KUKA has just rolled out its latest operating system, iiQKA.OS2, and it’s a game-changer for anyone involved in robotics. This new system is not only scalable and customizable, but it also features a fully virtual robot controller. What does that mean for you? Well, it seamlessly integrates AI and aligns with the upcoming ISO 10218:2025 industrial robot safety standards, ensuring your operations are both secure and future-proof.
The iiQKA.OS2 blends the tried-and-true core of KUKA.SystemSoftware with a modern user interface. It’s designed with modular safety features, making it adaptable for a wide range of automation needs. KUKA has used its decades of expertise to combine the latest tech stacks and web technologies, opening up new possibilities for enhanced functionality and smoother user workflows.
One of the highlights is the iiQKA.UI, a web-based interface that, along with customizable application modules, provides flexibility for businesses of all sizes—from small enterprises to OEMs. Whether you’re working with virtual or physical robot controllers, this system supports realistic load data analysis and detailed simulation capabilities. You can make changes quickly without needing physical hardware, which is a huge time-saver.
Adding to the package, the iiQWorks engineering suite allows for the simulation of multiple robots and their peripherals. This means you can keep your projects on schedule, optimize resources, and speed up system deployment.
The new OS standardizes robot kinematics across the KR C5 and KR C5 micro controllers, covering Delta, SCARA, and six-axis robots with various payloads. Initially, it targets small robots, but by 2025, it’ll expand to include larger ones. There’s also a handy “use your own device” feature, letting you operate without a traditional teach pendant. Instead, you can use the KUKA smartPLUG with any commercially available tablet to program and manage robots efficiently.
With its comprehensive engineering functions, like simulation and offline programming, iiQKA.OS2 helps you detect errors early, reducing risks and costs. There’s even an optional NVIDIA expansion board to boost AI integration for vision applications. Plus, the system’s ready for ISO 10218:2025 and IEC 62443 certification, so you’re equipped for whatever the future holds.
KUKA, based in Augsburg, Germany, is a leader in automation, with over EUR 4 billion in sales and around 15,000 employees. They specialize in industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots, and fully connected production systems across various sectors. Recently, they even snagged a 2025 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for their innovative work in larvae breeding for Danish insect farms.
