Clinton Township-based Kuka Robotics Corp. is blazing a trail for the welding sector by making three innovative product introductions in North America -- the KR 5 arc, a versatile and highly dynamic lightweight robot, the KR 5 arc HW (Hollow Wrist) and the PosiFlex positioner.

The products will be introduced at the International Manufacturing Technology Show 2008 from Sept. 8-13 at McCormick Place.

Thanks to its compact dimensions, the KR 5 arc takes up very little space and can be integrated into virtually any cell concept. Whether mounted on the floor or inverted on the ceiling, the KR 5 arc performs its tasks quickly and efficiently with high continuous-path accuracy, and boasts a working envelope of over 1400 mm. Its modular design makes it a cost-effective solution. For example, it uses the same slim wrist as its big brother, the KR 6. The flange and interfaces for mounting the wire feeder are also identical.

With a payload of 5 kg (11 pounds) and a supplementary load of 12 kg (25 pounds), the KR 5 arc is extremely flexible. It is also available with absolutely accurate calibration. With the service-proven Kuka KR C2 controller, all the usual controller expansions are possible. This allows the control of external axes and, with the Kuka Safe Robot and  Kuka RoboTeam technologies, it can become a team player and work together with humans and other robots.

Kuka Robotics is also unveiling the KR 5 arc HW (Hollow Wrist), a robot developed specially for the arc welding sector. This new robot type offers several features that put it in a class of its own. For example, it has a fluid supply system which is integrated in the arm.

This protected routing of the dress package allows infinite rotation of axis 6 without the need to reorient the robot wrist during the work cycle. For the user, this means not only improved component accessibility and optimal protection of the dress package, but also simplified offline programming. The torch connection hose pack of the KR 5 arc HW can be separated from the wire feeder and the rotary interface. Due to the use of standard plug-in connections, it can be fitted with all available welding equipment types. And just like any true welder, the latest member of the Kuka robot family isn't troubled by tough working conditions. On the contrary: with a protection rating of IP 54, the KR 5 arc HW is in its element.

Both the KR 5 HW and the KR 5 arc are available with absolutely accurate calibration and team capability. The two Kuka newcomers are also equally rapid and precise in their operation. With a weight of only 120 kg (264 pounds), both robots are more dynamic than most of their competitors. And when it comes to maintenance, the new KUKA robots have the edge here too. An oil change can be carried out without difficulty on all axes -- and is only necessary every 20,000 hours.

KukA is also introducing Posiflex, its highly dynamic automated multi-axis positioning system that can be combined with flexible robots to achieve optimal workpiece positioning and accessibility and rapid process speeds. Combining the Kuka robots and Posiflex series of positioners creates ideal automation modules for cost-effective production for arc welding, spot welding, laser welding, plasma welding or bonding/sealing. The Kuka Posiflex is more cost effective since it is a modular system.

Kuka Robotics is a subsidiary of Augsburg, Germany-based Kuka Roboter GmbH. More at www.kukarobotics.com.