Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

kuka

Kuka expects to double its business to more than $1 billion through Midea’s China connections

by

Industrial robot maker Kuka is forecasting sales of more than $1.24 billion in China by 2020, which would be more than double the volume of business it currently does in the country. 

This is according to a report on the South China Morning Post website, which adds that Kuka is looking to make the most of parent company Midea’s China connections.

Kuka reported global sales of $4.3 billion worldwide for 2017, and currently does approximately $558 million worth of business in mainland China now.  [Read more…] about Kuka expects to double its business to more than $1 billion through Midea’s China connections

Robot takes centre stage in designer retail shop window

by

The Bottletop shop boasts the title of world’s first zero waste store design, and has an interior that champions the use of waste plastic and advanced KUKA robotics.

The KUKA six axis industrial robot KR240 is currently in situ within a three dimensional print (3Dp) application at Ai Build, providing a means to deliver multiple, small scale three dimensional structures, that form the decorative interior at London retailer Bottletop’s flagship branch, on Regent Street.

The shop boasts the title of world’s first zero waste store design, and has an interior that champions the use of waste plastic and advanced KUKA robots. A key differentiator adopted by Ai Build; sustainable, functional construction aimed at providing clients with the quickest and most cost effective route to production.

[Read more…] about Robot takes centre stage in designer retail shop window

Industrial robot maker Kuka acquires 3D factory design software company Visual Components

by

Industrial robot maker Kuka has acquired Visual Components, a provider of 3D, game-like computer-generated factory design and industrial robot simulation software.

Kuka says the acquisition “defines the next level in intelligent automation”.

Visual Components specializes in software solutions for 3D simulation in factory planning.  [Read more…] about Industrial robot maker Kuka acquires 3D factory design software company Visual Components

30 industrial robot manufacturers to watch

by

2018 looks all set to be a bumper year for sales of industrial robot arms across all categories – from the large, heavyweight class right down to the small desktop variety. 

With established robot makers expanding their range, and with new startups launching innovative new models, the market is more dynamic than ever.

Oversupply may be a problem going forward, especially as Chinese robot manufacturers step up their production, but even including the new companies entering the market, the number of industry-standard robot makers worldwide is relatively small.  [Read more…] about 30 industrial robot manufacturers to watch

Kuka opens arc welding technology centre in Michigan

by

Industrial robotics company Kuka has opened a new metal fabrication technology centre in Shelby Township, Michigan, in the US. 

The Kuka Metal & Arc TechCenter is designed to provide the company’s customers an opportunity to see the robots close up and see them work on customised welding solutions.

The facility currently features one Kuka’s KRY Cybertech arc welding robot, as well as the company’s mobile platforms, called Kuka Carts.  [Read more…] about Kuka opens arc welding technology centre in Michigan

Kuka demonstrates cloud-connected robotic machining cell

by

Kuka has demonstrated a cloud-connected robotic work cell which it says represents “the next step towards the production of the future”.

Kuka recently showcased many of its technologies at the China International Industry Fair for the first time since joining the Midea group.

The company is promoting what it calls its “ready2_use packages”, which the company says offers “preconfigured, coordinated application packages that can be integrated quickly and easily into an existing production facility”.  [Read more…] about Kuka demonstrates cloud-connected robotic machining cell

Kuka launches mobile app for monitoring its robots

by

Kuka has launched a mobile app for monitoring its robots. 

The app – called Kuka Connect – is available for both iOS and Android platforms.

The company says the app features push notifications, which enables real-time fault discovery and the automation of routine maintenance scheduling.  [Read more…] about Kuka launches mobile app for monitoring its robots

Kuka wins ‘major’ contracts worth $75 million from US automotive manufacturer

by

Kuka Systems has received three major new systems contracts from “a leading manufacturer of premium vehicles in the US”, according to the company.

The projects comprise the engineering and construction of systems to build vehicles body structures in the USA and Mexico, says Kuka.

Kuka estimates the order value to be approximately $75 million, and says it was booked in the third quarter of 2017. Start of production is planned for mid-2019.  [Read more…] about Kuka wins ‘major’ contracts worth $75 million from US automotive manufacturer

Midea’s new robots could replace 400,000 pharmacists in China

by

Midea, the Chinese giant manufacturing giant which makes household appliances such as washing machines and refridgerators, is launching robot pharmacists which would put 400,000 humans out of work. 

That may sound unlikely in the short term, but market analysts quoted by Bloomberg estimate that robots will account for 20 per cent of all pharmaceuticals sales by 2020.

Moreover, Midea chairman and CEO Paul Fang acknowledges the potential revolution the company’s robots could start.  [Read more…] about Midea’s new robots could replace 400,000 pharmacists in China

Midea embarks on journey to transform itself into a ‘high-tech industry leader’

by

Chinese home appliances giant Midea says it has completed its acquisition of German company Kuka, one of the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturers. 

While the deal prompted some consternation among those who said the German government should stop the takeover, as well as with those people who subsequently demanded the European Union make it more difficult for Chinese companies to buy EU companies, the two companies are now part of the same group.

Technically, Kuka was acquired by Midea’s subsidiary company, Mecca International.  [Read more…] about Midea embarks on journey to transform itself into a ‘high-tech industry leader’