SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2025: Efficient and simple automation with KUKA robots

Under the motto "Get complex paths on track. But easier.“ KUKA's automation solutions for industrial welding applications will be on display in action at the international trade fair SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN in Essen from September 15 to 19. In Hall 3, Stand D48, visitors can get to know robots in a wide range of payload classes and find out about intuitive software packages and control technology on site.

August 4, 2025

The SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN trade fair is one of the most important international events in the metalworking industry. It is an ideal platform for KUKA to present our comprehensive product portfolio to our customers.

Albert Sanchez, Head of Global Market Segment T1

Smart software for simple welding automation

At the trade fair, KUKA will demonstrate how it is consistently expanding its software portfolio based on the new iiQKA.OS2 robot operating system, while also addressing the simple and efficient automation of welding applications. The new iiQKA.OS2 operating system is scalable, AI-enabled, and cyber-resilient. It opens up completely new possibilities right from the planning stage. The simulation of robots and their peripherals is made possible by iiQKA.OS2 in combination with the all-in-one engineering suite iiQWorks and the digital twin.

The right robot, the right accessories, and the right software package for every welding application: KUKA is presenting its broad portfolio and versatile application options at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN.

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KUKA will also be showcasing the "Path Planning Feature" at the trade fair, which will be available from October and will further simplify the planning of automation projects specifically for welding and cutting applications in iiQWorks. The software offering is rounded off by smart operating devices such as the SmartPAD pro and the SmartPLUG, which enable intuitive control and rapid integration of the robots – in line with the principle of "making automation easier."

Get complex paths on track. But easier.

In the hardware sector, KUKA is showcasing the KR IONTEC ultra as a trade fair highlight. Available in the portfolio since 2025, this robot is ideal for spot welding with light-weight welding guns. Thanks to its compact design, it fits perfectly into narrow welding cells and impresses with a payload of up to 120 kg, high dynamics, and minimal maintenance requirements, making it highly sought after by automotive suppliers.

The new KR IONTEC ultra can be seen at the trade fair in Essen in a welding application with a lightweight welding gun.

In addition to the KR IONTEC ultra, KUKA will be demonstrating at Schweißen und Schneiden 2025 that robot cells offer highly automated solutions for friction stir welding in electric vehicle production with the new KR FORTEC ultra MT. Thanks to its high rigidity, the heavy-duty robot delivers very precise weld seams that require no reworking – in line with KUKA's trade fair motto "Get complex paths on track. But easier."

Latest developments in friction welding technology

Welding machines from KUKA and Thompson make industrial joining of a wide variety of materials easy and cost-effective. This also enables the welding of demanding and safety-relevant material combinations for industries such as e-mobility and lightweight construction with the highest quality. At the KUKA booth at Schweißen & Schneiden, visitors can learn about the advantages of friction and MagnetArc welding machines and discover new technologies such as linear friction welding, hybrid rotary friction welding, and stir friction welding with steel.

KUKA is presenting a special welding process, friction stir welding, with the KR FORTEC ultra MT, which is characterized by exceptional path accuracy.

Strong partners showcase robotics in practical applications

KUKA robots in a wide range of payload classes will also be in action at the trade fair stand in Essen, including the KR CYBERTECH nano ARC HW Edition, the KR CYBERTECH, and the KR AGILUS. KUKA system partners will present practical applications for the robots: Arthur Bräuer GmbH & Co. KG is a service provider in welding, cutting, and robot technology and will present a 3D printing process using laser cladding. The medium-sized, internationally oriented company LEWA Attendorn GmbH will demonstrate the precision of spot welding with lightweight tongs using the KR IONTEC ultra. And SHL AG will demonstrate a grinding application with the KR CYBERTECH with no-code programming at the trade fair.