\n\n## KUKA's Vision for Automation 2.0 in the Era of Physical AI\n\nKUKA is repositioning itself to expand its global leadership role in the era of physical artificial intelligence. The new automation platform, KUKA AMP, accelerates the transition to physical AI in manufacturing by combining traditional rule-based systems with AI-supported intent-based automation.\n\n### Smart Automation with KUKA AMP\n\nIntroduced on April 14, 2026, in Shelby Township, Michigan, KUKA AMP offers faster and more flexible automation solutions by integrating the functions of object perception, decision-making, and autonomous movement. A KUKA robot on stage at NVIDIA's GTC conference in San Jose demonstrated the dawn of a new era in industrial automation: AI is no longer just for analysis; it's evolving into systems that make decisions and move autonomously in the physical world.\n\nPhysical AI and advanced robotic technologies enhance efficiency and competitiveness in manufacturing processes, supply chains, and industrial services. Large-scale AI models, simulation-driven innovations, and powerful computing architectures accelerate this transformation. KUKA stands out as one of the pioneers among global automation companies in this field.\n\n### KUKA Group CEO Christoph Schell's Remarks\n\n\"Robots and automation systems are no longer programmable machines, but intelligent collaborators that can learn, adapt, and work safely with humans,\" says Schell. \"Open software platforms like KUKA AMP combine rule-based systems with intent-based automation, making the transition from concept to implementation faster, more accurate, and cost-effective.\" KUKA AMP was unveiled to the public for the first time at NVIDIA GTC.\n\n### From Automation 1.0 to Physical AI and Automation 2.0\n\nKUKA will integrate intent-based and physical AI capabilities into robotics, system integration, warehouse management, healthcare automation, and simulation. Intent-based systems convert the user's objective into automatic decisions and actions, leaving intermediate steps to technology. KUKA aims to strengthen its global leadership by retaining the importance of rule-based systems, which it calls \"Automation 1.0,\" while introducing new flexibilities with Automation 2.0.\n\n### KUKA's Strategic Growth and R&D Investments\n\nIn 2025, KUKA Group, under the leadership of CEO Christoph Schell, made its highest R&D investment in history, totaling 213 million euros (245.8 million dollars). The company continues its global growth, balancing its revenues across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific regions.\n\n### Global Expansion and Innovation Centers\n\nKUKA is expanding its global footprint with centers established in partnership with Danang University in Vietnam and a growing market presence in rapidly expanding markets like India. In the USA, a software and AI center of excellence has been established in Silicon Valley. Here, equipped with key figures such as award-winning robotics expert Melonee Wise, the team introduced KUKA AMP at NVIDIA GTC.\n\nKUKA offers its customers complete automation solutions that integrate hardware, software, and digital solutions. This includes a wide portfolio from industrial and mobile robots to simulation, cranes, warehouse systems, and healthcare automation. Furthermore, it manages production facilities with Robots-as-a-Service models.\n\n### About KUKA\n\nKUKA is a global automation group with approximately 15,000 employees and a turnover of 3.7 billion euros. It offers resource-saving automation solutions such as industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), controllers, software, and cloud-based digital services. It develops fully connected production systems for the automotive (especially e-mobility and battery), electronics, metal, plastics, consumer goods, food, e-commerce, retail, and healthcare sectors. Its headquarters are in Augsburg, Germany.
