Most of what I saw at Automate related to robotics. This news from Kawasaki.
New RL030N 8DoF robot platform for Physical AI applications, patented Pulseboard inspection technology, and next-generation automation systems highlight company’s vision for intelligent industrial automation.
Featured innovations include the debut of the new RL030N 8 Degree of Freedom (DoF) robot platform designed for Physical AI applications, Kawasaki Robotics’ patented Pulseboard inspection technology demonstrated in a live robotic weld inspection system developed with Fives DyAG, and the introduction of the new MXP360L and BA013L industrial robots. Demonstrated throughout Kawasaki Robotics’ booth (S-2201), these technologies showcase intelligent automation systems capable of advanced motion control, precision inspection, and flexible manufacturing.
RL030N robot is the industry’s first 8-axis robot designed specifically for Physical AI applications. It combines high-speed motion, enhanced dexterity, lightweight construction, and real-time external orchestration capabilities for dynamic and confined environments.
Unlike conventional industrial robots optimized for repetitive tasks, the RL030N supports AI-driven applications requiring adaptive motion, obstacle avoidance, confined-space manipulation, and complex motion planning. Its unique 8DoF architecture adds an additional articulation axis, providing greater dexterity and flexibility than traditional 6-axis robots.
The RL030N is powered by Kawasaki Robotics’ open KRNX real-time control API, enabling external AI software, ROS environments, machine learning systems, vision platforms, and third-party orchestration systems to directly control the robot in real time.
Kawasaki Robotics will also demonstrate its patented Tool Tip Displacement Output Function technology, known as Pulseboard, integrated into an advanced robotic weld inspection solution developed with partner Fives DyAG. The system combines a Kawasaki RS013N robot, a laser 3D profile camera, and Kawasaki’s high-speed motion synchronization technology to improve inspection performance for complex weld geometries and curved surfaces.
Unlike conventional inspection systems that require robots to stop repeatedly for image capture, Pulseboard continuously synchronizes image acquisition in real time with the robot’s tool-tip displacement. This enables high-resolution imaging even during acceleration and deceleration, resulting in a robotic inspection system capable of up to 10x faster weld inspection, reduced setup requirements, precise defect localization, and high-speed inspection without sacrificing accuracy.
Kawasaki Robotics will also showcase the BU015X 7-axis robot in an adhesive dispensing and inspection demonstration developed with Coherix. Designed to simulate a real-world automotive production environment, the system applies sealant to a Ford F-150 door skin while continuously measuring and automatically adjusting adhesive bead placement in real time at speeds of up to 400 times per second.
Combining Kawasaki Robotics’ hollow-arm robot design with Coherix’s 3D laser-based Adaptive Process Control technology, the system uses machine learning and real-time process optimization to help manufacturers reduce defects, material waste, labor costs, and rework while maintaining full production-line speeds.
The BA013L 13 kg arc welding robot will make its debut inside a compact welding cell designed for high-performance welding applications. The cell features the BA013L robot, Kawasaki PST500-L2 dual-axis positioner, Rollon Glider RTU, Strong Hand welding table, and Miller welding power source to demonstrate flexible, high-precision automation.
Built for demanding production environments, the robot features a redesigned architecture with a 50 mm hollow wrist for internal cable routing along with support for high-current welding torches, reduced cable wear, and improved accessibility. High-speed axis performance reaching 730°/s and an extended 2,093 mm reach help improve cycle times while maintaining weld quality.
The MXP360L features a 360 kg payload capacity, extended reach, and advanced vibration-control technology for heavy-duty material handling applications. At Automate 2026, the robot will be displayed handling a Kawasaki Z125S motorcycle on a Rollon RTU linear axis. Kawasaki Robotics will also feature collaborative robot demonstrations, including CL Series welding carts and a sanding application using a FerRobotics sanding tool.
