Kawasaki Robotics showcased a range of advanced automation technologies at Automate 2026 in Chicago, highlighting how robotics, AI, machine learning, vision systems, and real-time control are transforming industrial automation. Key debuts included the RL030N, an 8-Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) robot platform designed for Physical AI applications, and the patented Pulseboard inspection technology, demonstrated in a live robotic weld inspection system developed with Fives DyAG. The company also introduced the MXP360L and BA013L industrial robots.
Key takeaways
- RL030N for Physical AI: The industry's first 8-axis robot specifically for Physical AI, offering high-speed motion, enhanced dexterity, and real-time external orchestration via the open KRNX control API, enabling adaptive motion and complex planning in confined spaces.
- Pulseboard speeds weld inspection: Integrated with Fives DyAG, the system synchronizes image acquisition with tool-tip displacement, enabling continuous high-resolution imaging during motion—up to 10x faster inspection with improved defect localization.
- Closed-loop dispensing with Coherix: A seven-axis robot with Coherix 3D laser-based Adaptive Process Control adjusts adhesive bead placement in real time (up to 400 times/sec), reducing defects, waste, and rework in automotive applications.
- New industrial robots: The BA013L arc welding robot features a 50 mm hollow wrist, 730°/s axis speed, and 2,093 mm reach; the MXP360L offers 360 kg payload for heavy-duty handling.
These technologies underscore a shift toward intelligent automation systems that integrate perception, motion, and decision-making, aiming to deliver both flexibility and industrial reliability for manufacturers.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2026-06-26 · “Kawasaki Robotics showcases 8-axis Physical AI robot and intelligent automation technologies at Automate 2026”