USA-based Kuka Systems Aerospace — a subsidiary of Germany’s Kuka AG — has opened a facility in France for the
development and production of end effectors for aerospace robotic-assembly machines.
End effectors are units attached to the end of a robotic arm that perform specific production or logistical tasks; among those tasks in aerospace assembly are drilling, riveting, fastening, lifting, positioning or applying a coating, adhesive or sealant.
Philippe Prat, managing director of Kuka Systems Aerospace, said: “This exceptionally well-equipped building
enlarges our footprint, so we can continue expanding our business. It makes a strong statement to current and prospective Kuka customers — the giants of aerospace world-wide and their Tier One suppliers — about our capability
to support our Kuka-branded products and automate more assembly processes.”
Kuka said it acquired the French facility in 2014 from Alema Automation, a manufacturer of aerospace tooling
solutions for robotic platforms.