KUKA ROBOTICS will demonstrate a range of special automated solutions from several of its system partners at IMTS 2024, at booth 236807, showing how these new ideas streamline part processing and boost overall production output. All featuring KUKA robots, these application will include the CyberDrawers machine feeding unit from Waybo; entry-level machine and process automation from MAIROTEC GmbH; automated milling from Robotics Solutions Inc.; and metal additive manufacturing from One-Off Robotics.
For part fabrication operations, IMTS attendees will also experience the Mobile Robotic Bending Cell from Bystronic, and the Robotic Bending Cell (RBC) from the Gladwin Automation Division.
For turnkey machine tool automation solutions, Waybo’s CyberDrawers feeding system is well suited for turning centers and milling machines. Shops can program the system using a simple, internally designed interface that calculates nearly all the robot’s movements, and setting up for a new production process is quick and easy. Initial installation of the whole system typically takes only a day.
All Waybo products, including the CyberDrawers are fully modular, compatible with each other and optimize operations while reducing production costs. The cells integrate with both current and older machine tools and interface with other equipment such as marking machines, digital inspection machines, saws, grinding wheels and more.
Whether an application involves a machine or process, standard systems from MAIROTEC are flexible, provide easy entry into automation and are an economical alternative to larger size systems. At IMTS, the company will show its cost-effective MAIROFlex Compact 8, which offers the speed and flexibility of an industrial robot plus the benefits of a fenceless solution.
The unit provides a reach up to 1640 mm, increased speeds, and high pose repeatability. Its integration with the KR C5 micro controller from KUKA maximizes performance, connectivity, and flexibility. The KR C5 micro integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructures and immediately delivers added value through efficient performance for all applications, and it is highly capable for those users with more sophisticated requirements. MAIROTEC also incorporates KUKA LBR iisy cobots into its MAIROFlex iisy solution that maximizes flexibility, minimizes space requirements, boosts performance, accelerates production and lowers total cost of ownership.
Designed with universal applicability for almost all market segments, especially for pick-and-place operations in machining, assembly and handling applications, the MAIROFlex iisy is easy to teach, so previous robotics knowledge is often unnecessary. No-code programming enables beginners to achieve fast initial success, while the LBR iisy cobot is extremely easy to use.
Custom robot systems developer Robotic Solutions will show a robotic milling application that uses a KR QUANTEC Nano robot and DKP 3 positioner processing a hard-material cast part. The turn-key solution offers users full CNC-type operations including automated tool changers, tool pre-setters, hotwire harps, probes, 3D scanners, unlimited file size capabilities and much more. The company’s systems are available in sizes ranging from small to large to fit a shop’s specific robotic needs.
IMTS attendees seeking to incorporate metal additive technology into their part processing operations will experience the Robotic Metal Additive Manufacturing System from One-Off Robotics, state-of-the-art systems that use KUKA robots and designed for production capabilities in defense, aerospace, research, and specialized production sectors.
With improved speed, precision and flexibility, One-Off Robotic systems address current needs and lay groundwork for future advancements. The system featured at the show provides high efficiency and supports average deposition rates of 4 kg/hour for wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and variable rates – up to 10 kg/hour – for wire-laser additive manufacturing (WLAM), ensuring rapid production cycles in both applications. Enhanced control over the melt pool and part density improves the mechanical properties of final products.
For shops with limited floorspace, the Bystronic mobile bending robot cell provides highly flexible on-demand automation specifically designed for confined spaces and for producing small and medium-sized parts more conveniently than ever. Using a KR AGILUS robot from KUKA, the miniature-format press-brake cell delivers bending speeds of up to 30 mm/second – a speed that’s three times faster than large press brakes.
Learn more at the my.KUKA.com site.