Under the motto 'making automation easier', KUKA's automation solutions for industrial welding applications can be experienced live at the international trade fair WELDING AND CUTTING in Essen from September 15 to 19. Visitors can get to know robots of various payload classes in Hall 3 at Stand D48 and learn about intuitive software packages and control technology on site.
The WELDING AND CUTTING trade fair is internationally one of the most important events in the metal processing industry. For KUKA, it is an ideal platform that we use to present our customers with insights into the comprehensive product portfolio for every application in the metal processing industry,” emphasizes Albert Sanchez, Head of Global Market Segment T1 at KUKA.
Smart software for simple welding automation
KUKA demonstrates at the fair how it is consistently advancing the expansion of its software portfolio based on the new robot operating system iiQKA.OS2, while also addressing the simple and efficient automation of welding applications. The new operating system iiQKA.OS2 is scalable, AI-capable, and cyber-resilient. Even in the planning stage, entirely new paths can be taken. The simulation of robots and their peripherals is made possible by iiQKA.OS2 in combination with the all-in-one engineering suite iiQWorks and the digital twin.
In addition, KUKA will showcase the 'Path-Planning Feature' available from October, which will further simplify the planning of automation projects specifically for welding and cutting applications in iiQWorks. The software offering is rounded off with smart control devices such as the SmartPAD pro or the SmartPLUG, which enable intuitive control and quick integration of the robots – all in the spirit of 'making automation easier'.
Get complex paths on track. But easier.
In the hardware sector, KUKA showcases the KR IONTEC ultra as a highlight of the fair. The robot, newly available in the portfolio since 2025, is ideal for spot welding with lightweight welding torches. Its compact design allows it to fit perfectly into tight welding cells, impressing with a payload of up to 120 kg, high dynamics, and minimal maintenance effort – making it highly sought after by suppliers in the automotive industry.
In addition to the KR IONTEC ultra, KUKA demonstrates at WELDING AND CUTTING 2025 with the new KR FORTEC ultra MT that robot cells offer highly automated solutions for friction stir welding in electric vehicle production. Thanks to high rigidity, the heavy-duty robot delivers very precise weld seams that require no rework – all in line with the motto 'get complex paths on track. But easier.'
Latest developments in friction welding technology
KUKA and Thompson's welding machines make the industrial joining of various materials simple and cost-effective. This makes welding demanding and safety-relevant material combinations for sectors such as e-mobility and lightweight construction possible with the highest quality. At the KUKA stand at WELDING AND CUTTING, visitors can learn about the advantages of friction and MagnetArc welding machines as well as new technologies such as linear friction welding, hybrid rotational friction welding, and friction stir welding with steel.
Strong partners showcase robotics in practical applications
At the trade fair stand in Essen, KUKA robots of various payload classes are also in action, including the KR CYBERTECH nano ARC HW Edition, the KR CYBERTECH, and the KR AGILUS. KUKA system partners present practical applications of the robots: Arthur Bräuer GmbH & Co. KG is a service provider in welding, cutting, and robotics and presents a 3D printing process using laser cladding welding.
The medium-sized, internationally oriented company LEWA Attendorn GmbH showcases precision in spot welding with a lightweight torch using the KR IONTEC ultra. And SHL AG demonstrates a grinding application with the KR CYBERTECH using no-code programming.
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