KUKA LBR iiwa 14

Overview

The KUKA LBR iiwa 14 is KUKA's flagship torque-sensitive collaborative arm, designed for precision assembly, research, and human-robot collaboration requiring reliable force sensing. Manufactured in Augsburg, Germany, it provides 14 kg payload and 820 mm reach across 7 axes, with integrated joint torque sensors on all 7 joints. The iiwa is used in aerospace, automotive assembly, and research environments where high sensitivity to contact forces is required.

Key Specifications

• Payload: 14 kg
• Reach: 820 mm
• Degrees of freedom: 7
• Repeatability: ±0.1 mm
• TCP speed: up to 1.5 m/s
• Weight: 30 kg
• IP rating: IP54
• Controller: KUKA Sunrise Cabinet
• Torque sensing: all 7 joints (axis-specific torque accuracy ±2% of maximum torque)

The Sunrise Cabinet runs KUKA.Sunrise OS with a Java-based programming environment, providing real-time access to joint torque data for compliant motion and force-controlled assembly.

Use Cases

The LBR iiwa 14 is deployed in automotive assembly for sensitive component installation, aerospace manufacturing for drilling and riveting alongside humans, and research labs for contact-rich manipulation studies. BMW uses iiwa variants on assembly lines for installing chassis components where force control is needed to avoid damage. In the UK, the iiwa appears in advanced manufacturing institutes and university research groups.

Buying Used

The iiwa has a secondhand market concentrated in Germany and the UK, with units appearing through KUKA UK certified partners and European auction platforms. Prices range from £30,000 to £55,000. Verify joint torque sensor calibration, which is critical to the iiwa's core functionality. Confirm that the Sunrise Cabinet includes all required software licences and that the Java development environment (KUKA.Sunrise Workbench) is accessible.

Alternatives to Consider

• KUKA LBR iisy: Lower payload at 11 kg but more modern platform and lower price.
• Franka FR3: Comparable 7-axis philosophy at lower price, though lower payload.
• Universal Robots UR10e: Higher practical throughput for industrial tasks, though without per-joint torque sensing.