KUKA Collaborative Robot Arms: LBR iiwa Cobots

Introduction to LBR iiwa Cobots

These collaborative robot arms by KUKA are truly collaborative. Not only are they lightweight, safe, accurate, and precise but they are designed with delicate and sensitive tasks in mind (e.g., delicate assembly tasks).

They are created to be the industrial work assistants you need for a seamless human-robot collaboration (HRC). So much so that this objective is reflected in the name itself: the 'iiwa' represents "intelligent industrial work assistant".

Applications and Use Cases

Thanks to their versatility and safety features, the LBR iiwa cobots can be utilized in a wide variety of applications across multiple industries. For example, they can be deployed in an electronics manufacturing plant where human-like dexterity and handling of fragile components are needed. They may also be deployed for testing and quality assurance of components where precise and accurate movements are critical. 

Other applications of these cobots include but are not limited to:

• Mechanical Machining & Polishing: For example, buffing an intricate component without causing scratches or exerting more force than needed which may cause damages. 
• Handling & Assembly: For example, when arranging intricate parts or assembling delicate components.
• Applying / Painting / Glueing: For example, detecting contours and applying just the right amount of force precisely and accurately to glue components together.
• Palletizing / Packaging: For example, when you need human-like dexterity to package and palletize goods appropriately.
• Measuring / Inspection: For example, when you need a precise measurement of a component. 

What Makes LBR iiwa Special

The LBR iiwa cobots stand out for several reasons, some of which include:

Safety & Hazard Prevention: These cobots are equipped with joint torque sensors that enable them to react swiftly. As a result, if an unexpected contact is detected, the cobots can immediately lower their force and speed to prevent crashes, injury, or other accidents. 

Learning is Made Simple: These cobots can be quickly and conveniently taught to perform a task; e.g., by simply using touch as a way to provide commands. 

Sensitive Operation: When accurately detecting contours is imortant (e.g., for gluing components) and the task needs to be carried out with great precision, then these cobots are just what you need thanks to their high-performance servo control.

Other Features and Benefits

In addition to their features discussed above, the LBR iiwa cobots offer:

Ease of Integration: The LBR iiwa cobots are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing workflows; hence, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Variations for Every Task: These cobots come in different versions to suit various tasks. Payload options include 7 kg or 14 kg. The maximum reach of these cobots is either 800 mm or 820 mm. There are options for 'cleanroom' environment but they can only be mounted on the floor; whereas, other versions can be mounted in any orientation (ceiling, wall, or floor).