potter World Orlando (22 March 2010)|title="Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" Attraction Details|url=http://harrypotterworldorlando.com/amazing-attraction-planed-for-harry-potter-theme-park/|publisher=Harry Potter World Orlando|access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kuka Entertainment |title=Kuka Entertainment – Robocoaster |url=http://www.kuka-entertainment.com/en/products/robocoaster/ |publisher=Kuka Entertainment |access-date=29 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100807164950/http://www.kuka-entertainment.com/en/products/robocoaster/ |archive-date=7 August 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kuka Industrial Robots |title=Kuka Industrial Robots – Robocoaster |url=http://www.kuka-robotics.com/en/products/systems/robocoaster/ |publisher=Kuka Industrial Robots |access-date=29 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530012909/http://www.kuka-robotics.com/en/products/systems/robocoaster/ |archive-date=30 May 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Robocoaster (22 March 2010)|title=Large & Theme Park Solutions|url=http://www.robocoaster.com/content/large-and-theme-park-solutions|publisher=Robocoaster|access-date=29 June 2010}}</ref> In 2001, KUKA partnered with ] to develop the world's first passenger-carrying industrial robot. This robotic ride features ]-style seats attached to robotic arms, offering programmable manoeuvres. Riders themselves can also program the motions of their ride. A second-generation system, the RoboCoaster G2, launched in 2010 at ]'s ] theme park in ], Florida, enhances the experience with synchronized movements through attractions like ]'s. The seats are mounted on robotic arms, which are then affixed to a track, enabling the arms to navigate through the attraction while synchronizing their movements with the show elements of the ride (including animated props, projection surfaces, etc.).<ref>{{cite web|last=Harry Potter World Orlando (22 March 2010)|title="Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" Attraction Details|url=http://harrypotterworldorlando.com/amazing-attraction-planed-for-harry-potter-theme-park/|publisher=Harry Potter World Orlando|access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kuka Entertainment |title=Kuka Entertainment – Robocoaster |url=http://www.kuka-entertainment.com/en/products/robocoaster/ |publisher=Kuka Entertainment |access-date=29 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100807164950/http://www.kuka-entertainment.com/en/products/robocoaster/ |archive-date=7 August 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kuka Industrial Robots |title=Kuka Industrial Robots – Robocoaster |url=http://www.kuka-robotics.com/en/products/systems/robocoaster/ |publisher=Kuka Industrial Robots |access-date=29 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530012909/http://www.kuka-robotics.com/en/products/systems/robocoaster/ |archive-date=30 May 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Robocoaster (22 March 2010)|title=Large & Theme Park Solutions|url=http://www.robocoaster.com/content/large-and-theme-park-solutions|publisher=Robocoaster|access-date=29 June 2010}}</ref>


KUKA's partnership with RoboCoaster has also seen KUKA robots appear in some Hollywood films. In the James Bond film '']'', in a scene depicting an ice palace in ], NSA agent Jinx, played by ], is threatened by laser-wielding robots. In the ] film '']'', a KUKA robot hands ]’ character Robert Langdon a container containing a ]. KUKA's collaboration with RoboCoaster extends to Hollywood, with appearances in films such as '']'', where KUKA robots depicted laser-wielding threats in an ] ice palace scene, and '']'', where a KUKA robot handed Robert Langdon a ].


In 2007, KUKA introduced a simulator, based on the Robocoaster.<ref> Retrieved 11 January 2008.</ref> RoboCoaster Ltd does not market this product. An installation of this version is ] ride at ] in ]. In 2007, KUKA introduced a simulator based on the Robocoaster,<ref> Retrieved 11 January 2008.</ref> featured in attractions like ] ride at ] in ].


In recent years, KUKA robotic arms can be found on Royal Caribbean cruise liners at their bionic bars. The user selects their desired drink or creates a custom one on a tablet interface. The robotic arms then use an array of spirits, mixers and liqueurs to accurately and precisely craft the desired cocktail. Recently, KUKA robotic arms have been integrated into Royal Caribbean cruise liners' bionic bars. Users select drinks via tablet interface, with robotic arms mixing an array of spirits, mixers, and liqueurs to craft custom cocktails.


