The EMO 2013 trade show in Hanover, Germany marked the beginning of a new partnership between Siemens Industry and KUKA robots.

An integrate solution using Siemens control and software portfolio with KUKA robots operates, programs and diagnosis KUKA robots working with machine tools.

Sinumerik Integrate Run Robot functions using Siemens’ CNC control Sinumerik 840D sl to enable KUKA robots for material handling tasks for machining centers.

“With this joint approach, the two companies are strengthening the fundamental idea of integrated production and can, for example, develop new markets by close intermeshing of machine tool tasks and loading tasks,” said Manfred Gundel, CEO of KUKA Roboter.

“The CNC control from Siemens and the robot controls from KUKA are ideal for integrating robot and CNC technology. With this cooperation, we are deepening our many years of cooperation and advancing intelligent automation solutions as outlined by the Industry 4.0 project for the benefit of both partners and to expand business,” said Dr. Robert Neuhauser, CEO of business unit Motion Control Systems at Siemens.

Nearly 110,000 robots are sold each year with six times that number being machine tools. KUKA said it believes that 20 percent of those tools could use more automated robots.

Robots have the greatest flexibility, multitasking capability and accessibility in aerospace and defense, automotive, plastics, and power industries.