Robot production at the KUKA headquarters in Augsburg

Automation solutions from KUKA are used in production facilities in a wide range of industries around the world. Find out now how and where KUKA robots are produced and why they are particularly durable. We give you an insight into robot production at the headquarters in Augsburg and explain what role sustainability and digitalization play in this.

Discover insights about robot production in Augsburg, at which other locations KUKA produces automation solutions and why the German Engineering Spirit has been driving us since the development of the first electrically driven robot, and continues to do so today at all our KUKA locations worldwide.

Learn more now:
https://www.kuka.com/HomeOfRobotik

My name is Edmund Bahr. I am responsible for quality, logistics and production at KUKA Germany here at the Augsburg location and at our Hungarian locations. KUKA has existed in Augsburg for 125 years. The first electrically powered six-axis robot was developed and produced here over 50 years ago.

Today, over 800 employees work in production and logistics in around 80,000 square meters of hall space in Augsburg. We produce almost all types of robots in Augsburg. Positioners, AGVs, Advanced Welding machines and solutions. Cell applications including service, refurbishment and complete lines for plant construction.

We assemble our linear axes in Kissing. This is about ten kilometers to the south. Controllers, cables and power supplies come from our factory in Hungary. Since over 50% of the global robotics market is in China, we develop and produce locally and close to our customers in Shunde.

Among other things, specific robots aimed at the Asian market. Sustainability starts with the product. The current QUANTEC-2 is up to 60% more energy efficient than its predecessor. Topics such as refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling are becoming more and more important.

We have defined very clear environmental goals for KUKA and broken them down into individual areas. We use modern standards in our factories such as intelligent automatic switch-off systems. And a digitalization project is currently underway. And starting next year, it will save 200 trees per year of paper.

But the topic of sustainability also includes considerations: Which manufacturing processes will we use in the future? What raw materials do we use and where are they sourced? Think about the shortage of skilled workers and the age structure of employees. Are the workplaces designed ergonomically and safely?

All topics that are part of the aspect of sustainability. In the next few years, a number of buildings here in Augsburg will be renovated. This makes it possible and necessary to completely rethink and replan our logistics and production processes. It’s a great opportunity to redesign everything and position ourselves strongly for the future.

Smart automation solutions and greater transparency through digitalization are basic requirements here. Sustainability is an important aspect. The synergies through the good networking between R&D, operations, sales and service, but also between our global locations, pay off here. Over 34 years of KUKA. The personal pride of being part of the KUKA success story.

Colleagues you can rely on. Colleagues who also rely on me. Not a day has been boring so far, always new challenges, always new opportunities. You can help shape things, you can make a difference. Keep on moving.