News & Blog
Current news, press releases and interesting facts about industrial automation
KeDrive D5 - flexible and compact
With the KeDrive D5 series of single-axis servo drives, we are expanding our KeDrive product family specifically for drive applications with a small number of axes. KeDrive D5 is our multi-tool that can be easily integrated into your application.
6 reasons to move control elements to the software
The advancement of digitalization and automation in industrial automation has fundamentally changed the way machines are operated. A key trend is the shift from physical hardware buttons to software-based solutions. This development offers numerous benefits, which you can discover in this blog article.
The robotics platform that frees teams from thinking like automation specialists
The modern packaging industry demands flexible and open automation solutions. SACMI benefits from our robotics platform that optimizes complex packaging processes. Read how our platform enables teams to work more efficiently without having to think like automation experts.
Revolution in intralogistics
In their search for the perfect robot controller, the Swedish company Cognibotics came across KeMotion. The task was to solve the challenge of automating item picking in intralogistics with a new revolutionary robot with unsurpassed combination of speed and reach.
Special purpose machinery as an understatement
When it comes to automation, the Berger Gruppe uses solutions from Siemens and KEBA - and thus consistently pursues a multi-supplier strategy. Now the Andronic series will be equipped with KEBA's Kemro X, the automation platform consisting of hardware and software. From 2025, Kemro X will be installed as standard in the CNC grinding machines.
How a 3D online configurator makes HMI decisions easier
The selection and customization process for human-machine-interface (HMI) solutions is often complex and time-consuming. A 3D online configurator can simplify this process considerably by making products customizable and visualizable in real time. Read how a configurator saves time and avoids errors.
Mobile robots revolutionize logistics
Constantly changing consumer habits require flexible and adaptable logistics systems. Mobile robots are a promising solution. In this article, we will explain how intelligent fleet management and innovative technologies can help conquer the current challenges in intralogistics and thus significantly increase the efficiency of AGVs or AMRs.
KEBA impresses with innovation and diversification in a challenging market environment
In the past financial year, the strategic fundament of the KEBA Group, namely the diversification of the business into different markets and industries, once again proved to be a solid and stable basis for the international company.
Partnership between RoboDK and KEBA
We are pleased to announce our partnership with RoboDK, a leading simulation and programming company. RoboDK has successfully integrated our robotics solution KeMotion into their software package so that you can now combine the benefits of Kemro X and Robo DK.
Enhancing EIMM Operations: The Role of AI and Advanced Control Technology
In electric and hybrid injection molding machines, unsynchronized movements can lead to costly damage. This article discusses how KEBA’s integrated AI assistant and control technologies ensure precise synchronization, protecting machinery and enhancing efficiency.
WinCC Unified also runs on mobile HMI devices
The automation industry has long been waiting for a way to integrate the Siemens WinCC Unified visualization software on mobile handheld operating devices. Until now, there has been no solution from Siemens for this requirement. With the mobile HMI devices of the KeTop series, however, this wish can now be easily realized.
The right mold movement position - on a millimeter exact & without any servo valve
The KePlast Smart Movement, a simple AI assistant, finds the most suitable mold position during the whole movement duration and ensures the highest movement accuracy of an injection molding machine´s mold without using an expensive method of active braking.
Extend the mold lifespan and speed up the mold exchange process
In an injection molding process, it's essential to avoid mold damage, prevent breakage and prolong the mold's life. Therefore, the Automatic Ramp Calibration feature as part of the KePlast Software provides a solution: it will look for the optimal moment to open and close the mold in an injection molding process.
Configure HMI solutions yourself in just a few steps
The selection and design of HMI solutions is often complex. Our new online configurator for KeTop operating devices now makes this process child's play: it not only offers a comprehensive selection of standard devices, but also enables easy customization for individual needs. Discover how this configurator simplifies the decision-making process and opens up new possibilities for customized HMI solutions.
A secret ingredient for faster, easier & more accurate control solution for EIMMs
In this article, we unravel the untapped potential of pressure closed loop technology in revolutionizing injection molding processes. Join us as we explore how this innovation promises to enhance control precision, particularly in full-electric and hybrid machines, shaping the future of manufacturing excellence.
