Human-robot collaboration to ‘grow significantly’, says Kuka

The relationship between humans and robots is delicate. The idea that robots could replace human workers in many different industries has some people worried, while robotics suppliers believe that stronger collaboration between the two will only serve to make human lives easier.

In the automotive industry, human-robot collaboration is expected to increase significantly, particularly during the latter stages of the vehicle production process. A number of trials are examining the potential for enhancing this relationship, like the one at Ford’s Cologne plant. For this trial, Kuka supplied Ford with its new LBR iiwa robot.

Speaking to Automotive World, Klaus Link, Key Account Manager Ford at Kuka Roboter, discussed Kuka’s relationship with Ford, and outlined his expectations for the future of the automotive industry.