Kuka launches new robot controller that is ‘smaller and requires less energy’

Kuka has launched a new robot controller which it says requires less energy than its predecessor and is at the same time “significantly more compact”.

The KR C5 and the corresponding KR C5 micro robot controller are designed for small robots and are described as “future-compatible hardware” which feature “smart software”.

Kuka says the controllers “slot seamlessly into existing IT and cloud environments” and will gradually support all current applications – while offering considerably more possibilities and even better results.

The modular cabinet system enables the robot controllers to be durable and future-proof, and can be expanded entirely as required, says Kuka.

The highly integrated and compact control modules are easy to operate and can be linked to various different software products and digital services.

The company adds that the new Kuka.DeviceConnector system means the Kuka controller KR C5 can provide cloud systems with data with no need for additional hardware.

Dietmar Steidl, product manager KR C5 at Kuka, says: “Being an entirely in-house development, we have been able to achieve a whole new level of integration density and optimization possibilities with the KR C5.

“The positive effect is demonstrated most clearly in the massive reduction in size of the controllers, but also in the lower energy consumption and increased quality.”

Andreas Knöpfle, portfolio manager for the new controller generation, says: “In the coming years, the KR C5 is the new platform in our Kuka automation portfolio.

“It enables the even more efficient deployment of industrial robots in a wide range of different application fields.”

The new Kuka controller KR C5 will be supplied with service-proven Kuka.SystemSoftware (KSS 8.7).

Furthermore, there will be a greater variety of controller options for integration into a wide range of production systems.

Kuka has already been delivering the KR C5 micro variant of the robot controller to partners for a couple of months, and in October, this will be followed by the version for robots in the low and high payload categories.