Robot Technologies
KUKA Demonstrates Integrated Manufacturing Cell Architecture
KUKA Robotics have recently showcased a comprehensive automated manufacturing ecosystem at the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show. The demonstration highlighted the integration of machine tool tending, AMR-based material handling, and robotic additive manufacturing in a functional mini-factory configuration.
Multi-Cell Production System
The exhibit featured two CNC lathes, each serviced by distinct KUKA robots within pre-engineered cells developed by system partner Waybo. Material and tooling transfer between cells was managed by a KMP 600P autonomous mobile robot, coordinating movements according to production scheduling requirements.
CyberDrawer Automated Loading System
The first cell integrated Waybo’s CyberDrawer turnkey solution, utilizing a KR Cybertech industrial robot for automated loading and unloading of a Nakamura-Tome CNC lathe supplied by Elliott Matsuura Canada. The KR Cybertech series delivers high-performance capabilities for handling, assembly, and machining operations, characterized by compact footprints and substantial payload capacities optimized for space-constrained manufacturing environments.
The CyberDrawer system offers broad machine tool compatibility with rapid installation capabilities. Its modular design enables easy repositioning between different machines, supporting more than eight hours of unattended operation for lights-out manufacturing scenarios.
PartNR Integrated Control Architecture
The second Waybo cell employed the compact PartNR configuration, featuring a KR Agilus industrial robot feeding a Siemens-controlled lathe. This implementation leverages KUKA’s mxAutomation interface in conjunction with Siemens’ Run MyRobot/Handling system, enabling the Siemens 828D controller to manage both lathe and robot operations through a unified interface. This architecture consolidates operation, programming, and diagnostic functions, reducing training requirements for factory personnel.
Autonomous Material Transport
The KMP 600P mobile platform serves as the material handling backbone connecting the CyberDrawer and PartNR cells. As KUKA’s most compact high-performance AMR, the platform delivers a 600 kg payload capacity while maintaining maneuverability in confined production spaces. The system provides continuous point-to-point delivery with 24/7 operational capability supported by extended battery life, offering favorable performance-to-cost economics for intralogistics applications.
Robotic Additive Manufacturing
KUKA system partner Dyze Design demonstrated robotic additive manufacturing using a KR Cybertech-2 robot equipped with the Typhoon high-flow filament extruder. The six-axis KR Cybertech-2 series spans payload ratings from 8 to 22 kg with working envelopes ranging from 1,612 to 2,013 mm, achieving repeatability of ±0.04 mm.
The platform’s optimized controller architecture enables smooth motion profiles suitable for precision material deposition. Multi-position mounting capabilities—including floor, ceiling, wall, and angular orientations—combined with streamlined mechanical design make the KR Cybertech-2 well-suited for space-efficient cell layouts in additive manufacturing applications.
