KUKA lands order for several hundred industrial robots plus car body assembly systems

The robots will be used in the three German BMW factories in Munich, Regensburg and Leipzig, as well as the South African plant, after the existing systems have been revamped. The equipment will be delivered from 2010 to 2012.

The KUKA robots will be used on the car body assembly lines for the new BMW 1 and 3 Series models. Tasks will include spot welding and handling. 
In addition, KUKA Systems GmbH was selected to supply car body production systems for the new 1 and 3 Series BMWs. The assembly lines, which include stations for spot and inert gas welding of floor panels and the body rear end of the vehicles, can be used to make various configurations of each model.

KUKA Systems will install the assembly lines with minimal shutdowns while the plant is in full operation, reference to the company’s systems integration skill and experience.

"We are pleased that KUKA was able to sign another longer term supply contract with this key automotive customer," declared Dr. Till Reuter, CEO of KUKA AG. "KUKA products and systems meet the customer's stringent requirements, and their wide range of possible applications is impressive."

About the KUKA Robot Group

KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, is a member of the KUKA Aktiengesellschaft and ranks among the world’s leading suppliers of industrial robots. Core competencies are the development, production and sale of industrial robots, controllers, software and linear units. The company is the market leader in Germany and Europe, and the number three in the world. The KUKA Robot Group employs about 2000 people worldwide. Of these, 1.100 are employed in Germany, either at the KUKA Robot Group headquarters in Augsburg, or at various subsidiaries. In 2009, sales totaled 330, 5 million Euro. 25 subsidiaries provide a presence in the major markets of Europe, America and Asia.