KUKA KR 500 FORTEC

The KR 500 FORTEC is KUKA's very heavy six-axis, built for large-component handling. It moves a 500 kg payload out to a 2826 mm reach across six axes, and holds 0.08 mm repeatability. At 2385 kg, it's a machine you plan a cell around from the start.

The work follows the payload. KUKA aims it at material-handling, palletizing, and press-tending, where parts run big and heavy. Engine-block handling, large-casting transfer, and heavy stacks are the loads it's positioned for.

At this scale that 0.08 mm repeatability is the figure that earns its keep, since a heavy arm still has to set each load in the same spot cycle after cycle. In palletizing that consistency keeps stacks square, and in press-tending it keeps parts seated in the die.

Mounting is floor only, and at that mass the base wants dedicated foundation work before the arm runs at full load. The footprint and weight are the price of the payload, so a layout has to budget both up front. It isn't built for light or high-speed duty.

It runs on KUKA's KR C5 controller, and protection is rated IP65. The stiff FORTEC frame is meant to hold accuracy under heavy load, which is what steady multi-shift heavy-industry running asks of an arm this size. It supports a wide range of end-of-arm tooling, so integrators can match the end-effector to the part.

The standout is that 500 kg payload, held across a 2826 mm reach. Get the foundation right and the tooling sized to the load, and it handles the heavy transfers lighter arms can't take on.