Industrial / KUKA / KUKA KR Series / Smart Factory / Factory Automation

Industrial Robots: How are they used?🤔   

Hello, this is My Robot Solution, Marosol, achieving robot introductions without failure! Various robots exist around us, such as serving robots, guide robots, and collaborative robots. Long before these robots became common, there was a type of robot that quietly did its job while helping humans.🤖   

It is the industrial robot. Introduced to handle arduous and dangerous tasks in industrial sites closely linked to worker safety, industrial robots continue to fulfill their missions in various fields to this day.🦾   

Today, we are going to learn about industrial robots—the protagonists of the smart factory—and the global industrial robot manufacturer KUKA with Marosol robot expert, Brian!🤓

 Q. Hello, Brian! I've heard a lot about industrial robots, but could you please give me an accurate explanation?

 A. Industrial robots, often called the "ancestors" of the robot industry, refer to robots installed on factory lines and actually used in industrial sites. They have a deep history, with the first industrial robot being developed in 1959. While they started by manufacturing and moving large quantities of heavy, standardized workpieces, they now perform more delicate and detailed tasks in line with the "high-mix low-volume production" trend.

Q. They've been helping humans for a long time. What are the advantages of introducing industrial robots?   

A. There are various advantages. First, the volume of products that can be produced per hour increases incomparably, improving cost efficiency. 

This makes them an attractive option for companies looking to improve productivity and efficiency in manufacturing and automation applications.   

Some companies introduce industrial robots to improve their technological capabilities. Following the trend of high-mix low-volume production, delicate and precise tasks that humans cannot perform are required, and industrial robots can take over these processes. With the development of advanced sensors, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, industrial robots have become more capable and versatile. 

These improvements allow robots to perform a wider range of tasks, including those requiring high precision, speed, and accuracy.👍

The improvement of safety cannot be overlooked. By replacing dangerous and repetitive tasks at industrial sites, the working environment can become safer. Furthermore, with technological advancements, robots can detect and respond to the presence of humans even when working alongside them, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.👷

Q. There truly are many advantages! I heard there is an industrial robot brand you'd like to introduce today.

A. Today, I want to tell you about KUKA, a world-renowned industrial robot manufacturer. KUKA's industrial robots are registered in various introduction cases at Marosol, and many of their products are also listed. I will explain in detail through cases involving the KUKA KR series.

 Click to see more details.

First, the video above shows the automation of pipe part mold insertion and injection using the KUKA KR10. It is a process of inserting 8mm * 35mm pipe parts into a mold with four holes. Since it is a robot control method without a separate PLC, the robot can control all systems, including the aligner and runner cutting device, without a PLC.   

Thanks to this, workers were able to manage the system solely through robot training. The introducing company previously had to have one worker per line at all times, but due to automation, one person can now handle two lines, and additional tasks can be handled internally through further technical training.

 Click to see more details.

The next case is a solution that automatically implements two types of pipe injection using the KUKA KR10. This task requires inserting parts at specific positions with a tolerance of 0.1mm or less. The process is completed through precision work, using a vision system and an alignment plate in the supply device.   

Before introducing the KUKA KR10, it was a process where safety accidents often occurred as workers extracted high-temperature molds. Additionally, it was a process many workers avoided because they frequently complained of pain in their fingers and wrists due to repetitive work. 

After introducing the KUKA KR10, 24-hour constant operation became possible, enabling stable production volume. It is said that the work satisfaction of the employees has also increased significantly.

Q. It looks very dangerous for a human to do. I'm so glad it was automated! Are there more cases?  

A. KUKA's industrial robots have diverse functions, so they can be applied to various fields beyond industrial sites. Recently, they were introduced to filming sites. For a customer who wanted to purchase a robot for music video filming, we recommended the KUKA KR 20 R3100 from the KUKA KR series and completed the introduction.

 Click to see more details.

Q. An industrial robot capable of filming... I never imagined that! Is there a reason you recommended the KUKA KR 20 R3100?   

A. First, KUKA supports specialized software for filming, allowing workers to film more conveniently and precisely. There aren't many robot companies so serious about filming, so anyone in the studio industry would likely be interested.

The KUKA KR 20 R3100 was designed with a slim profile so it can be installed without difficulty even in narrow spaces. Thanks to this advantage, it is being sought after in various fields.   

Even though it is compact, its working radius is wide enough to film in large spaces without trouble, because the KUKA KR 20 R3100 has a long arm length of 3,100mm. In fact, it is said to be widely used for music videos that utilize wide spaces or for commercial filming that requires detailed shots to highlight product characteristics.

The biggest advantage of filming with a robot is that precise filming is possible. In particular, the position repeatability (ISO 9283) of the KUKA KR 20 R3100 is within 0.05mm. Thanks to this minimal error, high-quality videos can be filmed.   

Also, the motion range is supported from a minimum of -5 degrees to a maximum of 350 degrees, allowing for rich cinematic beauty. I actually visited a studio and saw the filming site, and the video created by the robot moving exactly to the values entered on the computer was truly amazing.👍

Q. The performance of the KUKA KR series is truly impressive. Still, I imagine many people have concerns before introducing an industrial robot.   

A. That's right. Although the introduction rate of industrial robots is increasing, the process of deciding on an introduction is not easy. There are still several factors that cause hesitation. First, many feel a burden due to high initial investment costs. This is a major obstacle, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises with limited budgets.😨  

Additionally, they feel a burden regarding changing existing systems and processes. They want factory automation, but they often hesitate, thinking that implementing industrial robots in the manufacturing process is complex. Furthermore, anxiety about safety issues or not being able to handle robots well also remains a concern before introducing industrial robots.

Q. If I introduce an industrial robot through Marosol, can I avoid these worries?   A. Exactly. Marosol exists to solve these very problems. We are developing various financial products and services to resolve the financial issues and burdens that arise during robot introduction.   

First, Marosol was selected for the market-driven robot purchase support project hosted by the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement, allowing us to provide various financial products. If you introduce a robot through our special exhibition, 24-month or 36-month rentals and leases are possible, and depending on the model, we provide subsidies without exception. 

Besides this, we are preparing generous exhibitions with various robot makers, so come to the Marosol website and find out how to purchase robots economically!🙌

Additionally, to resolve any anxiety you have before introducing a robot, Marosol robot experts always stand by the customer's side and take care of the entire introduction process meticulously. 

Through our 1:1 customized service, we are ready to rush to you whenever a problem occurs or if you have any questions.🏃 

Marosol robot experts are on standby 24 hours a day, so if there is a robot you want, get a free consultation now!📞