Hurco, Kawasaki announced robotics partnership
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Indianapolis-based Hurco Companies Inc. has joined forces with Kawasaki Robotics to deliver robotic machine tooling applications in which parts manufacturers themselves will not need to learn how to program a robot.
The strategic collaboration between Hurco, which makes computer numerical control machine tools, and the U.S. subsidiary of Japan-based Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. was announced earlier this month.
“This innovation provides manufacturers with accessible and practical automation solutions with the ability to employ industrial robotics without the need to hire an integrator or learn complex robot programming,” Hurco President and CEO Greg Volovic said in a news release. “This strategic partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration to drive innovation and deliver value to customers. Together, we will continue to do great things in an effort to increase the productivity and profitability for both of our respective customers.”
The collaboration will focus on developing new products that address emerging market needs, leveraging each company’s network to reach new customers, and sharing resources to hasten research and development efforts.
“By pooling our strengths and embracing our shared vision of providing turnkey, industrial-grade robotic CNC solutions, we are fostering a bright future for machine shops where machinists can focus on complex jobs and let our robots handle tedious and redundant tasks, promoting sustained profitability,” Kawasaki Robotics President Seiji Amazawa said.
Based in Indianapolis, Hurco has manufacturing operations elsewhere in the U.S. as well as in Taiwan, China and Italy.
In January, Hurco reported a steep decline in fiscal full-year net income, from $8.2 million the previous year to $4.4 million, but said a debt-free balance sheet would help the company seize opportunities for growth.