Independent and open PROFINET drive solutions
PROFINET, the leading Industrial Ethernet version, basically permits manufacturer-neutral solutions. But in practical terms, it is still important for users to ensure compatibility among components. Drive technology is one example: Making full and flexible use of the available broad range of motors requires the right kind of drive controller.
What should be considered when choosing flash memory cards for control systems?
Openness, interoperability, modularity and the ability to integrate 3rd party components, such as industrial flash memory cards in controllers, are common requirements for modern and scalable automation platforms such as Kemro X from KEBA. In addition, security, standardized interfaces, field-proven solutions, robustness and availability are essential for economic and sustainable success.
„Closing the loop“ with innovative hardware and software concepts
Circular Economy is undoubtedly the only option for a sustainable future, and EREMA is constantly pushing the limits of currently available technologies. Plastics recycling plants, machines, and system components, therefore, require state-of-the-art hardware and software concepts that take the recycling process to a new level. And that's where KEBA comes in.
How KEBA is bringing artificial intelligence to the industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the key technologies of digitalization that is capable of changing all areas of society and the economy. It offers new possibilities for solving complex problems, optimizing processes and developing innovative products. But how can AI be used in industry? And what challenges need to be overcome?
How open must or should an automation solution be?
For the successful implementation of a modern automation system, the simple integration of hardware into a higher-level system is no longer sufficient. What is needed is a shared and software-based "ecosystem" that must be flexible, transparent, scalable and, above all, open.
How Europoliuretani got enabled to flexibly use 6-axis anthropomorphic robots as CNC machines.
The partnership between EUREKA SYSTEM, a system integrator to industrial companies focusing on automation, and KEBA Industrial Automation GmbH is a relatively young one. Only four years ago, both companies started cooperating in order to develop a special solution for an OEM customer. In spite of this rather short time span, though, both companies have managed to seamlessly merge their expertise to drive groundbreaking advancements in the industry.
KEBA @ SPS 2023
"This is not just about industrial automation - this is also about turning your ideas into reality" is written on KEBA's invitation to SPS 2023. Like last year, the full-range supplier for industrial automation headquartered in Linz, Austria, is strongly focusing on exchange and dialog.
Delivery times of KEBA products – what our customers need to know
In recent years, reports about disrupted supply chains and raw material bottlenecks have increasingly dominated the international media. Global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the semiconductor crisis hit the industry particularly hard. Confidence in promised delivery dates and the ability to reliably plan production in advance suffered accordingly.
When the conventional processing of difficult-to-machine materials reaches its limits
When working with difficult-to-machine high-alloy steels, conventional machining methods reach their limits. Bosch and KEBA show how it can still be done in large-scale series manufacturing in the automotive industry using a sustainable, safe and cost-effective approach.
Machine operation under glass as a competitive advantage
The freedom to optimally display individual features and develop individual screens and layouts, a solution from one single source – and an innovation that sets the business apart from the usual standard. Such was the framework for the development of a future HMI at SW. The company wanted to bring its entire machine operation “under glass”. Not as a vision – but as a competitive advantage. Read this article to find out how SW is interpreting HMI – and the role played by KEBA Industrial Automation in the implementation of the concept.
KEBA grows by 3% in a dynamic environment to a new high of 553.5 million euros
The KEBA Group, headquartered in Linz, increased its sales from 537.7 million € to 553.5 million € in the past business year (April 2022 - March 2023). This corresponds to a sales growth of approximately 16 million € or 3% . Looking at the last five years, the average annual growth is around 17% (CAGR).
OPC UA: Future-proof for machine manufacturers?
Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories, IIoT and data-based business models are significant trends for which the machine engineering sector must find a response. Greater intelligence and flexibility for machines and systems can only be realized with comprehensive data exchange, which in turn is only possible with uniform standards. While OPC UA does provide an important key, it does not solve all problems.
The I4.0 platform, Smart Factory, IIoT and standardization are defining the path into the future landscape of automation.
