Kuka Robotics Showcases Scalable Machine Tending Robotics at IMTS 2026
Kuka Robotics will display its advanced robotic automation solutions for machine tool tending with the company’s system integrator, Formic Automation, at IMTS 2026. Visitors to Booth #236807 in the North Building will experience live demonstrations that highlight how 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 applications, the WPG 7 combines rigid machine construction with 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, which enables manufacturers to adopt automation without significant capital expenditure. The collaboration highlights how flexible automation helps manufacturers address labor shortages, respond to increased production demands and expand their machining capabilities.
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