Wittmann Group Launches Advanced Linear Robots at Fakuma 2023

At the Fakuma show in Germany, Wittmann Group’s U.S. office in Torrington, Conn., introduced two new linear robots. The first is a second model in the cost‑effective Primus line for less demanding pick‑and‑place tasks. The Primus 16, debuted at K2016, offers three servo axes and a pneumatic wrist, targeting presses between 120 and 250 metric tons. The new Primus 14 is designed for 50‑to‑150 m.t. presses. Its compact control cabinet fits neatly inside the injection machine’s protective frame.

The Primus 14 features a horizontal axis ranging 900–2,000 mm, a vertical stroke up to 1,000 mm, and a strip stroke of 440 mm. It uses the R8 control pendant and absolute encoders that immediately detect the robot’s position upon startup, preventing collisions.

Wittmann’s second reveal is the first WX series robot, a hybrid design aimed at the appliance and household‑goods markets. The WX163 carries a 45‑kg (99‑lb) payload, positioned between the W853 (50 kg) and W843 Pro (35 kg). It blends steel and aluminum frame components from the W8 and W8 Pro series, respectively. Its base includes a high‑torque pneumatic C‑axis.

The robot accepts modular wrist components from other models; controllers for A, B, and C axes are pre‑installed, eliminating the need to enlarge or relocate the control cabinet. Horizontal strokes reach up to 18,000 mm, vertical stroke 2,600 mm, and strip stroke 1,500 mm.

Like the W8 Pro line, the WX series features ambiLED status lights (red, yellow, green) at the end of the horizontal beam for remote monitoring. It comes with the CNC9 controller, R9 pendant, and a 10.1‑inch multi‑touch display with dedicated setup keys.