Kuka Robotics

At this year’s IMTS, KUKA Robotics made a compelling case for automation with a demonstration of the company’s latest technologies. From advanced bin-picking systems to flexible mobile platforms, KUKA is showcased automation that can be both efficient and adaptable for manufacturing facilities of all sizes.

The centerpiece of KUKA’s booth was its smart bin-picking solution, which uses a 3D vision system developed in collaboration with Roboception, Munich, Germany. This technology enables robots to pick randomly placed parts from a bin, avoiding collisions and organizing them on trays for downstream processes.

“The 3D camera and KUKA’s smart bin-picking software work together seamlessly,” explained Phillip Peloso, a representative from KUKA Robotics. “The camera serves as the eyes, while the software provides the intelligence needed for collision-free motion planning.”

This system addresses common challenges in manufacturing by introducing raw parts into the production line in a controlled, organized manner, even when the initial setup is chaotic.

CNC Tending

KUKA’s CNC tending solution showcased the flexibility of the company’s industrial robots. These systems can handle low-volume, high-changeover applications while maintaining high-speed and industrial-grade performance.

“Our robots use safety scanners and KUKA’s Safe Operation software to ensure a fence-less operation,” Peloso noted. “This makes the technology accessible even for facilities with limited space or a hesitance toward full-scale automation.”

Parts can be delivered to the robot manually, via forklift, or through KUKA’s automated mobile platforms, offering scalable options for manufacturers at any stage of their automation journey. A key feature of the demonstration was the KUKA Mobile Platform system, or KMPs. These autonomous vehicles shuttle parts and empty totes throughout the operation, guided by KUKA Fleet Manager Software.