New wireless robot control

A KUKA Automation + Robotics product story

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Jan 30, 2007

KUKA Robotics Corporation announced it will be demonstrating a new wireless robot control concept at ATX West Expo in Anaheim, CA February 13-15, 2007.

The company will be showcasing an application using a KR16 robot and KRC 2 Controller being controlled by individuals utilising a Wii controller and Bluetooth technology.

This concept cell was designed to show the next step in the trickle down of robotic technology to consumers from the industrial robot market.

"KUKA is committed to the advancement of robotic technology in both the industrial and consumer arenas".

"The development of more intelligent and easy to operate robots will begin to drive the development of more capable service robots for applications such as medical and ultimately for consumer use in individuals' homes," said Kevin Kozuszek, director of marketing for KUKA Robotics Corporation.

"This concept cell is an example of the next step forward towards improved control and interface capabilities between humans and robots." As the consumer and service robotic sector continues to expand new technologies will be vital in the development of products designed specifically with the consumer in mind.

This concept cell, developed by KUKA System Partner SEIS Group, Inc of Huntington Beach, California, using the KUKA KR 16 robot with a Wii controller is one such example.

Attendees to the company's booth will be able to personally experience the cell's easy to use wireless robot control capabilities.

KUKA Robotics Corporation, with its parent company KUKA Roboter , Augsburg, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial robots, with an annual production volume approaching 10,000 units, and an installed base of over 75,000 units.

The company's 5 and 6 axis robots range from 3kg to 570kg payloads, and 635mm to 3700mm reach, all controlled from a common PC based controller platform.

KUKA robots are utilized in a diverse range of industries including the appliance, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, logistics, food, pharmaceutical, medical, foundry and plastics industries and in multiple applications including material handling, machine loading, assembly, packaging, palletising, welding, bending, joining, and surface finishing.