Robotics for Fun and Profit at EXPOPLAST Montréal

Advances in robotic learning and interaction with augmented reality (AR) and educational technology, human-robot collaboration (HRC), and advanced mobility robotics will be front and center in the Kuka booth at EXPOPLAST, part of the Advanced Design & Manufacturing Montréal event in November.

To demonstrate how easy it is to program robots today, Kuka will showcase its ready2_educate mobile training cell using Kuka.SmartBinPicking software and Kuka.MixedReality AR for automated smart bin-picking operations. Ready2_educate is a self-contained training cell equipped with a KR 4 Agilus small industrial robot that streamlines training for schools, universities, and company learning centers.

Connecting virtual and real worlds for validation

The KR Agilus is a 6-axis robot designed for high speeds and agility. Kuka.SmartBinPicking software pairs AI-based object recognition with precise robot-path planning for collision-free high-speed bin picking. The operation is easily verified offline using Kuka.MixedReality software that connects the virtual and real worlds in real time to validate robot paths, tools, and fault geometry.  

A second interactive educational demonstration using an LBR iisy cobot is also on tap at the Kuka booth. Using the iiQKA.OS operating system, tasks can be taught quickly by means of manual guidance, and thanks to the Kuka smartPAD pro teach pendant, other programming tasks are as simple to accomplish as using a smartphone.

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The LBR iisy cobot at the booth will be used to demo an interactive educational application. Image courtesy of Kuka.

At EXPOPLAST, the LBR iisy cobot will be mounted in an iiKQA Educational Kit, which includes exercises and a mobile base that is ideal for developing training courses at schools with limited floor space. The kits can be combined to create mini production lines and teach important factory automation concepts.

AirSkin instead of fences

Also at the booth, KR Agilus will be mounted on a mobile platform and fitted with AirSkin to simulate an application without protective fences. Available in a variety of configurations for cleanroom, hygienic, and hazardous environments, the system brings precision to confined spaces. If someone enters the robot’s vicinity, the AirSkin sensor system reduces the robot’s speed, and if contact occurs, the robot stops immediately. Upon verification that it’s safe to restart, the robot resumes work at the point in the program where it was interrupted. 

For automated mobility applications, KUKA will present a static exhibit of its KMP 600-S diffDrive mobile platform automated guided vehicle (AGV). The KMP 600-S diffDrive can move up to 2 meters (6.5 ft) per second in all directions of travel and carry up to a 600-kg (1,320 lb) payload. An integrated lifting device lifts up to 60 mm (2.4 in.) in under 3 seconds. The vehicle requires no safety fencing, which provides maximum freedom of movement for employees.

Scanners ensure safe travel in all directions

When cycle times require high-speed travel, front- and rear-mounted laser scanners ensure safe operation in all travel directions. Camera-based 3D object detection enables the KMP 600-S diffDrive to integrate seamlessly into existing production environments and detect obstacles autonomously from 50 mm (2 in.) to 2.1 m (6.5 ft) above the ground. The KMP 600-S diffDrive features an IP 54 design that works reliably even in adverse conditions such as water spray and dust.

The KMP 600-S diffDrive can be set up using no-code Kuka.AMR fleet management software, eliminating the need for programming.

Visit Kuka in booth 1207 at EXPOPLAST on Nov. 13 and 14 in Montréal. Several other automation specialists will be exhibiting at the event, including ABB Canada, Beckhoff Automation Ltd., and Robotech Automation. Go to the event website for a full list of exhibitors.