KUKA advances packaging automation with AI-driven robotics at Interpack 2026

Packaging, food processing, and consumer goods industries are increasingly adopting AI-enabled robotics and autonomous systems to improve throughput and hygiene. In this context, KUKA presents a coordinated automation portfolio combining high-speed robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and engineering software to support flexible packaging workflows and scalable deployment.

At interpack 2026 (Düsseldorf, Germany, May 7–13, Hall 6, Booth B74), the company demonstrates three integrated applications that connect pick-and-place, palletizing, and intralogistics. These setups illustrate how robotic systems, mobile platforms, and intelligent software can operate together in continuous production environments.




New robot generation and scalable operating system
A key development is the introduction of a new generation of industrial robots, including the KR CYBERTECH with a 35 kg payload and the KR AGILUS ultra designed for small-scale automation tasks. Both platforms are compatible with iiQKA.OS2, a modular operating system intended to standardize robot control across applications.

The system incorporates AI-supported functions and aligns with updated safety requirements, including ISO 10218:2025 and the new Machinery Regulation. This compatibility supports long-term deployment strategies by enabling software scalability and compliance with evolving industrial standards.




High-speed pick-and-place in hygienic environments
In a dedicated “Consumer Goods Cell,” multiple KR DELTA and KR AGILUS robots perform synchronized pick-and-place operations. Vision systems detect moving objects on a conveyor, enabling real-time positioning and placement in defined patterns.

This configuration reflects typical use cases in food and consumer goods packaging, such as handling confectionery, ready-to-eat items, or packaged components where hygienic design and high throughput are required. Multi-robot coordination allows parallel processing, increasing output without expanding system footprint.




AI-driven multi-robot coordination for compact cells
The “Flexrobot” concept demonstrates how multiple industrial robots can replicate humanoid-like task execution in constrained environments. Using three KR AGILUS robots and a camera system, the setup performs coordinated picking operations controlled by AI-based software.

This approach enables flexible automation in confined production spaces where traditional linear systems may be impractical. It also illustrates how AI can optimize motion planning and object recognition in dynamic packaging scenarios.

Engineering software for simulation and commissioning
To support deployment, KUKA integrates iiQWorks.Sim, a simulation tool for virtual cell design and commissioning. The software allows engineers to model robotic workflows, test configurations, and validate system performance before physical installation.

This reduces commissioning time and supports end-to-end engineering, particularly in complex packaging lines where multiple systems must interact seamlessly.




Autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics integration
KUKA also expands its AMR portfolio for packaging environments. Platforms such as the KMP 250P transport product containers, while the KMP 600P demonstrates the mobility of entire robotic cells, including the Flexrobot system.

This integration of stationary robotics with mobile platforms enables dynamic material flow and reconfigurable production layouts—key requirements in modern packaging automation and EV charging infrastructure-adjacent logistics environments where flexibility is critical.

3D simulation for system-level visualization
A full 3D simulation developed by Visual Components illustrates how robots, AMRs, and software interact within a production line. Displayed at the booth, the simulation includes all demonstrated systems and provides a system-level view of material handling, packaging, and order picking processes.

This visualization supports decision-making by allowing engineers to assess performance, layout efficiency, and integration feasibility before implementation.




Positioning within industrial robotics
Within the industrial robotics sector, similar high-speed pick-and-place solutions are offered by manufacturers such as ABB (e.g., IRB 360 FlexPicker) and FANUC (e.g., M-2iA Delta robots). These systems also focus on speed and precision in food-grade environments.

KUKA’s approach differentiates itself through the integration of a unified operating system (iiQKA.OS2), combined AMR-robot workflows, and simulation-driven engineering. This system-level integration is relevant for facilities seeking to reduce deployment time and increase adaptability across multiple packaging formats.

KUKA’s presentation at interpack 2026 demonstrates how coordinated robotics, AI-enabled control, and mobile automation can address current requirements for flexible, hygienic, and scalable packaging systems.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.

www.kuka.com