Hurco and Kawasaki Robotics Cooperate to Streamline Robotic Innovation

Hurco and Kawasaki Robotics have developed some turn-key machine-tending robots. Together, the two companies are debuting these robots to the world at the 2024 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, IL, held September 9-14, 2024. Ultimately, this collaboration will help expand Hurco’s catalog and provide a way to mix product lines so that technicians do not need to learn new programming languages every time a new robot is purchased.

Machine-tending robot developed by Hurco and Kawasaki Robotics in a joint effort. Image used courtesy of Kawasaki Robotics

Targets for Collaboration

Primarily, the three areas of development for future collaboration are CNC machine automation, market expansion, and continued research and development.

Both companies see the need for innovative CNC machining automation. While additive manufacturing has taken the spotlight in some cases, CNC technology continues to grow and is often used in conjunction with CNC machining. Collaboration between these two robotics companies will help meet these growing needs.

While both Hurco and Kawasaki Robotics have their own client and market segments, collaboration between them will introduce cross-pollination, where each company will have access to each other’s markets. This helps both companies pair the proper automation system with the client’s needs.

Furthermore, the collaborative efforts between the two companies will help drive future innovation. As engineers and project managers from both companies work together, brainstorming sessions become more productive, and knowledge bases for both companies expand. Ultimately, this leads to new ideas and new products for both companies.

Hurco’s Contribution

Hurco operates three separate brands (Hurco, Milltronics, and Takumi) of CNC machining equipment, primarily for the metals industries. Most of their clients are jobbing shops and short-run production facilities inside larger companies. While Hurco typically sells to the metal cutting and forming industries, their clients produce the tools used in many additional industries.

As a developer of CNC machining equipment, they provide the hardware, software, and controls so that their end-user has everything they need to perform metal cutting and forming operations. Each brand has its own proprietary software and controls, but all three are geared towards ease of operation and quick learning time for technicians and engineers.

President Seiji Amazawa of Kawasaki Robotics said, “By pooling our strengths [with Hurco] and embracing our shared vision or providing turnkey, industrial-grade robotic CNC solutions, we are fostering a bright future for machine shops where machinists can focus on complex jobs and let our robots handle tedious and repetitive tasks, promoting sustained profitability.”

Kawasaki Robotics’s Contribution

Kawasaki Robotics is a well-known developer and manufacturer of industrial automation hardware. With over 50 years of experience in this field, Kawasaki brings a large market share and tried and true performance in virtually every manufacturing application. Their clients include everything from petrochemicals to aerospace equipment to pharmaceuticals and everything in between.

Hurco President and CEO Greg Volvoic said of the collaboration, “This strategic partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration to drive innovation and deliver value to our customers. Together, we will continue to do great things in an effort to increase productivity and profitability for both of our respective customers.”