Interview with Seongmin Kim
LG Electronics, Inc
Red Dot: How important is it that an industrial robot also communicates its performance visually?
Our customers are primarily interested in the application – the robot has to move heavy loads precisely and quickly. Whether stacking pallets, positioning large parts or transporting boxes from A to B. Precision and short cycle times are crucial. This is exactly where our task begins. The KUKA KR 800-2 PA palletising robot should signal at first glance that it meets these requirements at all times. Only when the external appearance harmonises with the technical performance is the product fully convincing. Professional machines need a professional appearance.
Products that have been honoured with the Red Dot: Best of the Best combine four central design qualities – function, seduction, use and responsibility. Which of these qualities is particularly pronounced in the KUKA KR 800-2 PA?
Function is of course the top priority for a robot. If compromises are made here, the machine is useless for the user. Potential buyers first check the robot for its functionality and compliance with technical promises. Our aim is to convince with performance – both technically and in terms of design. If the KUKA KR 800-2 PA also appeals to them, I am happy to accept the term “seduction”. And we also take the issue of responsibility seriously. The robot should serve humans, not replace them. We leave the difficult, unhealthy tasks to the machine – while the employees take on motivating new tasks, such as programming, operating or maintaining the system.