The current trends in industrial automation would not be possible without strong standardization. At the same time, however, the I4.0 platform and the Smart Factory are more than just based on standards—they also increase the pressure to drive standardization forward. For suppliers staying on the sidelines, the niche is getting smaller and smaller.
Rotary indexing machines: the next level in machine operation
Pfiffner develops, manufactures and sells rotary indexing machines. This article describes the challenges the machine manufacturer is facing in the markets, how the cooperation with KEBA came about, and which KEBA solution approaches have become a unique selling point.
drag&bot software solution now integrated in KEBA Kemro X
drag and bot GmbH has been a part of the KEBA Group for more than a year. Now, the company is launching “drag&bot OS”, their first joint product, on the market. This makes the entire scope of drag&bot technology available to KEBA customers as a built-in component of the Kemro X platform.
OPC UA – an overview over the central Industry 4.0 standard
In principle, technical standards are supposed to improve the efficiency and interoperability of technical devices and components. But frequently we find competing standards, in particular in the industrial sector. This becomes even more problematic in the era of Industry 4.0 and increasingly networked machines and systems. Enter OPC UA, a platform that is poised to overcome the old rivalries.
Drive solutions for wind turbines: FAQs
Since the advent of wind turbines with active pitch control, KEBA has been supporting leading wind turbine manufacturers in the optimization and development of their systems.
This article answers the most frequently asked questions from new customers about our drive solutions for wind turbines, in particular KEBA pitch control and yaw systems.
Automated XXL welding
The cooperation between the Austrian robot manufacturer igm and KEBA has existed for about 25 years. In the course of time, KEBA has become an important partner, also because the company is broadly positioned: robotics, controllers, drives, powerful robotics safety and all this in an open platform.
Machine operation: Mobile HMIs compared to stationary operation devices
The digitization and automation in the industrial sector have led to massive changes in the requirements for machine operation and consequently, in what is expected of machine operators. It used to be that stationary solutions such as pushbuttons, switches and simple display screens directly on the housing were sufficient; but today, we need full HD monitors with touchscreens and cloud-based high-performance HMIs (human-machine interfaces). As a result, operating a machine is not dissimilar from using a smartphone.
The most important robotics trends: More than just buzzwords
Requirements for robots are undergoing dramatic changes. Mass production is being abandoned more and more in favor of small batch sizes, and customizing for individual needs is the order of the day. Automation in areas previously dominated by manual work as well as the collaboration between humans and robots—these are the watchwords in robotics today.
Possibly the most valuable milliseconds in the plastics industry
Because power outages can be expensive and time-consuming, the Swiss company NETSTAL started looking for a solution for PET manufacturing that would be able to handle such outages in a cost-effective manner while affording protection from damage. Together with KEBA, such a solution was developed.
How a logistics solution provider ensures speed and flexibility.
The logistics industry is facing major challenges, especially due to the boom in e-commerce. "More speed, precision, compactness and flexibility" also applies to TGW Robotics and its business partners - such as KEBA. Together, they have already been able to successfully implement several projects to optimize the logistics process and thus solve essential pain points in intralogistics.
How to achieve robot accuracy of less than 0.1 millimeters
Precision applications, 3D printing or the assembly of miniature electronics push robots to the limits of their accuracy. Mechanical improvements of high-precision robots are not enough – what is needed is additional optimization of the control and calibration systems.
KeTop hand-held operation devices: How much does an HMI repair cost?
After many years of use, the subject of maintenance and repairs and the associated cost comes up even for the robust KeTop hand-held operation devices (HMI). As the provider of one of the world’s leading HMI solutions for mobile operation as well as robot teach-in and programming, our goal is to communicate with our customers transparently and honestly and to give the best advice for every case.
The meeting of artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0
Different requirements of industrial customers are on the one hand driving the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in production. But on the other hand, they inhibit the development of AI solutions directly in the machine because it has been practically impossible to combine state-of-the-art computing power with long-term platform stability. KEBA has been looking for solutions to this dilemma for several years.
