KUKA Group is accelerating the transition to what it terms ‘Automation 2.0,’ showcasing its latest innovations in Physical AI and intelligent robotics at NVIDIA’s recent GTC conference. The event highlighted KUKA AMP, the company’s new automation management platform, demonstrating how advanced AI is reshaping industrial automation.
An orange KUKA robot took center stage alongside Jensen Huang, signaling the growing convergence of AI and industrial robotics. KUKA Group emphasized that modern manufacturing systems are moving beyond rule-based programming to machines capable of perceiving, deciding, and acting autonomously in real-world environments.
KUKA Group CEO Christoph Schell stated, “Robots and automation systems are evolving from programmable machines to intelligent collaborators, capable of learning, adapting, and operating safely alongside humans. With new open software platforms such as KUKA AMP bridging traditional deterministic automation with intent-based automation, the pathway from concept to deployment is becoming faster, more accurate, more cost efficient, and more autonomous.” The launch of KUKA AMP at NVIDIA GTC represents a major step in bringing these capabilities to industry.
KUKA is expanding intent-based capabilities and Physical AI across robotics, system integration, warehouse management, healthcare automation, and simulation. Intent-based automation interprets user objectives to optimize execution, reducing human intervention while boosting efficiency. This integration strengthens KUKA’s position as a global leader in intelligent, autonomous systems adoption.
While Automation 1.0—traditional, rule-based systems—remains critical for high-volume and safety-sensitive applications, KUKA is layering Automation 2.0 on top to introduce adaptability and AI-driven intelligence. “Automation 1.0 remains as the backbone, while Automation 2.0 adds new flexibility. KUKA will continue to be a key player in both,” Schell emphasized.
KUKA’s strategic shift is reflected in 2025 results, with 4% profitable revenue growth and higher order intake. A record €213 million investment in R&D underscores its commitment to innovation. The company now maintains a globally balanced presence, with revenue evenly split across EMEA, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
China remains a focal market, representing over 50 percent of global robotics demand. KUKA’s revenue from China exceeded €1 billion for the first time, underscoring the region’s strategic significance and the company’s strengthened market position. Alongside China, KUKA continues to expand operations in India, the United States, and Vietnam, establishing innovation hubs, research centers, and training facilities to support industrial automation and workforce development.
By integrating hardware, software, and digital solutions into cohesive end-to-end automation offerings—from industrial and mobile robotics to warehouse systems, simulation, and healthcare automation—KUKA provides customers with streamlined deployment, scalable operations, and advanced automation capabilities.
CEO Schell noted, “We are among the very few global end-to-end industrial automation solution providers,” highlighting the company’s unique position to lead the next era of intelligent manufacturing.
With Physical AI, KUKA AMP, and a strategic global footprint, KUKA Group is poised to drive the industrial automation sector into a new age of flexibility, intelligence, and productivity.
