KUKA Brings the Future of Cobot Automation to IMTS

PB-60-KUKA-IMTSCobot-400.jpg

September 12, 2022

Debuting what it terms Sensitive Cobotics, KUKA Robotics will show IMTS attendees the future of automation in the form of its new LBR iisy cobot. As ready-to-use automation, the LBR iisy quickly and easily integrates into any manufacturing application from pre-defined production processes to open, unstructured work environments with unpredictable conditions from one job to the next. For show attendees in the automotive, e-mobility, aerospace, electronics and related industries, the company will demonstrate advanced automated friction stir welding (FSW), a process that fulfills the growing need for fast, clean, reliable and cost-effective joining for non-ferrous metals and mixed metal combinations frequently encountered in fabricating such components as electric vehicle (EV) battery housings and trays.

With six axes, a 3-kg payload, 600-mm maximum reach and 18.8-kg overall weight, the LBR iisy is well suited for overcoming the challenges posed by confined workspaces. Whether loading/unloading machines, assembling components or packaging, the cobot provides increased versatility and can be immediately operated by anyone from an automation expert to a cobotics newcomer. Featuring various operator levels, the user-friendly system adapts to the corresponding level of user knowledge.

The LBR iisy is fully embedded into the KUKA Industry 4.0 ecosystem. In addition to the availability of downloadable software apps, the company’s KUKA Connect cloud solution allows users to access and analyze the cobot’s data at any time.

Despite its low procurement costs, the LBR iisy is equipped with high-grade joint torque sensors integrated in all its axes. These sensors respond to the slightest of external forces and provide certified collision protection.

As part of a live demonstration, IMTS attendees will also see KUKA’s robotic FSW process welding aluminum parts to manufacture an assembly. The cell will consist of multiple robots. One robot will pick parts from bins and place them into a fixture and a second robot will perform FSW using both Roboception and SICK PLB 3D vision technologies.

For EV battery tray production, KUKA has engineered its cost-effective KUKA cell4_FSW modules to provide up to 95% more process efficiency and maximize the available configuration options for manufacturers. Used for both 2D and 3D welding tasks, the modules are scalable and accommodate either one or two 6-axis robots. Shops can arrange several workpiece clamping tools in the working area of the cell so that robots can work simultaneously on larger components if needed.

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Noramco Announces Cary Pepper as New Regional Sales Manager – OEM, Mississauga

    Noramco Announces Cary Pepper as New Regional Sales Manager – OEM, Mississauga

    Noramco congratulates Cary Pepper and is thrilled to welcome her to the Noramco team and her new Regional Sales Manager – OEM role! Cary is a dynamic business leader with more than 24 years of experience driving growth and leading high-performing teams in competitive markets. She brings a proven track record of launching innovative products,… Read More…

  • Nedco Celebrates the Opening of a New Branch in Coquitlam, BC

    Nedco Celebrates the Opening of a New Branch in Coquitlam, BC

    Nedco is incredibly proud to announce the official opening of the Nedco Coquitlam branch! On June 24th, 2025, the company enthusiastically cut the ribbon on Nedco West’s 18th location in Coquitlam, British Columbia — a milestone that marks their continued growth and dedication to serving industry specialists in the northeastern Lower Mainland. “A huge thank… Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Real-Time Comfort & Efficiency: How Edge AI Is Redefining Room Control

    Real-Time Comfort & Efficiency: How Edge AI Is Redefining Room Control

    There’s an ‘upward’ theme in building operating challenges…energy costs are climbing, efficiency demands are up, occupants want more customization and doing more with less is the norm. Now is the time for building owners and facility managers to rethink their building performance–the right technology makes it possible. Cloud-based technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can help mitigate… Read More…

  • Proax: Why PLCnext Technology Is the Future of Industrial Automation

    Proax: Why PLCnext Technology Is the Future of Industrial Automation

    The landscape of industrial automation is changing rapidly. Traditional PLC systems, while reliable, often struggle to keep pace with the demands of modern manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Enter PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact – a revolutionary approach to industrial control that’s reshaping automation platforms. At Proax, they have seen firsthand how PLCnext Technology is… Read More…