"Our mission by 2030 is: Automation will be simpler, more intuitive, and thus available to everyone. This will lower the entry threshold. Programming a robot will then be as easy as working on a PC today," says Peter Mohnen, CEO KUKA Group. That is why KUKA is presenting a preview of its operating system of the future at the digital Hannover Messe 2021.

Prototypes have already been in use at various customers since the end of 2020. This is less about the product "robot" alone, but rather about its use and the possible applications. In the coming years, automation will find its way into more and more areas – all around the globe. This development is already evident from current projects of the KUKA Group. These include major orders from the battery and e-mobility sectors, as well as the establishment of additional robot types in the portfolio, such as the KR SCARA for small parts assembly, material handling and testing tasks.

"According to KUKA CEO Mohnen, the increasing width of applications is evident in other industries: "After the coronavirus pandemic, there will be a real push towards more automation, especially in logistics and healthcare, which will have a major impact in the medium term. "
Peter Mohnen, CEO of KUKA AG

Digitally connected solution systems are the future

Software is more decisive than ever: the real added value no longer lies in a single product, but in digitally connected solution systems. KUKA offers the entire range from robotic components to large, complex connected systems. This requires an operating system that offers access to an entire ecosystem of programs or apps, services and accessories.

The long-term goal is clear: every KUKA product is to be equipped with the new operating system at some point – a long-term project in which the first steps have already been taken. KUKA is also focusing on the benefits for its tens of thousands of existing customers worldwide who work with classic KUKA systems. Accompanying them all into the new world, reducing costs and increasing benefits is KUKA’s top priority. The automation group therefore not only wants to make access easier for newcomers, but also to further develop its existing customer base.

Automation as the winner of the pandemic crisis?

The coronavirus pandemic has changed supply chains, workflows and production processes. New technologies are helping the industry to adapt to this change in a sustainable way. These include automation, robotics and digitization. They are important elements for a robust and resilient industry. "Hannover Messe is a key driver for the time after the coronavirus pandemic. Robotics and automation are key here, as are digital concepts. KUKA is a pioneer in industrial automation, and Hannover Messe, as a digital format, also offers us the right platform for products, solutions and innovations related to the digitalized and sustainable production of the future," says Wilfried Eberhardt, Chief Marketing Officer at KUKA. With this year’s partner country Indonesia, Hannover Messe is focusing on a region that is developing very dynamically, particularly in the field of automation. For example, KUKA subsidiary Swisslog has already implemented several logistics projects for the Asian e-commerce giant Lazada.