Robotics and automation are finding their way into more and more areas of industry, SMEs and the skilled trades. The demand for seeing robots, i.e. the use of camera technology on industrial robots, is increasing. Cameras make robots flexible. End customers can thus cope with the enormous diversity of variants in their production.

A new friction stir welding cell from KUKA – the cell4_FSW – welds even large components with high seam strength and minimal weld distortion. At the same time, the cell offers maximum flexibility – which companies can also benefit from in the context of contract manufacturing.

Since 2017, the frames of the Mercedes G-Class have been manufactured fully automatically at MAGNA Presstec thanks to a KUKA production line. Now the off-road icon is getting an electrified update and a new production line for the electric variant. Here, the Austrian automotive supplier is once again relying on KUKA's technology expertise.

The energy-efficient and future-proof KR C5 robot controller is finding a strong favor with customers in the automotive industry. A large order from BMW shows: There is confidence in the new generation of KUKA controllers. And extensive pilot tests have impressively demonstrated the performance of the KR C5.

Industrial robots are not only found in large production facilities. Robots also increase productivity in the skilled trades. An insight into two family businesses.

KUKA received several orders in the Chinese market in the second quarter. The automation specialist not only scored in traditional areas, but also won orders and projects in the general industry and e-mobility.

Small and medium-sized companies are benefiting more and more from automa-tion. A "hidden champion" from Lower Bavaria in Germany now relies on a robotic cell from KUKA for welding fans for drying systems. The workforce first had to be convinced to use the new technology.

A KUKA small robot is part of the Audi Experience at the FC Bayern Munich flagship store.

The latest generation of electrified drives is produced at the Dingolfing site in Germany, the BMW Group competence center for e-drive production. Here, KUKA implemented a fully automated test system for testing up to eight different drive variants. For more than 35 years, KUKA has been successfully integrating assembly and test systems for the automotive industry internationally and optimizing their production through efficient automation solutions.

At KUKA, we understand technology. We understand manufacturing and the business case for investing in automation, but we cannot be masters of everything.