KUKA GWA Series Gearbox Modules: 00-109-363 GWA.180 GWA.210 GWA.240

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

KUKA GWA Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The KUKA GWA (Getriebe Wrist Axis) series represents the standardized wrist gearbox platform deployed across KUKA's KR, KRC, and AGILUS robot families. These precision planetary and harmonic-drive gearboxes are installed in high-cycle industrial environments including automotive body-in-white assembly, chemical plant material handling, nuclear facility maintenance robots, and refinery pipeline inspection systems. The GWA series covers axis 4, 5, and 6 wrist joints, with torque ratings spanning 180 Nm to 240 Nm. Global installed base exceeds several hundred thousand units across Tier 1 automotive OEMs in Germany, the United States, China, and South Korea. Replacement demand remains structurally high due to the 80,000–120,000-hour service interval and the prevalence of legacy KRC2 and KRC4 controllers still in active production service.

The Evolution of GWA Series Architecture

The GWA series was introduced alongside the KUKA KR C2 controller platform in the late 1990s as a modular replacement for earlier fixed-ratio wrist assemblies. First-generation units (GWA.160 and GWA.180) used a three-stage planetary reduction with grease-lubricated needle bearings, rated for ambient temperatures of 0–45°C. The second generation, introduced with the KR AGILUS and KR QUANTEC platforms circa 2010–2014, incorporated improved sealing (IP65 standard), higher-grade sintered bearing races, and revised grease specifications (KUKA Spezialfett 204). The GWA.210 and GWA.240 variants extended the torque envelope to support heavier payloads on the KR 120 R2700 and KR 210 R2700 families. Compatibility constraints are significant: GWA.180 units are not interchangeable with GWA.210 without recalibration of axis mastering data and potential mechanical adapter modification. Cross-generation substitution requires verification of the flange bolt pattern (DIN ISO 9409-1) and encoder interface (Resolver vs. RDC). As of 2024, the GWA series has entered the mature/end-of-production phase for several sub-variants; KUKA no longer manufactures GWA.160 as a new unit, making third-party refurbished and new-old-stock (NOS) supply the primary sourcing channel.

GWA Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly deployed units within the KUKA GWA gearbox series. Each entry reflects a distinct mechanical configuration, torque class, or robot family compatibility.

• 00-109-363 (GWA.180/210/240): Multi-ratio wrist gearbox assembly; covers axis 4/5/6 on KR AGILUS and KR QUANTEC platforms.
• 00-109-364 (GWA.180): Axis 5 wrist gearbox, 180 Nm rated, for KR 6 R900 and KR 10 R1100 sixx variants.
• 00-109-365 (GWA.210): Axis 4 gearbox, 210 Nm, compatible with KR 16 R2010 and KR 20 R1810 series.
• 00-109-366 (GWA.240): High-torque axis 4 unit, 240 Nm, for KR 30 R2100 and KR 60 R2100 heavy-payload robots.
• 00-109-370 (GWA.180-S): Sealed variant of GWA.180 with enhanced IP67 rating for washdown and food-grade environments.
• 00-109-371 (GWA.210-S): IP67 sealed GWA.210 for hygienic and corrosive-atmosphere applications.
• 00-109-380 (GWA.160): Legacy axis 6 gearbox, 160 Nm, for KR 5 sixx and early KR 6 R700 units; end-of-production.
• 00-109-381 (GWA.160-L): Long-flange variant of GWA.160 for extended-reach wrist configurations; NOS supply only.
• 00-109-390 (GWA.240-HT): High-temperature variant rated to 80°C ambient; used in foundry and die-casting cell robots.
• 00-109-391 (GWA.240-HT-S): Combined high-temperature and IP67 sealed unit for extreme-environment deployments.
• 00-109-400 (GWA.210-P): Press-fit flange variant for palletizing robot wrist axis 4; KR QUANTEC PA series.
• 00-109-401 (GWA.240-P): Heavy-duty palletizing gearbox, 240 Nm, axis 4, KR 120 PA and KR 180 PA.
• 00-109-410 (GWA.180-C): Compact-body GWA.180 for KR AGILUS C-Variant (ceiling-mount) configurations.
• 00-109-411 (GWA.210-C): Ceiling-mount optimized GWA.210 with revised oil retention geometry.
• 00-109-420 (GWA.240-EX): ATEX Zone 2 certified GWA.240 for explosive-atmosphere installations in petrochemical plants.
• 00-109-421 (GWA.180-EX): ATEX Zone 2 GWA.180 for smaller robots in hazardous-area material handling.
• 00-109-430 (GWA.210-CR): Cleanroom ISO Class 5 certified GWA.210 for semiconductor and pharmaceutical robot cells.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete GWA Series Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for KUKA GWA series units that have reached end-of-production or are subject to extended lead times through the OEM channel. For GWA.160 and GWA.160-L variants (00-109-380, 00-109-381), DriveKNMS sources verified new-old-stock units from decommissioned robot cells and authorized surplus dealers in Germany, Japan, and the United States. All units are inspected for bearing wear, seal integrity, and grease condition prior to listing. For active-production variants experiencing supply constraints (GWA.240-EX, GWA.210-CR), DriveKNMS maintains safety stock to support unplanned downtime events with same-week dispatch capability. Lifecycle extension services include gearbox remanufacturing to OEM specification, bearing replacement using NSK or FAG equivalents, and re-greasing with KUKA Spezialfett 204 or approved substitute. Documentation packages (test reports, dimensional inspection records) are available upon request for regulated industries including nuclear, pharmaceutical, and food processing.

Quality Control for the GWA Series Range

KUKA GWA gearboxes present specific verification challenges due to their multi-stage planetary architecture and integrated encoder interfaces. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all GWA units prior to dispatch. Dimensional inspection confirms flange bolt-circle diameter (ISO 9409-1 compliance) and shaft runout within ±0.01 mm tolerance. Backlash measurement is performed using a calibrated torque arm at rated load; acceptable backlash for GWA.180 is ≤3 arcmin, GWA.210 ≤2.5 arcmin, GWA.240 ≤2 arcmin. Bearing noise analysis is conducted via vibration spectrum measurement (10 Hz–10 kHz) to detect early-stage race fatigue. Seal integrity is verified by pressurizing the gearbox cavity to 0.5 bar and monitoring for pressure drop over 10 minutes. For units with integrated resolver or RDC encoder interfaces, electrical continuity and insulation resistance (≥100 MΩ at 500 VDC) are confirmed. Each unit ships with a serialized test certificate traceable to the inspection record.

For sourcing inquiries, technical specifications, or volume pricing on KUKA GWA series gearboxes:

• Email: sale@driveknms.com
• WhatsApp: +86 18359293191
• Web: driveknms.com

© 2026 DriveKNMS. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice. Verify all parameters against official documentation before installation.