Automation for Machine Tool Tending

KUKA ROBOTICS will display its advanced robotic automation solutions for machine tool tending with the company’s system integrator, Formic Automation, at IMTS 2026, in the North building at booth #236807. Visitors will see live demonstrations of the ways that KUKA is making automation easier for manufacturers to adopt robotic machine tending through a scalable, service-based approach that reduces complexity and supports evolving production needs.

The real-world demonstration with Formic Automation will feature a KR CYBERTECH robot integrated with an EMAG WPG 7 cylindrical grinding machine. Designed for high-precision grinding, the WPG 7 combines rigid machine construction and optimized thermal stability to enhance grinding accuracy and process consistency. The machine achieves cylindricity accuracy deviations of less than one micrometer through continuous, in-process measurement systems from Marposs, along with advanced monitoring and control technologies.

At the center of the demonstration is KUKA’s machine-tending automation technology paired with Formic’s Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model - so it’s possible for manufacturers to adopt automation without significant capital expense. The KUKA ad Formic collaboration highlights how flexible automation helps manufacturers address labor shortages, respond to increased production demands, and expand their machining capabilities.

KUKA automation solutions, including those to be demonstrated at IMTS 2026, are backed by expert service and support for training, complete system engineering and simulation, readily available spare parts, robot refurbishment and more, all of which are easily accessible through the my.KUKA.com site.

Learn more at www.kuka.com