Sporty performance

"Robots are real powerhouses because they have to move enormous weights, at the same time they are very persistent and must be able to accelerate quickly. Thus they embody for me the ideal image of the athlete", explains the industrial designer Marion Selic, which is responsible for the design of the KUKA robots. Fast, persistent and equipped with an extreme acceleration – that’s what you have to be if you want to become swimming world champion. And even if a KUKA robot in the water - despite the Waterproof versions – might appear to be a bit strange, the organizers of the opening ceremony have just used this idea at this year's World Swimming Championships: Six KUKA robots of type KR 16 were part of the big show in Kazan, Russia.

More than 6,000 spectators witnessed firsthand how the 16th FINA World Championships were opened with a spectacular performance called "Pilgrim". It was all about the main theme of water: The show presented the six swimming sports that determine their champion in the championship and devoted each a theme episode. Overall, in addition to KUKA robots 200 dancers, athletes, ballet dancers and circus artists took part in the opening ceremony. "Pilgrim" is listed during the World Cup every day immediately after the start of the competitions. The organizers expect 50,000 spectators in Kazan.