At its factory in Augsburg, Germany, automation specialist KUKA is using its own robots to make more robots. KUKA engineers designed a fully automated, networked production cell that consists of two Heller machining centers and a KUKA KR FORTEC six-axis robot mounted to a KUKA KL 150-3 linear axis. With a maximum reach of more than 3.3 meters and a maximum payload capacity of 500 kilograms, the KR FORTEC was designed for heavy-duty applications, such as machining and casting operations.
The cell has been running with short cycle times since January 2015. The system makes bodies, arms and carousels for industrial robots on a daily basis. To master these tasks, the KR FORTEC relies on various grippers from the Zimmer Group, headquartered in Rheinau, Germany. A variety of factors motivated KUKA to use Zimmer grippers for handling tasks.