KUKA robots are widely and deeply used in the automotive manufacturing industry, and its advanced technology and comprehensive solutions have brought significant production efficiency improvements and product quality optimization to automotive manufacturers. The following are the main application directions of KUKA robots in the automotive manufacturing industry and their value:
1. Welding process automation
KUKA robots provide efficient and accurate welding solutions for automotive manufacturing through the Kuka.Arctech series software and the KR QUANTEC series robots.
Application coverage: Covering spot welding, arc welding, laser welding and other processes, suitable for body, chassis, engine and other key components welding.
Technical advantages:
High load capacity (8-300kg) and flexible arm span for complex welding needs.
Pre-configured software packages, such as KUKA ready2_use, support fast integration and shorten production line debugging cycles.
Case: KUKA provides welding automation production lines for Porsche, Volkswagen and other manufacturers, significantly improving welding accuracy and efficiency.
2. Flexible handling and assembly
The KUKA robot enables flexible handling and assembly with the LBR iiwa light collaborative robot and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) integrated system.
Application scenario:
Parts handling: Automatic transportation of large sheet metal parts in stamping and welding workshops.
Man-machine collaborative assembly: cooperate with workers on the final assembly line to complete fine assembly (such as instrument panel installation, door clearance measurement).
Technical advantages:
The LBR iiwa has force feedback and safety certification to work closely with people.
AGV dynamic path planning supports multi-vehicle mixed-line production and improves production line utilization.
3. Intelligent spraying and gluing
The KUKA robot, combined with a high-precision spraying system, automates body painting and sealant application.
Technical advantages:
Uniform spraying: 3D simulation optimizes the spraying trajectory and reduces paint waste.
Precise coating: Laser measurement and pressure control ensure consistent sealant width and thickness.
Case: KUKA provides coating solutions for BMW, Mercedes and other manufacturers to improve the quality and efficiency of the coating.
4. Flexible Production System (Matrix System)
KUKA's Matrix flexible production system supports multi-vehicle line production through modular design and digital twin technology.
Core values:
Quick change: The introduction of new models only needs to replace the fixture, and the production line reconstruction time is reduced to 72 hours.
Efficiency improvement: Through AGV intelligent scheduling and real-time monitoring of production data, the overall production efficiency is increased by 30%.
Case: After applying Matrix system, SinotruK realized the mixed production of nearly 20 models, and the operating cost was significantly reduced.
5. Man-machine collaboration and digital management
KUKA provides KUKA Connect and VCS virtual debugging tools to support real-time monitoring and remote maintenance of production data.
Technical advantages:
Predictive maintenance: Detect potential equipment failures in advance through sensor data analysis.
Production optimization: based on the industrial Internet of Things ecology, realize the digitalization of the whole process such as energy management and quality traceability.
6. Global cooperation and local support
KUKA has established long-term cooperation with major global automobile manufacturers (such as Toyota, GM, Tesla) and parts suppliers (such as Bosch, Magna).
In the Chinese market: KUKA Flexible System Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. provides localization technical support and after-sales service for BYD, Great Wall Motor, etc.
What's New: GAC Group has ordered 430 KUKA robots for mass production of electric vehicles, demonstrating its trust in KUKA technology.