The long-established German-based group
KUKA, which is known for its ‘orange industrial robots and automation solutions’, has founded a new business segment — KUKA Digital — to expand its software and digital business. The aim is to provide the end-to-end digitalisation of a wide range of machines and systems in production, from the first 3-D simulation to connectivity and data analysis through to the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Quirin Goerz, KUKA’s chief information officer and CEO of the newly founded digital division, said software is playing an increasingly important role in mechanical engineering. “What used to be mostly solved mechanically is now done by electronics and the associated software. With KUKA Digital, we are expanding our offering in order to position ourselves broadly for a market with strong growth potential. Our customers need products, solutions and consulting approaches to digitalise faster, more efficiently and more easily.
“KUKA is working on expanding the digital world beyond robot and automation solutions and thus driving forward the digitalisation of industry across the entire production lifecycle. Moreover, the company’s digital division is focusing on a software and digital portfolio that is not limited to KUKA robots.
“Regardless of machine type and manufacturer, customers should be able to use software solutions for their production machines and thus digitalise their production facilities from end to end. This involves interfaces, data standards, cloud integration and consulting services — and a network of competent partners.
“We are moving beyond traditional automation solutions to become a digitalisation partner for the manufacturing industry. To achieve this, we are using the experience we have gained in robotics and automation over decades and pursuing the goal of helping our customers to achieve higher productivity, resilience and sustainability.”