History of Robot Division

Kawasaki started the production of the first industrial robot in Japan in 1969. The following is the milestone of our history in robotics.


1968

Signed license agreement with Unimation (USA)


1969

Started production of the first industrial robot (Unimate) in Japan.


1981

Launched electric robot (P-series)


1983

Launched large general-purpose robot (E-series)


1986

Terminated license agreement, and began to develop our own robots.


1989

Launched small-medium general-purpose robot (J-series)


1990

Founded subsidiary in USA, Kawasaki Robotics (USA), Inc.


1992

Launched large general-purpose robot (U-series)
Launched all-digital controller (AD-series)


1995

Founded subsidiary in Germany, Kawasaki Robotics GmbH
Robot Division acquired ISO9001


1996

Founded subsidiary in the UK, Kawasaki Robotics (UK), Ltd.


1997

Launched all digital controller (C-series)
Expanded the clean robot business


1998

Launched small-medium general-purpose robot (F-series)
Robot Division acquired ISO14001


1999

Founded subsidiary in Korea, Kawasaki Machine Systems Korea, Ltd.
Launched large, general-purpose robot (Z-series)


2000

Acquired painting robot business from Kobe Steel
Launched horizontal articulated type clean robot (NS-series)


2002

Launched painting robot (K-series)

Launched extra-heavy duty robot (M-series)

Launched controller (D-series)


2003

Launched horizontal articulated type clean robot (NX-series)


2004

Developed and launched new technology FSJ (Friction Spot Joining)


2006

Founded subsidiary in China, Kawasaki Robotics (Tianjin), Co., Ltd.


2007

Launched horizontal articulated type clean robot (NT-series)


2008

Launched small-medium, general purpose robot (R-series)
Launched most advanced controller to date (E-series)


2009

Launched parallel type picking robot (Y-series)


2011

Launched spot welding robot (BX-series)


2013

Established Medicaroid Corporation to develop medical robots

Launched Medical and pharmaceutical robot (MC004N,MS005N)


2015

Launched extra-large payload robot, MG10HL

Launched dual-arm SCARA robot “duAro” which can be safely collaborate with humans in work operations


2017

Launched high-speed small payload robot, RS007N and RS007L

Launched a new robot system "Successor" that reproduces movements of skilled workers through remote cooperation

First debut of the humanoid robot "Kaleido" at iREX2017


2018

Marked 50th anniversary of the robotics business

Launched "duAro2“ enabling use for a wider range of applications with an extended vertical stroke and increased payload


2019

Evolved the humanoid robot "Kaleido" with expanded applications and exhibited the model at several trade shows


History of Kawasaki

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