KUKA Collaborative Robot Arms: LBR iisy Cobots

Introduction to LBR iisy

The LBR iisy is KUKA's family of six-axis collaborative robots designed to combine the flexibility and easier operation associated with cobots with characteristics expected from industrial automation. KUKA now describes the range as an Industrial Performance Cobot, with industrial-grade mechanics, integrated joint torque sensing and its iiQKA.OS2 operating system. The family covers rated payloads from 3 to 15 kg and reaches between 760 and 1,300 mm.

A major focus of the LBR iisy is making automation easier to deploy and modify. Users can hand-guide the robot during teaching, while iiQKA.OS2 provides programming tools, templates and guided workflows. At the same time, the robots support industrial integration through PLCs, fieldbus and I/O connections, sensors, vision systems and other peripherals. This makes the family relevant not only to first-time cobot users but also to manufacturers that want collaborative robots to fit into broader automated production systems.

Applications and Use Cases of LBR iisy Cobots

The LBR iisy family is intended for a broad range of manufacturing tasks rather than one specialised process. KUKA lists machine tending, machine loading, pick-and-place, material handling, assembly, screwdriving, packaging, palletizing and depalletizing, inspection, testing and identification tasks among its typical applications. The range is also being positioned for arc-welding applications, including MIG/MAG welding of suitable parts.

The five-model range allows users to select different combinations of reach and payload. The compact 3 kg model is the smallest member, while the 6 kg and 11 kg versions provide the family's longest 1,300 mm reach. The 8 kg and 15 kg versions use a shorter 930 mm reach while providing greater payload capacity. KUKA also offers cleanroom versions of the 11 kg and 15 kg models. This variety makes the family suitable for anything from relatively light handling and inspection tasks to heavier assembly, machine tending and production applications.

What Makes LBR iisy Cobots Special

One of the main strengths of the LBR iisy is the combination of collaborative sensing with KUKA's industrial automation platform. Joint torque sensors in every axis allow the robot to detect external forces, support manual hand guidance and perform force-controlled processes. The robots also offer high joint speeds, industrial connectivity and mechanics designed for demanding production use.

Ease of use is another major part of the design. The current iiQKA.OS2 platform includes guided workflows, templates and engineering tools intended to simplify programming and commissioning. It also connects with KUKA's iiQWorks tools for simulation, offline programming and virtual commissioning. This means the LBR iisy can be used for straightforward cobot applications but can also form part of more advanced automation systems as production requirements grow.

Models Within the KUKA LBR iisy Family

Model: LBR iisy 3 R760
Rated Payload: 3 kg | Maximum Payload: 3.34 kg | Reach: 760 mm | Repeatability: ±0.10 mm | Robot Weight: Approx. 22.8 kg | IP Rating: IP30 | Footprint: Ø210 mm

Model: LBR iisy 6 R1300
Rated Payload: 6 kg | Maximum Payload: 6.9 kg | Reach: 1,300 mm | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm | Robot Weight: Approx. 46.3 kg | IP Rating: IP54 | Footprint: 275 × 275 mm

Model: LBR iisy 8 R930
Rated Payload: 8 kg | Maximum Payload: 9.6 kg | Reach: 930 mm | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm | Robot Weight: Approx. 43.2 kg | IP Rating: IP54 | Footprint: 275 × 275 mm

Model: LBR iisy 11 R1300
Rated Payload: 11 kg | Maximum Payload: 11.72 kg | Reach: 1,300 mm | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm | Robot Weight: Approx. 46.3 kg | IP Rating: IP54 | Footprint: 275 × 275 mm
Cleanroom version also available.

Model: LBR iisy 15 R930
Rated Payload: 15 kg | Maximum Payload: 16.41 kg | Reach: 930 mm | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm | Robot Weight: Approx. 43.2 kg | IP Rating: IP54 | Footprint: 275 × 275 mm
Cleanroom version also available.

LBR iisy vs KUKA's Other Cobot Series

KUKA's current general robot portfolio places two families in its cobot category: LBR iisy and LBR iiwa. The LBR Med is listed separately as a robot for the medical industry rather than as part of KUKA's general industrial cobot range.

The main difference is that LBR iisy is KUKA's newer six-axis industrial cobot family, built around iiQKA.OS2 and the KR C5 micro control platform. It offers five primary payload/reach combinations, spanning 3–15 kg rated payload and 760–1,300 mm reach. KUKA positions it as an easy-to-use, scalable cobot that combines collaborative operation with industrial performance across a wide range of manufacturing applications.

The LBR iiwa, by comparison, is a seven-axis sensitive lightweight robot available primarily as the LBR iiwa 7 R800 and LBR iiwa 14 R820, with 7 and 14 kg payloads and 800 and 820 mm reach respectively. It uses the KUKA Sunrise Cabinet and places particular emphasis on sensitive, force-controlled operation and delicate assembly. Its seven-axis architecture also distinguishes it mechanically from the six-axis LBR iisy. KUKA describes the two families as complementary: together they cover cobot applications ranging from smaller to larger and from simpler to more complex tasks.

In simple terms, LBR iisy offers the broader model range, longer maximum reach and KUKA's newer iiQKA software environment, while LBR iiwa provides a seven-axis architecture with a strong focus on sensitive and compliant manipulation.