Kassow Robots 7-axes Cobots (KR Series)

Why Seven Axes Matter

Most conventional articulated cobots use six axes, while every Kassow KR robot uses seven. That additional joint does not simply increase the number on the specification sheet — it gives the robot another way to position its arm while keeping the end effector where it needs to be.

In practical terms, the robot can reposition its elbow to work around equipment, reach into confined spaces or approach a workpiece from different directions. Kassow specifically highlights the ability of its robots to reach around corners and work in tight environments. This can be valuable when automating an existing production cell where machines, fixtures or other equipment restrict the available movement.

The seven-axis approach also makes the KR Series useful for applications involving several working positions or complicated gripping sequences. Instead of designing the surrounding workstation purely around the robot, the additional degree of freedom can provide more flexibility when integrating the robot into the existing environment. It is one of the main characteristics that distinguishes Kassow's cobots from many conventional six-axis collaborative robot arms.

Applications

The KR Series is designed as a general-purpose industrial cobot family rather than for one specific task. Kassow demonstrates the robots in applications such as machine tending, pick-and-place, welding, packaging, palletizing, dispensing, labelling and quality inspection. Kassow Robots

The different reach and payload combinations let users select a robot according to the application rather than relying on one arm for every situation. The KR810 provides a relatively compact arm with a 10 kg payload, while the KR1205 trades some payload capacity for greater reach. The KR1805 reaches 1.8 metres for applications where workspace coverage matters more than high payload.

At the other end of the range, the newer KR1240 and KR1824 substantially increase handling capacity. Kassow positions the 40 kg KR1240 for applications including heavy pick-and-place, machine tending and handling metal parts and assemblies. The 24 kg, 1.8 m KR1824 is aimed particularly at palletizing, packaging, logistics and end-of-line automation.

Standard KR Series vs Edge Edition

Kassow currently presents KR Series and Edge Edition separately in its product range, but Edge Edition is best understood as an alternative configuration of Kassow's seven-axis cobot platform rather than a fundamentally different robot architecture. The main difference is the controller.

A standard KR installation uses a separate controller, whereas Edge Edition integrates the controller into the base of the cobot. This removes the need for an external controller box, reduces the amount of equipment around the robot and makes the system particularly attractive for mobile automation. Kassow specifically designed Edge Edition for integration with AGVs and AMRs, and it can operate directly from a DC power supply.

The underlying reason to choose Edge Edition is therefore usually integration rather than basic robot capability. A conventional stationary workstation can use a standard KR configuration, while an AMR, AGV or highly space-constrained installation may benefit from Edge Edition. Kassow's newest KR1240 and KR1824 documentation also explicitly describes EDGE variants, confirming that the Edge concept continues with the expanded KR range.

KR Series Model Comparison

Model: KR810
Payload: 10 kg | Reach: 850 mm | Robot Weight: 25 kg | Axes: 7 | Standard Footprint: 130 × 130 mm
Best suited for: Compact automation, handling, machine tending, assembly and applications where a relatively small footprint is useful.

Model: KR1018
Payload: 18 kg | Reach: 1,000 mm | Robot Weight: 38 kg | Axes: 7 | Standard Footprint: 160 × 160 mm
Best suited for: Higher-payload handling and automation where strength is more important than very long reach.

Model: KR1205
Payload: 5 kg | Reach: 1,200 mm | Robot Weight: 26 kg | Axes: 7 | Standard Footprint: 130 × 130 mm
Best suited for: Lightweight tasks that need greater reach, including handling, assembly, testing and machine-related automation.

Model: KR1240
Payload: 40 kg | Reach: 1,200 mm | Robot Weight: 80 kg | Repeatability: ±0.03 mm | Axes: 7 | Standard Footprint: 194 × 194 mm
Best suited for: Heavy pick-and-place, machine tending, and handling large metal components or assemblies.

Model: KR1410
Payload: 10 kg | Reach: 1,400 mm | Robot Weight: 38 kg | Axes: 7 | Standard Footprint: 160 × 160 mm
Best suited for: General-purpose applications requiring a useful balance between reach and payload, including handling, machine tending and processing tasks.

Model: KR1805
Payload: 5 kg | Reach: 1,800 mm | Robot Weight: 38 kg | Axes: 7 | Standard Footprint: 160 × 160 mm
Best suited for: Lightweight tasks requiring a particularly large working radius, including handling across larger work areas and multi-position applications.

Model: KR1824
Payload: 24 kg | Reach: 1,800 mm | Robot Weight: 76 kg | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm | Axes: 7 | Standard Footprint: 194 × 194 mm
Best suited for: Palletising, packaging, logistics and end-of-line automation where both long reach and substantial payload capacity are required.

Choosing Between the KR Models

The KR Series now covers quite a broad range of automation requirements. At the smaller end, the KR810 combines an 850 mm reach with a 10 kg payload, while the KR1205 exchanges some payload capacity for a longer 1,200 mm reach. The KR1018 provides 18 kg of payload within a relatively compact 1,000 mm reach, while the KR1410 extends the working radius to 1,400 mm while retaining a 10 kg payload. The KR1805 provides the longest reach among the original models at 1,800 mm, with a 5 kg payload.

The newer KR1240 and KR1824 significantly expand the heavier end of the range. KR1240 can carry 40 kg across a 1,200 mm reach and is targeted at applications such as heavy pick-and-place, machine tending and handling larger components. KR1824 combines a 24 kg payload with a 1,800 mm reach and is aimed at larger workspaces and applications including palletising, packaging, logistics and end-of-line automation.