China's GAC Orders 430 Kuka Robots Plus Cloud Platform

Automated systems supplier Kuka, based in Augsburg, Germany, has taken an order from Chinese automaker GAC NE (New Energy) for 430 industrial robots. These will be deployed to build electric vehicles in this GAC Group division's new production plant in Guangzhou, for joining and handling tasks at the body-in-white stage.

The KR Quantec and KR Fortec robots are supplied with Kuka Connect, a cloud- based software platform. This enables easy and flexible access for data analysis, using a variety of devices. Kuka offers the platform to clients in two forms: Connect Lite, a free version with features including an admin console, condition monitoring, maintenance logging and scheduling, and the premium Connect Plus, adding features including real-time visualization of robot activity and data analytics, real-time notifications, exportable data reports and predictive maintenance. The platform has an open API infrastructure for third-party collaboration and customization.

The GAC order is said to be in the "high double-digit million euro range".  Kuka CEO Dr. Till Reuter said in a statement: "This contract underscores our expertise in automation. At the same time, we are further strengthening our position in the growth market of Asia and profiting from the megatrend towards automation."