KUKA.Sim review
A desktop tool for programming KUKA robots offline and simulating production cells.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
KUKA.Sim is KUKA’s desktop software for planning and simulating industrial robot systems. It is aimed at teams working with KUKA robots that want to program offline and assess a cell layout before implementation. Robot-cell simulation, production-layout checks, reachability and cycle-time analysis, and collision detection bring key planning tasks into one virtual environment. Its focus is specific: buyers seeking simulation and offline programming for KUKA production cells are the clearest fit.
For day-to-day engineering workflows, CAD import and KRL program import and export support moving design inputs and robot programs into and out of the software. KUKA.Sim also offers 3D PDF and video export for sharing simulation output. OPC-UA connectivity is available as an add-on. Separately licensed capabilities include virtual commissioning, and a hardware-in-the-loop connectivity add-on interfaces with a soft PLC; that should not be read as generic physical robot hardware integration. These options may suit teams with those particular workflow needs, while buyers should check which capabilities are included for their intended setup.
KUKA.Sim is paid software for Windows desktop use, and no public price is supplied. KUKA lists a free demo for version 4.x, distinct from the paid product. Documentation is the listed support channel. KUKA’s current product page redirects to iiQWorks.Sim, its newer simulation platform, while KUKA also maintains a feature overview for KUKA.Sim 4.x; buyers should account for that distinction when evaluating the product. Choose KUKA.Sim for KUKA-focused offline programming and cell checks; teams needing a non-Windows tool or a broader robot-vendor fit should look elsewhere.
KUKA.Sim pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Simulates robot cells and production layouts before implementation
- Checks reachability, cycle time and collisions
- Imports CAD and supports KRL program exchange
- Where it doesn't
- Paid software with no public price listed
- Runs on Windows desktop only
- Hardware-in-the-loop connectivity is a separately ordered add-on
KUKA.Sim fact sheet, pricing and score →
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