Kawasaki Robotics has introduced the RL030N, an eight-axis robot platform designed for physical artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The system is intended for use in dynamic and confined industrial environments where traditional six-axis robots may lack necessary flexibility.

The RL030N features high-speed motion and real-time external orchestration capabilities. It is powered by the KRNX open API, which allows external AI software, machine learning systems, and third-party orchestration platforms to control the robot directly. Unlike standard industrial robots built for repetitive tasks, this platform supports adaptive motion and obstacle avoidance.

The company is also marketing Pulseboard, a robotic weld inspection system developed with Fives DyAG. The system uses an RS013N robot and a 3D laser profile camera to synchronise image acquisition with the robot’s tool-tip movement. This allows for continuous inspection of complex geometries without requiring the robot to stop for image capture, which the company claims can increase inspection speeds by up to 10 times.

Further additions to the company’s portfolio include the BA013L arc welding robot and the MXP360L heavy-duty handler. The BA013L features a 50mm hollow wrist for internal cable routing and axis speeds of up to 730 degrees per second. The MXP360L is designed for material handling with a 360kg payload capacity and integrated vibration-control technology.

“At Kawasaki Robotics, we believe the future of automation will be defined by robotic systems that seamlessly integrate perception, motion, and decision making,” said Seiji Amazawa, President of Kawasaki Robotics. He added that the new technologies are designed to support emerging physical AI applications while maintaining industrial reliability.