== Gallery == == Gallery ==
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File:Welding Nahtschweißen.jpg|1974 Seam welding File:Welding Nahtschweißen.jpg|1974 Seam welding
</gallery> </gallery>

== See also ==
*]
*]
*]


== References == == References ==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|KUKA AG|KUKA Systems}}

* {{Official website}}
*
*
* (YouTube)
* {{PM20|FID=co/013646|TEXT=Documents and clippings about|NAME=}}
*
*


{{Amusement rides}} {{Amusement rides}}
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Latest revision as of 04:19, 10 December 2024

German robot manufacturer This article is about the industrial robot manufacturer. For the U.S. radio station, see KUKA (FM). For other uses, see Kuka.
This article contains promotional content. Please help improve it by removing promotional language and inappropriate external links, and by adding encyclopedic text written from a neutral point of view. (July 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

KUKA AG
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryAutomation
Founded1898; 126 years ago (1898)
HeadquartersAugsburg, Bavaria, Germany
Key peoplePeter Mohnen (CEO and chairman)
ProductsIndustrial robots, automated production lines
Revenue€4.4 billion(2022)
Operating income€118.4 million(2022)
Net income€-42.6 million(2022)
Total assets€2.58 billion(2022)
Total equity€3.9 billion(2022)
OwnerMidea Group (95%)
Number of employees15,000(2024)
Divisions
Websitewww.kuka.com Edit this at Wikidata
KUKA Systems GmbH
Company typeGmbH
IndustryMachine systems and plant engineering, automation technology
Founded1996
FounderJohann Josef Keller and Jakob Knappich
HeadquartersAugsburg, Germany
ProductsPlant engineering, special purpose machine manufacturing, automotive, automation technology, joining technology, engineering, photovoltaic industry, equipment manufacturing, press automation, forming technology, welding technology, control systems
Revenue€4.4 billion(2022)
Number of employees15,000(2024)
ParentKUKA
Websitewww.kuka.com Edit this at Wikidata

KUKA is a German manufacturer of industrial robots and factory automation systems. In 2016, the company was acquired by the Chinese appliance manufacturer Midea Group.

It has 25 subsidiaries in countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Russia, and various European nations. KUKA is an acronym for Keller und Knappich Augsburg.

KUKA Systems GmbH, a division of KUKA, is a supplier of engineering services and automated manufacturing systems with around 3,900 employees in twelve countries globally. KUKA Systems’ plants and equipment are used by automotive manufacturers such as BMW, GM, Chrysler, Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen, Daimler AG and Valmet Automotive, as well as by manufacturers from other industrial sectors such as Airbus, Astrium and Siemens. The range includes products and services for task automation in the industrial processing of metallic and non-metallic materials for various industries, including automotive, energy, aerospace, rail vehicles, and agricultural machinery.

History

The company was founded in 1898 by Johann Josef Keller and Jacob Knappich.

The acetylene factory Augsburg was founded in 1898 in Augsburg, Germany, by Johann Josef Keller and Jakob Knappich for the production of low-cost domestic and municipal lighting, household appliances, and automobile headlights. Their production extended into autonomous welding equipment in 1905.

After the First World War, Keller and Knappich resumed production of safety-winches, manual-winches, and power-winches and began manufacturing large containers. As a result, Bayerische Kesselwagen GmbH was formed in 1922. The new company developed and produced superstructures for municipal vehicles. In 1927, this business division presented the first large garbage truck. The name KUKA came into being in the same year through the company's name at that time, "Keller und Knappich Augsburg". In Hungary, the name—being prominently displayed on the first closed container garbage trucks—eventually became a generic trademark and ultimately a synonym for trash cans.

Keller & Knappich GmbH merged with part of Industrie-Werke Karlsruhe AG to become Industrie-Werke Karlsruhe Augsburg Aktiengesellschaft, eventually shortened to KUKA (Keller und Knappich Augsburg).

The development and manufacture of spot welding equipment began in 1936. By 1939, KUKA had more than 1,000 employees.

Starting in 1934, KUKA expanded to become a major company. Its owners joined the NSDAP early on and benefited from the contacts this provided. The production of machine tools and machine components for the increasing demands of the arms industry, such as being an important supplier for Messerschmitt AG, and of anti-aircraft guns led to significant workforce expansion. The company had 1,000 employees in 1939, and this number steadily increased with the use of prisoners of war, “civilian workers,” and concentration camp prisoners. In 1944, 1,400 people working for “KUKA” were housed in Collective Camp II alone.

