Controlling a small KUKA robot using a smartphone thanks to a robot app

The companies robomotion GmbH and SOTEC GmbH have developed an application that simplifies the control of robots while also making it more flexible. It is now possible to control the KUKA KR 3 AGILUS robot with a smartphone from the cloud.

New robot app enables wireless control from the cloud using a smartphone

Nowadays, companies expect intelligent networking to bring greater productivity and flexibility. Robots play a key role in this. They are integrated into the intelligent production process via the cloud. The robot application developed by robomotion GmbH and SOTEC GmbH enables the wireless control of a KUKA KR 3 AGILUS robot using a smartphone.

The KUKA KR 3 AGILUS demonstrates intelligent, cloud-based control via smartphone

“SOTEC GmbH wanted a means of controlling the robot that works via the cloud rather than involving a physical programmable logic controller as is usually the case,” explains Dr. Andreas Wolf, CEO of robomotion GmbH. The KR 3 AGILUS robot is controlled wirelessly from a basic PLC saved in a local or public cloud. Communication between the smartphone and the robot can be tracked on a monitor in real time.

Smart factories need the cloud

As technological development advances towards the smart factory, robot control systems must also be simplified and made increasingly flexible. One step in this direction is for users to be able to control and analyze robots from any place, at any time, and without extensive programming knowledge. This was the starting point for the work that began as a research project. The first KR 3 AGILUS delivered in Germany was integrated into the application. The robot was designed in particular for pick & place tasks and stands out due to its speed and precision. Moreover, its control unit is relatively small, making it easy to transport and install.

The KR 3 AGILUS is controlled from the cloud.

Intelligent networking using a robot app and the cloud opens up a huge range of possibilities

“Controlling a robot via a smartphone is a combination that naturally attracts attention,” reveals Florian Holz, CEO of SOTEC. Following the first positive feedback, the program is to be expanded to include further options offered by the cloud. The KR 3 AGILUS is to be expanded to include new gripper capabilities. Sensor functions are also under consideration.

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