From robot leader KUKA AG comes the KR CYBERTECH nano, offering better flexibility when used with KR C5 micro controller.

With outstanding precision in continuous-path motion, this new generation of KR CYBERTECH nano robots masters a wide variety of challenges in the field of PCB assembly, painting, bonding, machining and polishing, packaging and arc welding.

Until now, these robots worked with the KR C5 S-size controller. However, beginning April 2022 they will also run on the KR C5 micro with six installation positions, making them perfectly suited to compact cell designs. The new combination, which can be ordered immediately, also enables robot operation with no transformer.

Flexible Robot Solution with no Transformer

The KR CYBERTECH nano family is already in high demand in the electronics industry. It also offers solutions for other sectors, like the food industry.

Markus Hollfelder-Asam, Portfolio Manager at KUKA noted the growing demand for flexible robot solutions for the low payload category from 6 to 10 kg without a transformer. “With the KR C5 micro, a normal 220/230-volt socket is suitable for most target applications. This provides greater reliability and saves effort and money – for example, limiting infrastructure changes that otherwise would be necessary,” said Hollfelder-Asam.

Precise in Any Position

Thanks to its streamlined design and compact connection panel, KR CYBERTECH nano requires less floor space and works in confined cells. The KR C5 micro controller also has reduced space requirements, allowing a wide range of installation possibilities. It features 70 percent smaller design, a footprint more than 50 percent smaller than the KR C4 compact and a weight of only 9kg.

“The KR CYBERTECH nano fits into any installation position – such as floor, ceiling and wall – and does so at any angle,” explained Hollfelder-Asam. “The controller follows suit, allowing various cabinet, rack and stand-alone installation positions – with up to six different installation positions possible with the KR C5 micro.”

Saves on Energy, Little Variation in Performance

The KR C5 micro features an energy-optimized servo controller design. Its energy-saving mode reduces consumption by more than 50 percent compared to the KR C4 compact. KR C5 micro has the same hole patterns, footprint, flange and axis installation positions as the previous generation of the KR CYBERTECH nano. This makes it easy to move to the new technology.

Hollfelder-Asam pointed out that the switch to the smaller controller entails a small difference in robot characteristics, axis velocity and acceleration.

“With a large number of KR CYBERTECH nano applications, however, we see only minor reductions in performance in applications with the KR C5 micro,” said Hollfelder-Asam. “The new combination, however, can do everything its predecessor did on the KR C4 compact – and often even a little more – and this makes it very attractive in a wide range of applications.”

KUKA recommends the combination with the KR C5 S-size only for customers who already operate at top performance ratings and want to take full advantage of dynamic mode. The KR C5 micro and KR CYBERTECH nano bundle became available for pre-order on 15 January 2022.

Hollfelder-Asam underscored the point. “This combination is exactly what the market ordered. It has many advantages, is very useful in a confined installation space and can be used with greater flexibility,” he said.