After the major destruction of the company during the Second World War in 1945, KUKA resumed manufacturing welding machines and other small appliances. With new products such as the double-cylinder circular knitting machine and the portable typewriter "Princess," KUKA introduced new industrial fields and gained independence from the supply sector.

In 1956, KUKA manufactured the first automatic welding system for refrigerators and washing machines and supplied the first multi-spot welding line to Volkswagen AG. Ten years later, the first friction welding machine went into production.

In 1971, the delivery of the first robotic welding system for the S-Class took place. A year later, the magnetic arc-welding machine came to market.

In 1973, KUKA created its own industrial robot, FAMULUS. At that time, the company belonged to the Quandt group.

In 1980, the Quandt family withdrew and a publicly owned firm was established. In 1981, KUKA's main activities were grouped into three independent companies: KUKA Schweissanlagen und Roboter GmbH, KUKA Umwelttechnik GmbH and KUKA Wehrtechnik GmbH, which was re-sold to Rheinmetall in 1999. Towards the end of 1982, LSW Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Bremen became a subsidiary of KUKA.

In 1993, the first laser-roof-seam welding systems were manufactured. These welding systems were then further expanded to adhesive bonding and sealing technologies in the following year. Around the same time, KUKA took over the tools and equipment manufacturers Schwarzenberg GmbH and expanded its business to China and the USA in the following years.

In 1995, the company was split into KUKA Robotics Corporation and KUKA Schweißanlagen (now KUKA Systems), both subsidiaries of KUKA AG. The company is a member of the Robotics Industries Association (RIA), the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), and the German engineering association VDMA.

In 1996, KUKA Schweissanlagen GmbH became an independent company and, two years later, became the leader among European welding equipment manufacturers. The supply of the first pressing tools for automobile side-walls made of high-strength steel began in 2002. The company launched the KUKA RoboScan with a remote laser welding head in 2003. Since 2006, KUKA Systems has operated its own body shell factory in Toledo, Ohio, producing the bodywork for the Jeep Wrangler by Chrysler.

In the course of internationalisation and expansion of business units and technologies such as reshaping, tooling, bonding, sealing, etc., KUKA Schweissanlagen GmbH became KUKA Systems GmbH in 2007. In 2010, KUKA presented a newly developed standardized cell concept for welding machines, KUKA flexibleCUBE.

In the automation sector, KUKA Systems offers standard and customized products for industrial production automation; joining technologies and component handling are among their activities. The technologies are tested, and the production processes are fully optimized before development. Additionally, KUKA Systems offers engineering and individual counseling.

In June 2016, Midea Group offered to buy Kuka for about €4.5 billion ($5 billion). Midea completed the take over bid in January 2017 by purchasing the 94.55% voting stake in the company.

In late 2017, Kuka announced that 250 employees of KUKA Systems were terminated. The management cited project troubles as the reason.

Most robots are finished in "KUKA Orange" (the official corporate color) or black.

Corporate structure

The company is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany. As of December 2014, KUKA employed more than 13,000 workers. While previously emphasizing customers in the automotive industry, the company has since expanded to other industries. It has five divisions:

  • Systems
  • Robotics
  • Swisslog Logistics Automation
  • Swisslog Healthcare
  • China

Notable milestones

  • 1971: Europe's first welding transfer line built for Daimler-Benz.
  • 1973: The world's first industrial robot with six electromechanically driven axes, known as FAMULUS.
  • 1976: IR 6/60 – A new robot type with six electromechanically driven axes and an offset wrist.
  • 1989: A new generation of industrial robots is developed – brushless drive motors for low maintenance and higher technical availability.
  • 2004: The first Cobot KUKA LBR 3 is released. This computer controlled lightweight robot can interact directly with humans without safety fences, resulting from a collaboration with the German Aerospace Center institute since 1995.
  • 2007: KUKA Titan – at the time, the biggest and strongest industrial robot with six axes, entered the Guinness Book of World Records.
  • 2010: The robot series KR QUANTEC completely covers the load range of 90 to 300 kg with a reach of up to 3100 mm.
  • 2012: The new small robot series KR AGILUS is launched.
  • 2014: The company gained recognition with a video supposedly teasing their new robot, specialized in Table Tennis, showing a match against Timo Boll, a German professional. The video, a commercial with heavy CGI, received criticism from the table tennis community but has been viewed over 10 million times on YouTube and has won numerous awards.
  • 2016: KUKA was acquired by the Chinese company Midea Group.
  • 2024: KUKA's next generation comes to Modex 2024.

