KUKA and Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences Launch Robot-Assisted Friction Stir Welding Research Platform

KUKA Systems AWS and the University of Applied Sciences in Magdeburg-Stendal have established a new industrial research cell for robot-assisted friction stir welding (FSW). The centerpiece is KUKA's KR FORTEC ultra MT industrial robot, designed for applications demanding high process forces, rigidity, and precision, capable of both friction stir welding and milling.

The new cell is based on industrial production technology, rather than a conventional laboratory setup. This approach allows researchers to develop and validate new manufacturing processes under conditions that closely reflect real-world production environments. The objective is to shorten the path from process development to industrial implementation.

The platform incorporates a digital twin and continuous process data capture, enabling virtual planning and optimization before physical production. This feature is expected to help companies assess friction stir welding applications more efficiently and facilitate their transfer into industrial use.

In addition to research, the facility will serve educational purposes, providing students with hands-on experience in robotics, digital manufacturing, and advanced joining technologies. The setup aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry, accelerating the development of new robotic manufacturing applications.