KUKA Teach Pendants Explained: Choosing the Right Model for Your Robot

In today’s industrial world, KUKA robots play a vital role in manufacturing, assembly, welding, logistics, and countless other automation processes. At the heart of these advanced robotic systems lies the KUKA robot teach pendants, commonly known as the KUKA smartPAD. This handheld device is the main interface that allows operators to control, program, and monitor robots with precision.

In this quick guide, we’ll break down the different types of KUKA teach pendants, what each one is good for, and how to make sure you’re buying the right one for your setup.

What Exactly is a KUKA Teach Pendant?

A teach pendant is a handheld device that lets you control and program your robot. It’s got buttons, a display (sometimes touchscreen), and usually a big red emergency stop — because safety always comes first.

With KUKA robots, you’ll mostly hear about three types of pendants:

• The classic KCP

• The more modern KCP2

• And the sleek SmartPad

 Key Features of the KUKA Robot Teach Pendant:

l  Touchscreen Display – Offers an intuitive interface for programming and monitoring.

l  Emergency Stop Button – Ensures immediate safety in case of malfunction.

l  Enabling Switch (Deadman Switch) – A safety feature that keeps robots in manual mode only when held.

l  Navigation Buttons & Joystick – For precise robot movement and menu navigation.

KUKA Teach Pendant Models: What's the Difference?

The KCP is your classic, no-nonsense pendant with physical buttons and a small screen.
KCP2 added more modern design, and some versions included touchscreens.
Then came the SmartPad — full-color touchscreen, ergonomic, and designed for today’s KUKA systems.

Popular KUKA Teach Pendant Part Numbers

If you’re shopping for parts, here are some of the most common KUKA teach pendant models we carry:

• 00-114-265 – KUKA KCP2 SmartPad Teach Pendant
  A versatile SmartPad often used with KRC4 robots.

• 00-130-547 – KUKA SmartPad
  High-res touchscreen, modern design, ideal for newer KRC4/KRC5 setups.

• 00-131-239 – KCP2 Teach Pendant (non-touch)
  Traditional layout, reliable for earlier KRC2 ed05 systems.

Each pendant has different cable connections and compatibility, so it’s always a good idea to double-check your robot’s controller version before ordering.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

Need a new cable? Replacement screen? Maybe even a mounting strap? We’ve got you covered.

Explore compatible accessories for your teach pendant:

• KUKA SmartPad cables

• Replacement touchscreens

• KCP2 spare parts & boards

If you're not sure what you need, feel free to contact us — we’ll help match the right parts to your robot.

Where to Buy KUKA Teach Pendants

At inrobots.shop, we offer original and tested KUKA teach pendants — both new and refurbished — shipped worldwide.
✔️ All products are inspected before shipping
✔️ Fast delivery
✔️ Global support

Browse our collection of KUKA teach pendants for sale, and get your robot back up and running with the right gear.