System information and application areas

Spot welding in the automotive industry
Palletising food in a bakery
Flat-glass handling, heavy duty robot with 1,000 kg payload
Foundry automation with a heat-resistant robot

System information

The KUKA system software is the operating software and the core of the entire control system. It contains all the basic functions needed for the deployment of the robot system.

Robots come with a control panel (the KCP, or KUKA Control Panel), also known as a teach pendant, which features a display and axis control buttons for A1-A6, as well as an integrated 6D mouse that allows the robot to be moved in manual (teaching) mode. The pendant also enables users to view and modify existing programs, as well as create new ones. To manually control the axes, an enabling switch (also called a dead man's switch) on the back of the pendant must be pressed halfway for motion to be possible. The connection to the controller is a proprietary video interface and CAN bus for the safety interlock system and button operation.

A rugged computer located in the control cabinet communicates with the robot system via the MFC, which controls the real-time servo drive electronics. Servo position feedback is transmitted to the controller through the DSE-RDW/RDC connection. The DSE board is in the control cabinet, usually located on or integrated into the MFC, while the RDW/RDC board in located in the base of the robot.

The software comprises two elements running simultaneously: the user interface and program storage, which run on Windows 95 for KRC1 and early KRC2 controllers, Windows XP Embedded for KRC2 controllers, and Windows 7 Embedded for KRC4 controllers, as well as VxWin, a KUKA-modified version of the VxWorks real-time OS for program control and motion planning, which communicates with the MFC.

The systems also contain standard PC peripherals, such as a CD-ROM drive(or 3.5" floppy on older controllers), USB ports, as well as a standard interface, either ISA or PCI/PCIe, for adding software and hardware options for industrial automation, such as Profibus, Interbus, DeviceNet and Profinet, among others.

Fields of application

Aerospace

KUKA Systems supplied the TIG welding cell for the upper stage of the Ariane 5 launcher-rocket. TIG welding stands for tungsten inert gas welding and is a special form of arc welding, which is one of the core activities of KUKA Systems. The company also provides apparatuses and appliances for the construction of aircraft structural elements. Aerospace customers include Boeing, SpaceX, Bell and Airbus.

Automotive

The KUKA Systems portfolio includes a wide range of production automation solutions for joining and assembling vehicle body structures, from low-scale automated production facilities to highly flexible manufacturing systems. This includes the production of individual equipment or subassemblies to the assembly of complete body structures and mechanical parts. Equipment for assembling discs, mounting systems for vehicle bodies and chassis (so-called “marriage”), and component installation are also available.

BMW, GM, Chrysler, Ford, Volvo, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Daimler AG are among the customers in this business sector.

Production of rail vehicles

Manufacturers of rail vehicles are also customers of KUKA Systems, for the construction of locomotives, subway wagons, or in setting up innovative and highly automated production lines for freight wagons.

Production of photovoltaic modules

KUKA Systems offers solutions for every step of photovoltaic module production, from brick-sawing to cell handling and cross-tie soldering to framing and packaging of modules.

Welding technology – General

KUKA Systems is active in various other industrial sectors as well. Examples include the production of baby strollers and the production of white goods for BSH (Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH).

Awards and certificates

Global Supplier Award 2011
Member of DIN

Certificates

  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 9001
  • OHRIS – Occupational Safety Certificate
  • VDA 6.4
  • ISO 3834
  • EN 9100

Application areas

Industrial robots are employed across various sectors including material handling, machine loading and unloading, palletizing and depalletizing, spot and arc welding. They are prominently utilized by large enterprises, primarily in automotive and aerospace industries. Specific applications include:

  • Transport industry: Used handling heavy loads, leveraging their load capacity and maneuverability.
  • Food and beverage industry: Tasks include loading and unloading of packaging machines, meat cutting, stacking, palletizing, and quality control.
  • Construction industry: Ensures smooth material flow.
  • Glass industry: Applications range from thermal treatment of glass and quartz in laboratory settings to bending and forming operations.
  • Foundry and forging industry: Robots are resistant to heat and dirt, enabling their use in and around casting machines for tasks like deburring, grinding, drilling, and for quality assurance.
  • Wood industry: Applications include grinding, milling, drilling, sawing, palletizing, and sorting.
  • Metal processing: Used in drilling, milling, sawing, bending, punching, as well as in welding, assembly, loading, and unloading operations.
  • Stone processing: Industrial robots are employed in ceramic and stone industries for tasks like cutting and shaping. KUKA collaborates exclusively with BACA Systems to advance this technology.

