E-mobility: Kuka supplies 36 robots to ZF Gusstechnologie GmbH
It is not a really large order, but still very interesting because it concerns the growth field of e-mobility. Above all, the robots will be heavily used, as can be seen from the press release. It is not a job that could be done by any robot. Other robots would break a sweat.
At ZF Gusstechnologie GmbH in Nuremberg, 36 KR IONTECs will soon begin operation. They will handle castings for
plug-in hybrid transmissions. Plug-in hybrids combine the range of an internal combustion engine with a locally emission-free electric drive. ZF, one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, offers modular solutions for the entire range of hybrid vehicles. Together with the system integrator Maschinenbau Böhmer GmbH, KUKA will in future support the automation of production of the fourth generation of ZF 8-speed plug-in hybrid transmissions.
Maschinenbau Böhmer is an important partner
36 KR IONTEC robots are used in the die casting of gearbox housings and housings for mechatronics. The order was placed on the first of April 2022
, and KUKA delivered the first nine robots to Maschinenbau Böhmer GmbH at the beginning of August. The next robot delivery will take place at the end of October. By the spring of 2023, all 36 KR IONTECs are expected to be in service at ZF.
Extremely high heat resistance
The KR IONTEC is particularly easy to commission and requires little maintenance, with a large working envelope and a small footprint. A particular advantage for foundries
: the Foundry version of the KR IONTEC can withstand heat and is suitable for the temperature range 0 to 55 degrees Celsius. The robot hand of the KR IONTEC Foundry is also extremely heat-resistant: It can tolerate a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius for up to ten seconds.
A tailor-made offer, service included
In addition to the product features, the decisive factor for the award of the contract by ZF in Nuremberg was the package of offers that KUKA tailored to the needs of the plant. Christian Gernath, Global Key Account Manager ZF Group at KUKA: "ZF Gusstechnologie GmbH benefits from the complete KUKA portfolio with robots, customer support, training and digital services. We are looking forward to being able to support the employees - and to the joint journey into future-proof plug-in hybrid transmission production."
ZF is a globally active technology group and supplies systems for mobility in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology. By electrifying vehicles in a wide range of categories, the Group is helping to reduce emissions and protect the climate. In 2021, ZF generated sales of €38.3 billion with approximately 157,500 employees worldwide. ZF is represented at 188 production locations in 31 countries, and ZF Gusstechnologie GmbH in Nuremberg currently has around 1,000 employees.
The video shows a Kuka KR IONTEC without the Foundry heat protection variant:
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The author of this blog is significantly involved in the AI/robotics project Opdra. He advises SMEs around robotics - up to 50% funding for consulting is possible. Permanently looking for interesting solutions, he has seen hundreds of applications. For this reason, his customers also include large companies that have know-how but do not know the entire market. You can find more about him here.