KUKA Australia joins Open IIoT alliance

Australian IIoT consortium Open IIoT has announced that KUKA Australia has joined the alliance, joining other prominent automation companies including SMC Corporation, Beckhoff Automation, NORD Drivesystems, Balluff and ZI-Argus

Cameron Fisher, General Manager at KUKA Robotics Australia, believes that the company’s vision aligns closely to that of the Open IIoT group.

“For over 120 years, KUKA has stood for ideas and innovation. Joining IIoT gives us the opportunity to join fellow prominent brands in promoting the latest technical advances in smart automation,” he said.

“By joining Open IIoT, we hope be part of the movement to ramp up Industry 4.0 capabilities and acceptance in Australia. There is a definite sense of urgency in this mission, as our country is more in need of automated solutions than ever before.”

Industrial robotics in demand

The latest Economist and WSJ statistics regarding growth dynamics in industrial robotics reflect the sense of urgency that Fisher raises. WSJ estimates that 373,000 industrial robots were put to use in 2019, in addition to 173,000 ‘professional service’ robots, equipped with advanced software, sensors and Wi-Fi. By the end of 2021, it is estimated that the installed base of factory robots worldwide will exceed 3.2 million robots, and the current global market for industrial robotics is currently valued at $45 billion dollars.

“We believe COVID-19 has changed the way people work and, as a result, smart automation is a key to making this efficient,” said Fisher. “From real-time monitoring of factory floors to an increase in social distancing in the workplace, robotics automation can solve many of the issues companies are facing in the new world.”

Robotics and IIoT

For those looking to advance their IIoT journey through robotics, Fisher recommends that customers deal only with experts in the field and ensure integration between suppliers for the best possible results.

Fisher and the KUKA team have found a panel of similarly qualified Industry 4.0 experts in the Open IIoT panel, and he looks forward to what 2021 has in store.

“The calibre of the members of Open IIoT have definitely helped to cement its footprint as the IIoT group of choice in Australia, and we look forward to incorporating more robotics into the group’s agenda,” he said.