Compared with other technical innovations, the robot is still relatively young. The world’s first industrial robot was not installed until the middle of the 20th century. The first electrically driven robot – controlled......Compared with other technical innovations, the robot is still relatively young. The world’s first industrial robot was not installed until the middle of the 20th century. The first electrically driven robot – controlled by a microprocessor – was launched on the market in 1974. In 1996, KUKA Robot Group achieved a quantum leap in industrial robot development. That year saw the launch of the first PC-based controller, developed by KUKA. This marked the dawn of a new era of “real” mechatronics, characterized by the precise interaction of software, controller and mechanical systems. This means that the use of robot technology ensures consistently high quality for capital goods and consumer products from a vast range of different sectors. For robots can be used in practically any application: handling, stacking, inspecting, polishing or grinding. In combination with new gripper and sensor technologies, previously unimaginable robotic applications become possible. Creativity, dynamism and innovation are required to implement these versatile and technologically demanding applications. These attributes are the key to economic success and market leadership. KUKA Robot Group knows the challenges facing both people and machines, understands its customers’ requirements and is developing ideas to meet them – Working Ideas.