KUKA Adds Mobility to Automated Spot Welding at FABTECH 2023

To add the benefits of mobility to automated spot-welding processes, KUKA showed its KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform automated guided vehicle (AGV) paired with a KR QUANTEC industrial robot in an Autotool Inc. cell at FABTECH 2023. The system allows for the integration of mobility for transport into spot welding workstations for increased processing flexibility.

The featured cell applies to a variety of industries and applications, in particular Automotive Tier 1 part welding. It is well suited for dispensing adhesives as well as self-piercing rivets and has automatic tip dressing capability.

The newly launched KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform operates at speeds up to two meters per second. In addition to its speed, the KUKA KMP 600-S diffDrive uses laser scanners and 3D object detection to meet the highest safety requirements, taking industrial intralogistics to new levels. Its payload capacity is up to 600 kilograms, and the vehicle requires no safety fencing to provide maximum freedom of movement for employees, while laser scanners mounted at the front and rear ensure safe operation at high speeds in all directions of travel when cycle times require it.

KUKA’s KR QUANTEC industrial robots feature best reach and payload in this category of robots. With all-purpose designs, they are built to work in virtually any market segment, from automotive to foundry to medical – and everything in between.

During FABTECH 2023, the KR QUANTEC performed automated spot welding using an ARO weld gun with ATI tool changer. KUKA outfitted the robot with advanced software that included KUKA.ServoGun Basic, KUKA.RoboSpin and KUKA.HMI Easy. All of which, helps reduce tip dressing for increased uptime.

Autotool is a highly capable weld cell supplier. The company has vast experience and has worked with some of the largest OEM and Tier 1 companies in the automotive industry to develop custom solutions from the ground up.

As with all KUKA automation solutions, featured products shown at FABTECH 2023 are backed by the company’s expert service and support for training, complete system engineering and simulation, readily available spare parts, robot refurbishment and more. All of which are easily accessible through the my.KUKA.com site, and KUKA maintains corporate offices and production operations, along with integration partner facilities, conveniently located throughout North America to provide responsive customer service and support.

KUKA

KUKA is a global automation corporation with sales of around 3.3 billion euro and roughly 14,000 employees. The company is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany. As one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent automation solutions, KUKA offers customers everything they need from a single source: from robots and cells to fully automated systems and their networking in markets such as automotive, electronics, metal & plastic, consumer goods, e-commerce/retail and healthcare.

02/10/2023