The team that changed the world

DaimlerChrysler is building automobiles with new cooperating robots technologies, a new type of production technology developed in close cooperation with the KUKA Robot Group Augsburg. The innovative manufacturing system enables coordinated teamwork between robots and interactive cooperation between humans and robots. Ethernet-based intelligent communication is the core of the new system, while new high-performance software allows robots to be utilized more flexibly and efficiently. Pieces of a vehicle can be processed while being moved to the next assembly station, thereby reducing non-productive transport times. This will reduce manufacturing space by 20% and investment in production equipment by 5%. The optimal accessibility of the workplace enables a reduction of the process stools employed. These cooperating robots also make possible completely new plant layouts with shorter production lines and less extensive facilities.