Kuka's compact KR Agilus robot combines precision, agility and speed. These five and six axis agile handling systems benefit from short cycle times and great stability, especially for handling tasks. Kollmorgen's AKM synchronous servomotors play a key role in the dynamics and precision of these robots.
By working together on the design, both companies were able to reduce the volume of engine installation compared to standard models, implement robot-specific applications and optimize the entire supply chain. With their nominal load range, Agilus KR models achieve unprecedented levels of speed, cycle time and power. They can even handle unusual tasks in the normal and covered installation position.
Kollmorgen has developed tailor-made motors by adapting models of the standard AKM series of servos without compromising performance or quality.
Versatile and fast, robots in the Agilus KR range are particularly suitable for general industrial applications. Weighing 51 kg, the simple model can withstand loads of 6 kg. These compact robots are therefore ideal for the automation of processes in the packaging, electronics, food and pharmaceutical industries. "We have made a significant contribution to shortening cycle times and improving accuracy by adapting our AKM series servo motors to the specific needs of Kuka," said Theo Loy, Sales Manager at Kollmorgen.
The engineering partner adapted the design of the synchronous servomotors to perfectly fit the joints of the Agilus KR robots. "It also allowed us to improve the productivity of the engine, which was already high at the beginning. "Looking back at the beginning of the partnership between the two companies, Mr. Loy says:" For its project to develop new compact robots, Kuka was looking for a manufacturer capable of supplying it with highly custom-engineered engines. The torque / volume ratio played a key role in our favor. In this respect, the AKM actuators are simply unbeatable. "The project quickly evolved into a joint and collaborative engineering initiative.
The objective was to achieve improvements in performance and customized structural assembly adaptations while retaining the advantages of mass production. "Even if Kuka's criteria could not be met with standard engines, we did not want to launch a large-scale development project, given all the risks involved in such initiatives. Kollmorgen preferred to opt for an optimization of standard engines, to which modifications have been made in a controlled manner. "Standardization, availability and quality are key factors. "
By making tailor-made adaptations (cable protection, bushing modifications, Kuka-specific connector configurations or special ports on the output shaft), the motor manufacturer has been able to safely retain the majority of its standardization. However, was such an initiative viable in the event of a complete overhaul of design geometry?
To the strength of the wrist
The problem has indeed arisen with the smallest servomotor in the Kollmorgen AKM range. Already very small at the beginning, it had to be shrunk to fit in the wrist joint of the robot. The joint engineering process began with 3D models and exterior contours, and ended with the use of detailed design data.
Now only the inside of the AKM1 engine of the Agilus KR robot is identical to its counterpart of the standard range. In addition, the specialist in drive and motion control systems manufactures Augsburg-based robot casting motors in optimized production cells, with customized testing processes and quality control procedures, using Special packaging for the transport of motors directly from the assembly line to the Kuka site.
To complement the quality management system, the Kollmorgen subsidiary based in Brno, Czech Republic, conducted a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for the two co-ordinated processes.
Engineering for a common purpose
Kollmorgen integrates supply chain optimization with its strategy of designing drive solutions that deliver the required performance and are ideally suited to managing the customer's supply chain. To facilitate the task of the customer in the Kuka project, Kollmorgen also relied on the engineering expertise of its own suppliers, for example to adapt the engine brake. "It serves as both a stop brake and an emergency brake," says Loy, "which means that the KR Agilus is the only robot in its class with Kuka's exclusive safety feature. This greatly simplifies interactions between the operator and the robot. "For this precise application, we have found the right solution by cooperating with our brake supplier. What ultimately counts is finding the best solution for the given task, "adds Loy.
AKM actuators: high acceleration with single cable
The Kollmorgen AKM range of permanent magnet actuators with high acceleration power is available in 28 different housing and assembly combinations to facilitate the design of compact machines. These models also benefit from low power consumption, extremely high control accuracy and high availability, and are compatible with all common supply voltages through specially adapted stator windings.
For a truly individual configuration of synchronous servomotors, Kollmorgen offers a modular range of power formats and values, as well as other specialization options. Thanks to this, more than 500,000 different permanent magnet motor configurations are possible within the AKM range, thanks to proven standard components. In addition, the connection system requires only one cable between the motor and the controller. This connection has advantages for the entire value chain in the mechanical engineering sector. Thus, the physical transmission of the encoder signal from the AKM motor via the motor cable eliminates the need for an interface. This saves a lot of money by removing one cable and two connectors, which in turn reduces installation time and reduces cabling space.
