Kuka has introduced two new variants of its KR Cybertech industrial robot family, expanding its portfolio in the medium payload segment.
The company says the new models – offering payload capacities of 25 kg and 35 kg – are designed to bridge a gap in its existing lineup while maintaining the same physical footprint as earlier systems.
Higher performance in a compact form factor
According to Kuka, the new robots deliver improved performance without increasing size, reflecting broader trends in industrial automation.
“With these two robots, we are following the current trend: machines are becoming more powerful while remaining the same size,” said Markus Hollfelder-Asam, product manager at Kuka.
The company says repeatability has been improved while maintaining the same footprint, and that both models are “AI-ready” and compliant with ISO 10218:2025 safety standards.
Flexible installation for multiple applications
Kuka says the new KR Cybertech variants retain the installation flexibility introduced in earlier generations of the platform.
“Whether on the floor or on the wall, both models can be installed at any angle,” said Hollfelder-Asam.
This flexibility allows the robots to be deployed across a range of applications, including handling, unloading, pick-and-place operations, and testing.
Redesigned wrist for improved precision
A key update in the new models is a redesigned central wrist, which Kuka says improves rigidity and performance.
The company says the new design enhances path accuracy and is particularly suited to high-speed pick-and-place tasks and applications involving additional process forces.
The wrist is rated to IP67, providing resistance to dust and water ingress, and is designed to meet the requirements of demanding applications such as photovoltaic manufacturing.
New controller and integrated software package
Alongside the new robot models, Kuka has introduced a new controller variant, the KR C5 slim.
The controller is designed to work with Kuka’s iiQKA.OS2 operating system and the smartPLUG teach pendant, forming what the company describes as a fully integrated automation package.
Kuka says the KR C5 slim is compact and can be expanded with additional drive units via free slots in the controller cabinet, allowing for greater scalability.
Positioning for future automation systems
The company says the combination of new robot variants, updated controller hardware, and integrated software is intended to support more flexible and future-ready production environments.
Kuka positions the new KR Cybertech generation as an AI-ready solution aimed at improving efficiency across a wide range of industrial applications.