KUKA Entertainment

In 2001, KUKA partnered with RoboCoaster Ltd to develop the world's first passenger-carrying industrial robot. This robotic ride features roller coaster-style seats attached to robotic arms, offering programmable manoeuvres. Riders themselves can also program the motions of their ride. A second-generation system, the RoboCoaster G2, launched in 2010 at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida, enhances the experience with synchronized movements through attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey's. The seats are mounted on robotic arms, which are then affixed to a track, enabling the arms to navigate through the attraction while synchronizing their movements with the show elements of the ride (including animated props, projection surfaces, etc.).

KUKA's collaboration with RoboCoaster extends to Hollywood, with appearances in films such as Die Another Day, where KUKA robots depicted laser-wielding threats in an Iceland ice palace scene, and The Da Vinci Code, where a KUKA robot handed Robert Langdon a cryptex.

In 2007, KUKA introduced a simulator based on the Robocoaster, featured in attractions like The Sum Of All Thrills ride at EPCOT in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Recently, KUKA robotic arms have been integrated into Royal Caribbean cruise liners' bionic bars. Users select drinks via tablet interface, with robotic arms mixing an array of spirits, mixers, and liqueurs to craft custom cocktails.

Gallery

  • 1898 Company founded by Johann Josef Keller and Jacob Knappich 1898 Company founded by Johann Josef Keller and Jacob Knappich
  • 1949 an Augsburg Princess 1949 an Augsburg Princess
  • 1920 Success in large container construction 1920 Success in large container construction
  • 1931 Resistance Welding 1931 Resistance Welding
  • 1934 KdF Wagen 1934 KdF Wagen
  • 1955 Large container manufacture 1955 Large container manufacture
  • 1965 German-American tank program at KUKA 1965 German-American tank program at KUKA
  • 1972 Construction of the first Magnet-arc welding machine 1972 Construction of the first Magnet-arc welding machine
  • 1974 Seam welding 1974 Seam welding

References

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  2. ^ "China's Midea makes offer for German robotics group Kuka". Financial Times. 19 May 2016.
  3. "KUKA Systems worldwide".
  4. "KUKA Systems delivers to new Volkswagen plant". Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  5. Tenczer, Gábor; Barakonyi (Képszerkesztő), Szabolcs (20 June 2020). "index.hu – Mi köze Kukának, a törpének a kukásautóhoz?" (in Hungarian). © 1999-2020 Index.hu Zrt. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  6. Nádasdy Ádám (18 September 2003). "A metonimikus szemétláda". Magyar Narancs. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  7. MASCHINENFABRIK KELLER & KNAPPICH GMBH (KUKA)
  8. "Product distributor". Servo Supplier. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  9. Company history located on the KUKA Robotics Homepage
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  14. "Local german newspaper". 17 November 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
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  17. "History of the DLR LWR". 17 March 2018.
  18. Guinness World Records Ltd. (Hrsg.): Guinness World Records 2007. Bibliographic Institute, Mannheim, 2007. ISBN 978-3411140770
  19. Press Release from 12 May 2015, Retrieved August 6th, 2015
  20. "China's Midea Has 86% of Robot-Maker in $4.4 Billion Bid". Bloomberg.com. 20 July 2016.
  21. ^ Multi Function Card
  22. Resolver Digital Converter
  23. Digital Servo Electronics
  24. "VxWin – Windows real-time platform". Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  25. "Quality around the clock". Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 27 April 2010.
  26. "Innovative solutions in the stone cutting industry: 100 robots for BACA Systems in North America". KUKA AG. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  27. Harry Potter World Orlando (22 March 2010). ""Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" Attraction Details". Harry Potter World Orlando. Retrieved 24 January 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. Kuka Entertainment. "Kuka Entertainment – Robocoaster". Kuka Entertainment. Archived from the original on 7 August 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  29. Kuka Industrial Robots. "Kuka Industrial Robots – Robocoaster". Kuka Industrial Robots. Archived from the original on 30 May 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  30. Robocoaster (22 March 2010). "Large & Theme Park Solutions". Robocoaster. Retrieved 29 June 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  31. "KUKA Entertainment 4D Simulator". Retrieved 11 January 2008.
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