The robots feature a hollow-wrist design, with a 50 mm opening that allows the integration of all commonly-used welding packages, and achieve a repeatability of less than +/- 0.05 mm. Endowed with protection classification IP54, they are suitable for operation even in the harsh conditions typical of welding environments. The infinitely rotating axis 6 saves time, while the combination of powerful motors and low weight (245 / 238 kg) makes these welding professionals highly productive. The KR 16 arc HW, with a payload of up to 16 kg, is particularly suited to larger workpieces – e.g. in thick plate applications. If, however, reach is important, the KR 16 L8 arc HW with a reach of up to 2,015 mm is the obvious first choice.

Following the launch of the first KUKA robot with a Hollow Wrist construction in 2007, KUKA Roboter is now building on this design with these two new models. The optimized arm with double-sided mounting of the robot has proved its worth in production environments. It ensures greater stiffness and reduced vibrations – and is resilient in the case of minor collisions.