KS PULSE: the pallet-based transport system from KUKA

Flexibility is the be-all and end-all in automobile production. This is why appropriate solutions are required: conveyor systems which allow for quicker processes in body-in-white production are thus increasingly the focus of vehicle manufacturers. KS PULSE (Propulsion Using Linear Synchronous Energy), the pallet-based transport system from KUKA Systems, quickly and safely moves the various body components through the individual workstations of an automated assembly line - thus reducing non-productive times and downtimes. KS PULSE is the optimal solution for high-volume production systems. The KUKA experts implement it in the context of complete solutions.

It is no longer possible to imagine manufacturing shops without them:automated transport systemsare today an integral part of production. Particularly for automotive manufacturers, moving large vehicle bodies from A to B is essential. This requires a conveyor system which isrobust and yet fast and flexible. This is why the automation specialist KUKA Systems has developed apallet-based transport systemfor automated assembly lines in body-in-white production:KS PULSE. The main element of the transport system is a carrier. Using various transport platforms, called skids, this carrier transports the individual body components through the assembly line. The carriers are moved through the process stations of the system by means of linear synchronous motors.

Freely interchangeable pallets ensure high flexibility. This makes it easy to manufacture multiple vehicle models.

The system featureslow susceptibility to faultsthanks to a very small number of moving parts. Thehigh transport velocity and flexibilityare further advantages of KS PULSE: the skids are interchangeable in terms of cycle time, enabling multiple models to be produced on one line. Beyond this, additional components such as turntables or buffer stations can be integrated into the PULSE system, ensuring that the system can be adapted as required forindividual production scenarios. Carrier control (i.e. moving to the individual stations as well as collision protection) is carried out via software. No further sensors are required for precise positioning toplus/minus 0.1 millimeters.

• High productivity:KS PULSEoffers impressively high speed and hence short non-productive times.
• High flexibility: the pallets can be exchanged at any time for production of multiple vehicle models
• Low production costs: PULSE requires hardly any moving parts. This leads to low probability of failure. In addition the few components can easily be replaced, so maintenance costs are very low.