With the tagline ‘Industrial intelligence 4.0 beyond automation,’ KUKA seems a natural fit to join the prestigious Open IIoT cohort.
Since its founding over a century ago in 1898, the company has stood for ideas and innovations in over 40 countries. In addition to being the world’s leading supplier of production systems in the automotive industry, KUKA has established itself as a trailblazer in e-commerce, electronics, energy, consumer goods, metal, plastics and even the entertainment and healthcare industries.
In joining Open IIoT, KUKA joins a panel of some of Australia’s most prominent automation brands: SMC Corporation ANZ; Beckhoff Automation; NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, Balluff and ZI-Argus, and brings a wealth of industrial robotics expertise.
Says Cameron Fisher, General Manager at KUKA Robotics Australia, “KUKA Australia was driven to join Open IIoT by our desire to further Industry 4.0, innovation and the spirit of collaboration on local shores.”
“Through joining Open IIoT, we hope be part of the movement to ramp up Industry 4.0 capability and awareness in Australia. There is a definite sense of urgency in this mission, as our country is more in need of automated solutions than ever before,” he adds.
The latest Economist and WSJ statistics regarding growth dynamics in industrial robotics reflect the sense of urgency that Fisher raises. WSJ estimates that 373,000 industrial robots were put to use in 2019, in addition to 173,000 “professional service” robots, equipped with advanced software, sensors, and Wi-Fi.
By the end of 2021 it’s estimated that the installed base of factory robots worldwide will exceed 3.2 million robots, and the current global market for industrial robotics is currently valued at $45 billion dollars. “This is largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more and more manufacturers realising that automated solutions are the answer to overcoming concerns over social distancing on the factory floor,” says Fisher.
For those looking to advance their IIoT journey through robotics , Fisher suggests the following guidelines: “We strongly recommend that customers deal only with experts in the field, and ensure that there is integration between suppliers for the best results.”
Fisher and the KUKA team have found a panel of similarly qualified Industry 4.0 experts on the Open IIoT panel, and he looks forward to what 2021 has in store. “The calibre of the members of Open IIoT have definitely helped to cement its footprint as the IIoT group of choice in Australia, and we look forward to incorporating more robotics into the group’s agenda for the new year,” he concludes.
