New KUKA robotic technology guarantees the highest hygiene standards

For handling, packaging, palletizing or stacking, the new KUKA Hygienic Oil (HO) portfolio and Hygienic Machine (HM) variants excel in all applications that prioritize hygiene. The robot arms use food-compatible lubricants in all axes and feature a smooth surface for easy cleaning. This design ensures a high hygienic standard and makes these robots attractive for use in other industries as well:

KUKA’s new HO portfolio has been available since the beginning of 2021. “The HO industrial robots meet the hygiene requirements of Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and DIN ISO 14159,” explained KUKA Portfolio Manager Dieter Rothenfußer. “They are equipped with certified NSF H1 lubricants in all axes, including the energy supply systems. Maintenance intervals are identical to those of our standard robots.”

The modern lighter gray design of this robotics portfolio makes it particularly easy to detect contamination on the machine. With these measures, KUKA meets the increased safety standards in the secondary sector – and is the only worldwide supplier with this broad portfolio. HO robots also offer application potential beyond food-industry processing and packaging, for processing of solid or dry products such as chocolate or baked goods.

KUKA hygienic robotic technology with H1 lubricants covers payloads from 6 to 240 kg and reaches from 900 to 3,200 mm, – for use along the entire process chain. This encompasses all robot families: from the KR AGILUS to the KR QUANTEC PA – with even faster cycle times. The main axes are carry protection rating IP 65 against dust and water, the wrist axes to IP 67.

To meet the requirements of the primary sector, KUKA offers HM (“Hygienic Machine”) robotics that make cleanliness the top priority.

The design and materials of these “Hygienic Design” machines are based on EHEDG design guidelines, and allow robots to be used in applications that involve direct contact with foodstuffs and pharmaceutical substances. “Corrosion-resistant housings without inaccessible corners, food-grade lubricants and the use of stainless steel components guarantee the highest level of hygiene,” said Dieter Rothenfußer. At the same time, these robots are particularly resistant to disinfectants and chemical cleaning agents, with a robust, waterproof design that is easy to clean with high pressure. The cleaning-sensitive electrical interface is located underneath the machine rather that in the primary contact area.

With FDA-compliant components and H1 lubricants, HM robots impress with a payload of 3-10 kg and a reach of up to 1,200 mm. The 2021 introduction of the stainless-steel KR DELTA into the KUKA portfolio has supplemented performance for the primary sector.