Kuka offers robotic helping hand

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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8th December 2017

Companies looking to add robots and automation to their manufacturing operations have a new option when it comes to testing and validating processes they may want to implement.

German-based global supplier Kuka Robotics is providing space here at its North American headquarters to allow prospective customers the opportunity to try out new robotic processes without having to repurpose an existing automated operation or, in some cases, purchase robotic equipment when they have no automated processes.

Called the Metal & Arc TechCentre, the 1,600-sq.-ft. (149-sq.-m) laboratory is outfitted with several robots capable of demonstrating automated spot and arc welding and material handling.

The facility occupies dedicated space within Kuka’s 80,000-sq.-ft. (7,440-sq.-m) main building where the company works with customers to do final configuration of robots and automated production. The building also houses Kuka College, a series of workshop cells designed to train customers and educate future robotic technicians.

“The intent behind the technical centre is to do joint development with customers,” says Jerry Osborn, president-Kuka Robotics US. “We have process experts and engineers that work with the companies. Either we’ll do it for them or we’ll work together with their engineers.” This article first appeared in WardsAuto.