How to get started with Artificial intelligence
The need of the industrial sector for greater flexibility in production is growing faster than the possibilities offered by classic automation engineering. For this reason, machine manufacturers and automation specialists have been developing more and more “smart” machines with enhanced capabilities based on artificial intelligence (AI). This is a trend that practically nobody can afford to ignore. But how to get started with this new technology?
Embrace Artificial Intelligence or miss the boat
Automation specialists and machine manufacturers have been driving industrial automation for decades, relying on technical innovation, a broad know-how in the programming of applications and operating systems as well as an in-depth understanding of their customers’ processes. But still, the advent of artificial intelligence presents a whole new world of challenges. Is the industry ready to face them?
Artificial intelligence: Today's technology solving tomorrow’s problems
Ever greater variety in the product portfolio, still greater flexibility in production, but the same efficiency as in mass production—today’s machines need to meet ever increasing demands.
This is the reason why besides classic automation technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is used more and more often. But what can this technology do, and how will it change machine engineering?
Thomas Linde, AI expert at KEBA, provides some answers.
AI drives the control technology revolution
Smart robots, predictive maintenance systems or dashboards that recommend how to adjust the settings for active processes in order to save resources or improve production quality—these are just some of the new developments that have come in with Industry 4.0. All these examples have one thing in common: They all rely on artificial intelligence (AI). What effect does the use of AI have on control and automation technology today?
KEBA @ iREX 2022
“It is All About Listening. And Understanding.” KEBA would like to proudly present the new motto to our visitors of iREX2022. One may think, “What does listening and understanding have to do with automation?” More that you can imagine! Come and take a look at the highlights of KEBA at Tokyo Big Sight East Hall 5, Booth 38.
How to create a corporate HMI that strengthens your brand
Be a little more like Apple— that’s what many brand-conscious companies aspire to. Whether hardware or software, Apple fans admire the sleek design and love the intuitive operation. Read now which 7 points you should consider as an industrial company if you want to generate real fans for your HMI. This is how you establish your product as a popular brand in the B2B sector:
6 deficits in the conceptualization of HMI operation devices, and how to do better
Imagine the following scenario: You are getting ready for work in the morning, pack your things, put on your coat and shoes, eat a quick breakfast and finally, you put on your socks. Does that sound like an odd sequence of events? Well, it is! It’s not just your everyday routine that needs structure and proper processes—these are also needed for the implementation of a comprehensive HMI (human-machine interface) operation concept for machine manufacturers. Before you start thinking about icon colors and keyboard layouts, you should first consider your HMI technology because it forms the foundation for all steps and decisions that follow.
A single user interface (HMI) for all machines and systems
Typically, machines and robots have at least one interface – the human-machine interface (HMI) – that allows operators to communicate with their machines. The HMI supports the operator when starting up the machine or system, when switching processing jobs, and during troubleshooting.
Down to the last micron
For the production of its high-quality turning and grinding systems for the manufacture of printing rollers, the Swiss company Daetwyler Graphics has relied on KEBA components for years. Hansjörg Michel, Head of Technology at Daetwyler Graphics, appreciates not only the quality of KEBA components, but also the open, cooperative and customer-oriented collaboration at eye level.
The reasons HMIs fail and the lessons to be learned
HMI – three letters that stand for the interface between the human and the machine. This is where the communication between these two entities takes place. Usually, it is implemented in the form of a control console with a touch screen and some additional controls. In order to improve the understanding of the machine’s behavior, a graphical display provides the user with self-explanatory feedback. Performance charts and individual process steps, too, are presented to the user in an easy-to-read format.
Automation: Challenges and opportunities for machine manufacturers
For many machine manufacturers, automation is a real challenge. Most of them have focused on the hardware for a long time – even though the software is playing a more and more important role. The component software, which is at the center of automation, is highly complex: All modules must slot together and be compatible and at the same time be future-proof and scalable so that they can adjust to plans for growth. In addition, single-source solutions are preferred, but the resulting relationship should not become too close – and turn into dependence. There are many different solutions from different manufacturers on the market – how can you keep the overview and take the right decision?
