SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich., Aug. 19, 2026 — KUKA Robotics will highlight its advanced automation solutions for various packaging operations and food manufacturing applications at Pack Expo 2026 from Oct. 18-21 in Chicago, Ill. at McCormick Place. In booth #N-5530, the company will feature live demonstration cells that represent real-world applications in collaboration with its System Partners: the Compendium Group, FOCUS Integration and Acieta. KUKA will also have an interactive podium for visitors to experience the company’s LBR iisy cobot together with the advanced iiQKA.OS2 robot operating system.
KUKA System Partner Compendium Group will demonstrate robotic case erecting with two compact KR AGILUS six-axis robots. Working in tandem, one robot holds a carton while the second robot loads a cardboard insert, showcasing fast, precise handling for high-speed packaging operations. Compendium programmed the cell using KUKA.PLC mxAutomation programming software, which enables intuitive robot programming directly within the PLC environment to simplify integration, accelerate commissioning and provide greater flexibility.
As a universal PLCopen-certified PLC interface, KUKA.PLC mxAutomation allows users to program and operate all key robot functions directly in their familiar control environment. Not only are commands sent to the robot, diagnostics and status information flow back to the controller.
In a material handling application, KUKA System Partner FOCUS Integration will feature its double-sided CUBE robotic palletizing and depalletizing cell equipped with a KR IONTEC industrial robot and a KMP 1500P autonomous mobile robot (AMR) that transports pallets for a seamless automated workflow. The double-sided configuration enables uninterrupted production and higher throughput by autonomously removing completed pallets while allowing palletizing to continue on the opposite side. The cell incorporates KUKA's iiQKA.OS2 operating system, KR C5-2 controller and iiQWorks.Sim simulation software.
The iiQKA.OS2 operating system is scalable, customizable and includes a complete virtual robot controller (VRC). Because it’s AI-capable, the controller allows users to meet new ISO 10218:2025 and cyber-resilient needs for future-proof digital manufacturing.
The KUKA robot controller system KR C5-2 enables tailored controller solutions for a wide range of applications involving industrial robots and additional kinematic systems. The custom-fit combination of controller modules, interface modules, peripheral modules and a scalable cabinet system allows for integration into diverse automation environments.
With iiQWorks.Sim, FOCUS programmed, tested and optimized the cell’s KUKA industrial robots offline before deployment. The simulation software supports robot simulation, process validation and virtual commissioning to reduce risk, improve efficiency and accelerate project implementation. All without interrupting ongoing production.
For case blank loading in packaging applications, the Acieta cell demonstration incorporates a KR20 R1820 robot from KUKA’s KR CYBERTECH series. The robot offers a compact design for high integration density and reduced interference contours. In this application, the KR CYRBERTECH will remove straps from bundles of flattened boxes then loads the boxes into the magazine of a case erector.
As an interactive experience at Pack Expo 2026, KUKA will display its LBR iisy cobot together with the company’s iiQKA.OS2 operating system. The LBR iisy is highly versatile, intuitive to operate and reliable for working in contact with humans. Applicable to all production areas, it combines the know-how of industrial automation with the flexibility and simplicity of an intelligent tool, paired with the speed of a traditional industrial robot.
The iiQKA.OS2 incorporates a modern user interface and modular safety while enabling the simulation of multiple robots and their peripherals. Backed by decades of KUKA development experience, the operating system incorporates the latest web technologies for expanded functionality, enhanced user experience and streamlined workflows. It can also detect errors at an early stage due to its various engineering functions such as simulation, offline programming and comprehensive tests in a virtual environment, all of which drastically reduces risk and overall cost.
As a featured speaker at the Pack Expo 2026 Innovation Stage 1 (N-4570), KUKA Account Manager, Mobile Robotics, Brendan Turner will discuss how autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are being rapidly adopted across warehousing and manufacturing, but that successful automation requires far more than deploying the right mobile robots. In his From Napkin Sketch to Lights-Out Logistics: Building Autonomous Material Handling Systems presentation scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 at 10:00 AM, Turner will focus on what it takes to implement a fully autonomous material handling solution in real-world production and distribution environments, along with key considerations behind designing a turnkey system.
Attendees will learn about the essential components of a successful “lights-out” operation, including AMR fleet management, interfacing with physical equipment and the software infrastructure that ties systems together. Using examples from food and beverage to demanding automotive manufacturing, KUKA’s presentation will demonstrate how automation concepts are developed into scalable, operational solutions on the plant floor. The session will also address planning mixed fleets using VDA 5050 standards, helping manufacturers prepare for the next generation of flexible automation through collaboration between robotics providers, software developers and system integration partners.
All KUKA automation solutions are backed by the company’s expert service and support for training, complete system engineering and simulation, readily available spare parts, robot refurbishment and more.
About KUKA
KUKA is an international automation group with sales of around EUR 3.7 billion and approximately 15,000 employees. As one of the world's leading suppliers of intelligent, resource-saving automation solutions, KUKA offers industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR) including controllers, software and cloud-based digital services, as well as fully networked production systems for various industries – primarily for markets such as automotive with a focus on e-mobility & battery, electronics, metal & plastic, consumer goods, food, e-commerce, retail and healthcare. The company is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany.
