\n\n## KUKA's Automation 2.0 Vision in the Age 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-powered intent-based automation.\n\n### Smart Automation with KUKA AMP\n\nIntroduced in Shelby Township, Michigan, on April 14, 2026, KUKA AMP offers faster and more flexible automation solutions by integrating the perception of objects, decision-making, and autonomous movement functions. A KUKA robot on stage at NVIDIA's GTC conference in San Jose demonstrated the beginning of a new era in industrial automation: AI is no longer just analyzing but transforming into systems that make decisions and move autonomously in the physical world.\n\nPhysical AI and advanced robotic technologies increase efficiency and competitiveness in production processes, supply chains, and industrial services. Large-scale AI models, simulation-driven innovations, and powerful computer 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 are transforming into intelligent collaborators that can learn, adapt, and work safely with people,\" 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 publicly unveiled 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 goal into automatic decisions and actions, leaving intermediate steps to the technology. KUKA aims to strengthen its global leadership with Automation 2.0, which offers new flexibilities, while maintaining the importance of rule-based systems it calls \"Automation 1.0\".\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 by distributing its revenues balanced across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific regions.\n\n### Global Expansion and Innovation Centers\n\nKUKA is increasing its global footprint with centers established in partnership with Danang University in Vietnam and an expanding market presence in rapidly growing markets like India. In the US, a software and AI excellence center was established in Silicon Valley. The team there, featuring key figures like award-winning robotics expert Melonee Wise, introduced KUKA AMP at NVIDIA GTC.\n\nKUKA offers customers full automation solutions integrating hardware, software, and digital solutions. This includes a broad 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.