10 reasons why industrial HMI devices are better than consumer devices
Why use industrial panels or an HMI if the machinery at a plant could just as well be controlled from a smartphone app? A smartphone or tablet would be a lot more compact, more light-weight, and probably initially also more popular with users as we use them in our daily lives.
HMI innovations: why small steps rarely lead to success
Let’s be honest: Receiving an innovation award is nice. However, it does not necessarily confirm that a company is really innovative. Starting at what point do customers perceive a product as innovative? And why do many people think that small steps in the continuing development of a product are what leads to innovation?
6 tips for a successful HMI software design
Over the last 15 years, our communication skills have undergone rapid changes – including those of machine operators. Consumer devices such as smartphones and tablet computers have opened up a whole new digital world of device operation. This is having an impact on industry, too: A new generation is joining the workforce, and they have much higher expectations of what HMI software design should look like.
Insights on the innovative wind market in Japan
KEBA entered the wind power generation market in the mid-1990s, expanding globally ever since. Daniel Geißbauer, Vice President | Wind Power, shares his insights about KEBA’s main product in that field, the Pitch Servo Drive, a control device that changes the angle of wind turbine blades, which boasts a 30% two-digit share of the global installations.
Navigate to the future - with KePlast!
Simplicity, modern operation, and strong performance are particularly important in controlling injection molding machines. With KePlast, you can rely on innovative automation solutions with the highest service quality. We have been developing cutting-edge solutions accustomed and optimized to the needs of the plastics industry – because technology matters! Read more about our innovative solutions in this technical article, published in the current issue of the ACMT Smart Molding Magazine, and be ready for Industry 4.0!
DC-INDUSTRIE2 research project at the Hannover Messe
Direct current plays a key role in the future industrial power supply. With direct current, a higher energy efficiency and energy flexibility is realized in industrial production. In the DC-INDUSTRIE2 research project and its predecessor DC-INDUSTRIE, more than 40 partners from industry and research have been working since 2016 to implement the energy transition in industrial production.
The world’s most precise robot
The cycloidal gear specialist Nabtesco and the controller expert KEBA are among the technology leaders in their industries. Now the two robotics experts are bundling their expertise, experience and know-how. The goal: Industrial robots with the highest precision available on the market.
Gearing up for the future
Japan had already made it a priority to increase automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization in a variety of sectors, due to its aging population and shrinking workforce. But after the coronavirus upended the world of work, many now see these as necessary factors in helping the country recover from the economic impact of the pandemic - and a number of firms are well-positioned to aid in this transformation.
Human-robot interaction without much programming
In practice, it often turns out that the engineering effort required to implement a cooperative application is enormous. This is exactly where our robot controller comes in. Read in the special issue "Cobots & HRI" of the German magazine "Automationspraxis" how we simplify the robot programming.
One year KEBA & LTI Motion
One year after the merger of KEBA and LTI Motion, the high level of interest shown by national and international customers at this year's SPS reflects the opportunities and competitive advantages they see in the opportunity to obtain complete solutions from a single source.
Heavy Load Robot Collaboration requires new safety approaches
Human-robot interaction (HRI) is not just a “lightweight sport”. We will also need solutions for heavy load robotics that facilitate direct, fenceless collaboration between humans and robots. However, this will require new safety approaches.
Overall winner faced KEBA Challenge
"Find an easy way how to train an industrial robot to do a new task!" KEBA set this task for the Hackathon I4.0 participants in the inspiring Co-Working-Spaces of the Factory300 in the Linz tobacco factory from November 12 to 14. The third edition of the 'Hack Marathon' was organized by Pioneers.
Together fit for the future! Partnership of Bühler and KEBA in action.
A team can accomplish more than individual members can do alone. That is true not only within a company, but above all also for cross-organizational cooperation. Bühler and KEBA are following this maxim since more than 24 years. And there is more than just business to this relationship. Some members of the core team have known each other since more than a decade, are getting along extraordinarily well and share some hobbies. This is why they have set up a running team for the 17th Linz Marathon.