June 2021

KUKAHAS announced a new operating system for its robots that, it says, will be as easy to use as a mobile phone and will mark the start of“a new era in robotics”. The iiQKA.OS systemwill act as the basis for an entire ecosystem, providing access to programs, apps, services and equipment that are easy to install, operate and use, and will allow newcomers to implement automation without specialised training, while improving and simplifying the process for experts. Based on a Linux kernel, the modular OS is designed for rapid development and maximum user- friendliness. Kuka says it will be updated to add more functions over time. The new OS will also support the Kuka Robot Language (KRL), allowing existing customers to migrate smoothly to the new OS and to continue using their existing workflows and codes. The first Kuka robot to use the new OS is its LBR iisy cobot (collaborative robot), supported by a shoebox-sized microcontroller and an IP54- protected operator pad. Over the next years, Kuka aims to equip all of its products with the new OS. The company is also planning to open the system up for use by a network of partners and developers who provide hardware and software such as grippers, camera systems, safety sensors and application-specific programs. The first“keystone partners”are Schunk, Sick and Roboception. Open and standardised interfaces will make it easy for the partners and developers to offer hardware and software extensions. Kuka says that end-users and integrators benefit by being able to find compatible combinations of Kuka products and add-ons quickly and easily. www.kuka.com/en-gb n TECHNOLOGY Robot OS and ecosystem are ‘as easy to use as smartphones’ Kuka’s first robot to use its new operating system is its LBR iisy cobot ROCKWELL AUTOMATION has announced a device that allows users to implement CIP Security on most devices on a network – even when using older systems. The Allen-Bradley CIP Security Proxy device works with EtherNet/IP-compliant devices to provide security for the network. CIP Security is part of a defence-in-depth strategy developed by ODVA to protect against remote cyber-attacks on networks. It can provide security for single devices, defending them against cyber-attackers. The proxy device, which contains three 1Gb EtherNet/IP ports, allows users to migrate to CIP Security. It is configured using Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Policy Manager software and FactoryTalk system services. It also supports Kinetix drives and offers aWeb server for viewing diagnostics. www.rockwellautomation.com Device can implement CIP Security even on older systems