3 blue boxes that are guided around a 90-degree corner on roller conveyors. Descending sections with a special corner as a transfer unit. Karakuri Solutions: Improving Efficiency, Reducing Costs

Intelligent Low Cost Automation (LCA) for lean and efficient production processes.

Karakuri Solutions

Lower acquisition and operating costs compared to electric systems

With the Karakuri principle, we design manual workstations and material flows to be smarter, more ergonomic, and more efficient. Our purely mechanical automation solutions cleverly utilize gravity along with simple elements such as levers, springs, and weights to generate movement and handle material.

  • Significant cost reduction: Minimal acquisition and operating costs due to the complete elimination of electricity and compressed air.
  • Maximum productivity: Shorter cycle times & less consumption.
  • Quick & flexible: Modular implementation in record time, adaptable at any time.
  • For your employees: Better ergonomics, higher acceptance.
  • Sustainability: Improvement of the CO₂ footprint through energy-efficient and resource-saving automation.

Get inspired now

Karakuri distribution module for intralogistics, which mechanically divides containers onto two lanes

Karakuri Distribution Module

Find out more and request now

Are you ready to optimize your production processes?

Get in touch with us – we look forward to your inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Project start and contact

1. I have never ordered from Bosch Rexroth before. Can I order from you easily?
Yes, the process is intentionally kept simple. We handle every type of request quickly and in a solution-oriented manner. The fast and customer-specific processing of inquiries about ergonomic workstations is managed through our certified partner network, ensuring local and efficient guidance.

2. I like the application of a Karakuri that I saw. How can I proceed to implement this application?
We have implemented a large number of Karakuri applications. You can directly Contact us. Your request will be immediately forwarded to one of our qualified partners, who will contact you promptly and implement your individual application.

3. Are there any reference projects that I can view before I decide?
We have numerous successfully implemented customer projects worldwide. Our partners are happy to show you references and examples of how Karakuri has increased efficiency and reduced costs across various industries.

4. I have very specific requirements. Can I get a personal consultation?
A personal consultation is a central part of our offer. Your individual challenges are our strength. Simply contact us, and we will forward your request to one of our specialized partners.

Added value and effectiveness

5. What is Karakuri and what advantages does it offer in production?
Karakuri is a Japanese method for automating material flow and processes without external energy sources. It uses gravity, the laws of leverage, and mechanics to perform movements. The benefits: cost efficiency, less maintenance, high reliability, energy efficiency, and easy integration into existing lean production concepts.

6. Can Karakuri really work without electricity? How exactly does it work?
Yes, that's the ingenious principle of Karakuri! It uses purely mechanical forces such as gravity, counter balances or springs to perform movements. For example, material on a conveyor belt can trigger a counter balance that moves another belt. Our experts will help you make the most of these principles for your application.

7. What kind of processes is Karakuri best suited for?
Karakuri is particularly well-suited for repetitive, simple material transport and handling processes that require a manageable sequence of movements. Examples include feeding parts to workstations, removing finished parts or empty containers, tipping containers, or triggering subsequent movements.

8. How does Karakuri contribute to increasing efficiency and reducing waste?
Karakuri eliminates manual steps through intelligent mechanics, reduces waiting times and avoids overproduction. It ensures smoother material flow and more efficient use of resources, leading to significant cost savings and increased overall productivity.

Adaptability and Accessories

9. Why should I choose Karakuri solutions from Bosch Rexroth? What is the added value?
Our Karakuri solutions are based on the proven Bosch Rexroth aluminum profile system, which stands for modularity, robustness, and long service life. We offer you not only the trusted profile technology but also the extensive knowledge of our partners to develop creative, energy-efficient, and tailored Karakuri applications that optimize your processes.

10. How quickly can a Karakuri solution be implemented and is it flexibly adaptable?
Thanks to the modular Bosch Rexroth aluminum profile system, Karakuri solutions are often quickly constructed and implemented. Their mechanical nature also enables high levels of flexibility and straightforward adjustment to changing production conditions or material flows – entirely without software updates.

11. Do you also offer accessories such as castors, buffer sections, or specific chutes that complement Karakuri solutions?
Yes, our extensive range of accessories leaves nothing to be desired. From various types of castors for mobility to buffer sections and specific chutes for material transfer – everything is modularly adaptable to our system and enhances the functionality of your Karakuri solution.

12. Are Karakuri solutions also useful for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?
Karakuri is ideal for SMEs that are looking for cost-effective automation solutions without high investments in complex control systems. It enables an easy start to workflow optimization and the reduction of manual work.

Lean Production, ESD protection and Integration

13. Are there any special Karakuri solutions for ergonomic improvements in the workplace?
Karakuri can be excellently utilized to eliminate ergonomically unfavorable manual tasks. For instance, gravity-driven tilting devices or feeders can minimize lifting and bending for employees, thereby significantly enhancing working conditions.

14. How maintenance-intensive are Karakuri solutions compared to electrically powered systems?
Karakuri solutions are characterized by extremely low maintenance. Since they do not contain any electrics or electronics, typical fault sources are eliminated. Regular visual inspections and occasional lubrication of the moving parts are usually sufficient to ensure long-lasting and reliable operation.

15. Can Karakuri also be combined with other automation solutions, e.g. cobots?
Karakuri can serve as an upstream or downstream stage in more complex automation solutions. For instance, a Karakuri can handle parts supply for a cobot or remove finished parts. This results in an energy-efficient and robust hybrid solution.