Photo credit: Kuka
KUKA’s Catonator is a robotic saw built to chew through the toughest materials in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and heavy manufacturing. This thing redefines what a robotic arm can do when it’s armed with a saw blade.
Built on the KR Quantec series, this robotic saw packs a high-torque cutting system that easily slices through steel, concrete, and composites. It boasts a payload capacity of up to 300 kg and a reach stretching over 3 meters. “Our goal was to create a solution that combines brute force with the finesse of modern automation,” says Joacim Lorentsson, CEO of KUKA Nordic. “The Catonator delivers on that promise, enabling manufacturers to cut complex geometries in materials that were once considered untouchable by robots.”
- Build your own awesome, wearable mechanical hand that you operate with your own fingers.
- No motors, no batteries — just the power of air pressure, water, and your own hands!
- Hydraulic pistons enable the mechanical fingers to open and close and grip objects with enough force to lift them. Every finger joint can be adjusted...
A constant stream of real-time data is collected from embedded sensor tied into KUKA’s SmartProduction ecosystem. Machine learning optimizes cutting paths, adjusts blade speed, and keeps wear to a minimum, all while holding tolerances as tight as 0.1 mm. Operators can keep tabs on everything through the SmartProduction dashboard, accessible on a PC or smartphone. “With SmartProduction, we’re not just automating a task; we’re giving operators unprecedented control over the process,” explains Kim Reeslev, Sales Director at KUKA Nordic.
The Catonator’s modular toolhead is a game-changer, letting operators swap between diamond-tipped blades for concrete, carbide for steel, or specialized composites for aerospace work in a snap. Its six-axis articulation enables the arm to work from nearly any angle, while a built-in extraction system keeps the workspace clean.
Dual LiDAR scanners create a 360-degree safety bubble that instantly stops the blade if a person or obstacle gets too close. “We’ve designed the Catonator to be a reliable partner, not just a tool,” says Micael Amandusson, Channel Manager at KUKA Nordic. “Its ability to anticipate maintenance needs and protect its environment sets a new standard for industrial robotics.”
By taking on grueling tasks that once required human muscle and know-how, the Catonator frees up workers to focus on bigger-picture jobs like fine-tuning processes or ensuring top-notch quality. This is the heart of Industry 4.0, a revolution KUKA’s been driving for over a decade. “The Catonator isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them,” says Lorentsson. “It’s a tool that lets manufacturers dream bigger and execute flawlessly.”