By working together on the design, both companies were able to reduce the volume of engine installation compared to standard models, implement robot-specific applications and optimize the entire supply chain. With their nominal load range, Agilus KR models achieve unprecedented levels of speed, cycle time and power. They can even handle unusual tasks in the normal and covered installation position.
Kollmorgen has developed tailor-made motors by adapting models of the standard AKM series of servos without compromising performance or quality.
Versatile and fast, robots in the Agilus KR range are particularly suitable for general industrial applications. Weighing 51 kg, the simple model can withstand loads of 6 kg. These compact robots are therefore ideal for the automation of processes in the packaging, electronics, food and pharmaceutical industries. "We have made a significant contribution to shortening cycle times and improving accuracy by adapting our AKM series servo motors to the specific needs of Kuka," said Theo Loy, Sales Manager at Kollmorgen.
The engineering partner adapted the design of the synchronous servomotors to perfectly fit the joints of the Agilus KR robots. "It also allowed us to improve the productivity of the engine, which was already high at the beginning. "Looking back at the beginning of the partnership between the two companies, Mr. Loy says:" For its project to develop new compact robots, Kuka was looking for a manufacturer capable of supplying it with highly custom-engineered engines. The torque / volume ratio played a key role in our favor. In this respect, the AKM actuators are simply unbeatable. "The project quickly evolved into a joint and collaborative engineering initiative.
The objective was to achieve improvements in performance and customized structural assembly adaptations while retaining the advantages of mass production. "Even if Kuka's criteria could not be met with standard engines, we did not want to launch a large-scale development project, given all the risks involved in such initiatives. Kollmorgen preferred to opt for an optimization of standard engines, to which modifications have been made in a controlled manner. "Standardization, availability and quality are key factors. "
By making tailor-made adaptations (cable protection, bushing modifications, Kuka-specific connector configurations or special ports on the output shaft), the motor manufacturer has been able to safely retain the majority of its standardization. However, was such an initiative viable in the event of a complete overhaul of design geometry?
To the strength of the wrist
The problem has indeed arisen with the smallest servomotor in the Kollmorgen AKM range. Already very small at the beginning, it had to be shrunk to fit in the wrist joint of the robot. The joint engineering process began with 3D models and exterior contours, and ended with the use of detailed design data.
Now only the inside of the AKM1 engine of the Agilus KR robot is identical to its counterpart of the standard range. In addition, the specialist in drive and motion control systems manufactures Augsburg-based robot casting motors in optimized production cells, with customized testing processes and quality control procedures, using Special packaging for the transport of motors directly from the assembly line to the Kuka site.
To complement the quality management system, the Kollmorgen subsidiary based in Brno, Czech Republic, conducted a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for the two co-ordinated processes.
Engineering for a common purpose
Kollmorgen integrates supply chain optimization with its strategy of designing drive solutions that deliver the required performance and are ideally suited to managing the customer's supply chain. To facilitate the task of the customer in the Kuka project, Kollmorgen also relied on the engineering expertise of its own suppliers, for example to adapt the engine brake. "It serves as both a stop brake and an emergency brake," says Loy, "which means that the KR Agilus is the only robot in its class with Kuka's exclusive safety feature. This greatly simplifies interactions between the operator and the robot. "For this precise application, we have found the right solution by cooperating with our brake supplier. What ultimately counts is finding the best solution for the given task, "adds Loy.
AKM actuators: high acceleration with single cable
The Kollmorgen AKM range of permanent magnet actuators with high acceleration power is available in 28 different housing and assembly combinations to facilitate the design of compact machines. These models also benefit from low power consumption, extremely high control accuracy and high availability, and are compatible with all common supply voltages through specially adapted stator windings.
For a truly individual configuration of synchronous servomotors, Kollmorgen offers a modular range of power formats and values, as well as other specialization options. Thanks to this, more than 500,000 different permanent magnet motor configurations are possible within the AKM range, thanks to proven standard components. In addition, the connection system requires only one cable between the motor and the controller. This connection has advantages for the entire value chain in the mechanical engineering sector. Thus, the physical transmission of the encoder signal from the AKM motor via the motor cable eliminates the need for an interface. This saves a lot of money by removing one cable and two connectors, which in turn reduces installation time and reduces cabling space.