In our Integrator Insights series, we speak with JAKA partners in Europe about automation trends, customer challenges, and real-world cobot applications. 

This time, we spoke with Lukas Rebhandl, Managing Director of HKR Sondermaschinenbau GmbH in Austria. He shares insights into current market challenges, the role of automation in modern manufacturing, and how cobots are enabling efficient and flexible production—even for small batch sizes. 

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your company? 

My name is Lukas Rebhandl, and I am the Managing Director of HKR Sondermaschinenbau GmbH in Austria. 
 

We act as both a system integrator and a distribution partner for automation solutions, supporting our customers from concept to implementation. 

What is your company’s core business?

HKR Sondermaschinenbau develops and implements customized automation solutions and special-purpose machinery for a wide range of industries, including automotive, food production, and general manufacturing. 

Our customers typically approach us with requirements related to process automation, handling, quality improvement, and the optimization of existing production systems. 

What are the main challenges your customers are currently facing? 

Many companies are dealing with a shortage of skilled labor, increasing cost pressure, and high demands for consistent product quality. 

Manual processes such as grinding or deburring are particularly challenging—they are time-consuming, physically demanding, and often lead to inconsistent results. 

How does automation help address these challenges? 

Automation is a key lever in overcoming these issues. 

It ensures consistent quality, increases productivity, and relieves employees from repetitive and ergonomically demanding tasks. 

How do you assess the automation market in your country? 

The automation market in Austria is strong and continues to grow steadily. 

Awareness of automation is high, and many customers are already familiar with the term cobot—although the full potential is often still underestimated. 

Are there any common misconceptions you encounter? 

A frequent misconception is that cobots are only suitable for simple applications or lack the performance required for demanding processes. 

In reality, modern cobots can deliver precise and economically viable solutions—even for complex tasks. 

How long have you been working with JAKA, and what convinced you? 

We have already implemented several successful projects with JAKA Robotics, including applications using the Zu20 cobot. 

What convinced us most was the ease of integration, high flexibility, and excellent price-performance ratio. 

In Austria, we collaborate closely with More Robots, JAKA’s distribution partner. They support us throughout the entire process—from application design and programming to commissioning and end-user training. 

This close partnership allows us to deliver efficient, well-coordinated solutions to our customers. 

Which applications do you typically implement with JAKA cobots? 

One of our key application areas is automated surface finishing, particularly grinding, polishing, and deburring. 

With our HKR Finish Box, we have developed a compact, turnkey solution specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. 

The system combines a lightweight robot, an end effector with active force control, and intelligent 3D software for automatic path generation—ensuring consistently high surface quality, even for complex parts. 

The benefits for our customers include: 

1.  Reduced workload for employees  

2. Consistent and reproducible quality  

3. Economical automation from batch size 1  

4. Attractive entry price starting at €120,000  

5. Easy operation without programming knowledge  

Why do you recommend cobots to your customers? 

Cobots enable flexible and cost-efficient automation, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. 

Compared to traditional industrial robots, they offer: 

1.  Easier integration  

2. Smaller footprint  

3. Lower investment costs  

4. Safe human-robot collaboration  

What challenges do companies face when introducing cobots? 

Many companies underestimate the effort required to analyze their processes or start with unrealistic expectations. 

Our recommendation is to begin with a clearly defined pilot project, thoroughly analyze processes in advance, and work with an experienced integrator. 

This approach helps avoid common pitfalls and ensures quick, measurable success. 

Conclusion 

This interview with HKR Sondermaschinenbau highlights how cobots have evolved into powerful tools for modern manufacturing. 

In times of labor shortages and increasing competitive pressure, they offer companies a practical and scalable way to automate processes—while maintaining flexibility and efficiency. 

Do you want to become a JAKA integrator?
Get in touch with us to explore partnership opportunities.