KUKA Launches KR IONTEC, an Industrial Robot for the Medium Payload Category

This week, KUKA launched the new KR IONTEC, a robot built for the medium payload category in industrial applications. This new product series succeeds a previous KUKA line, the KR 60-3 family.

 

KUKA's new KR IONTEC medium payload robot. Image (modified) used courtesy of KUKA

 

Medium Payload Industrial Robots in Automated Systems

According to KUKA, the new KR IONTEC robots can operate within the 30-70 kg payload category, placing them into the medium range for payloads.

Medium payload industrial robots serve a unique and important purpose within automated systems. These robots are exceptionally versatile because they can work with precise skill and detail while supporting heavy objects and strong forces. They can be used to assemble components, to load and unload machines, to drill, to enact laser welding, and to measure specific materials.

Due to their mid-range size, these robots can also be mounted just about anywhere. Paired with their mid-range reach, these robotics are exceptionally flexible.

For comparison, the members of the KR 60-3 family are capable of moving payloads between 16 and 60 kg.

 

Flexible Installation and Smaller Footprint on Factory Floor

Another important factor in flexible robotics is their work envelope (or range of motion). KUKA cites that their new KR IONTEC robots have a reach of up to 3,100 mm, which they claim gives the series "the largest work envelope in its class." You can compare reach with that of the KR 60-3 family, which measured between 2,033 and 2,952 mm.

 

Members of the KUKA KR 60-3 family of robotics, which the new KR IONITEC series largely succeed. Image used courtesy of KUKA.

 

This specific robot can operate in traditional and digital production spaces and can be installed in several positions including the floor, walls, and many others.

In addition to easy and flexible installation, KUKA claims that the average time between deficiencies is up to 400,000 hours or just over 45 years of operation. This would improve operations and life cycle capability. This allows the running costs to be significantly lower as well. 

Another feature that makes this robot unique is the different types of motion modes offered. 

 

Various Motion Modes

The unique robot uses software extensions that have different motion modes on them to adapt to specific production needs. The following modes are: 

• Dynamic Mode: Reduces average cycle times 
• Performance Mode: Optimizes high quality and efficiency
• Path Mode: Uses precision to determine the most accurate path for the robot

The KR IONTEC is available to order as of January 2020. Delivery operations are expected to start in April. 

 

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Do you see energy-efficient and compact robots like this one becoming a trend in 2020? Do you predict any other companies will develop with a similar product?