SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Michigan, April 14, 2026 — KUKA AMP, a new open automation platform designed to bridge traditional rule-based systems with AI-driven, intent-based automation, accelerating the shift to Physical AI in manufacturing, was introduced at NVIDIA GTC. KUKA AMP enables faster, more flexible deployment of intelligent automation by allowing systems to perceive, decide and act autonomously.
At NVIDIA’s recent GTC conference in San Jose, Calif., a KUKA robot appeared on stage underscoring a clear message: industrial automation is entering a new phase. In manufacturing, AI is evolving beyond analysis to systems that can perceive, decide and act autonomously in the physical world.
Physical AI and advanced robotics are rapidly becoming key to modern manufacturing, supply chains and industrial services, boosting productivity and competitiveness. This transformation is accelerated by breakthroughs in large-scale AI models, simulation-driven innovation and powerful computer architectures spanning devices, edge systems, and data centers. KUKA Group, as a global automation company, is playing an important role in this shift.
“Robots and automation systems are evolving from programmable machines to intelligent collaborators, capable of learning, adapting and operating safely alongside humans,” KUKA Group CEO Christoph Schell said. “With new open software platforms like KUKA AMP bridging traditional deterministic automation, such as rule‑based, pre‑programmed systems, with intent-based automation, the pathway from concept to deployment is becoming faster, more accurate, more cost-efficient and more autonomous.” KUKA unveiled its new automation management software platform, the KUKA AMP, publicly for the first time at NVIDIA GTC.
From Automation 1.0 to Physical AI: KUKA Group builds on its strengths to drive global leadership and future growth
With this evolution in its technology stack, KUKA will be adding intent-based capabilities and physical AI across robotics, system integration, warehouse management, healthcare automation and simulation. Intent-based systems translate a user’s desired outcome into automated decisions and actions, allowing technology to figure out how to achieve a goal rather than requiring humans to specify every step. KUKA is repositioning itself to expand its global leadership role in the age of Physical AI, or what KUKA refers to as “Automation 2.0.”
“As we move toward Automation 2.0 and Physical AI, Automation 1.0 remains essential for KUKA and for the entire industry. Proven, rule-based automation continues to deliver the stability and productivity our customers rely on, especially in high volume and safety-critical environments,” Schell explained. “We’re not replacing it. We’re expanding it with intent-based and AI-driven capabilities. Automation 1.0 remains as the backbone, while Automation 2.0 adds new flexibility. KUKA will continue to be a key player in both.”
At the same time, the technology disruption and potential for future growth is attracting investments from an increasing number of new and existing robotic and automation system suppliers. In this complex environment, the strategic repositioning is already reflected in the company’s performance. KUKA Group recorded profitable revenue growth of 4 percent in 2025 and increased order intake.
KUKA Group accelerates innovation with record R&D spend
KUKA Group began laying the groundwork last year after the new CEO, Christoph Schell took office.
“We are consistently advancing our strategic direction. Our growth categories — intelligent automation, software and AI-defined infrastructure — are developing dynamically and form a capable foundation to enable long-term success. Our modular production platforms lead the way,” said Schell. “Looking ahead, we expect a decade of profound technological transformation. Cost-out initiatives, software and AI, as well as shifts in geographical importance, are becoming decisive drivers of future success of the KUKA Group.”
In 2025, KUKA Group invested a record €213 million (245.8 million USD) in research and development. That is the highest amount in the company’s history. The company is more globally balanced than ever, with last year’s revenue evenly split, at around one third each, across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
Global expansion with innovation hubs and integrated automation solutions
In parallel, the company continues to expand its global footprint, most recently with one of many new training, research, and application centers in central Vietnam, developed in partnership with the University of Danang. In India, one of the fastest-growing automation markets globally, KUKA Group continues to systematically expand its market presence to participate in the country’s strong medium to long-term industrial growth. In the United States, KUKA has established a software and AI center of excellence in Silicon Valley. The team is led by Marc Fleischmann and includes Melonee Wise, an award‑winning robotics pioneer, who is now working with the global automation group and presented KUKA AMP during NVIDIA GTC. For customers, this means a single automation solution partner capable of integrating hardware, software, and digital solutions – from industrial and mobile robotics to simulation, shuttles, cranes, warehouse systems, and healthcare automation – offering customers seamless, end-to-end automation that is easier to deploy, scale, and operate worldwide. The company also operates entire production plants and automated contract manufacturing facilities on behalf of customers, and, depending on the industry, offers Robots-as-a-Service models.
“We are among the very few global end-to-end industrial automation solution providers,” Schell commented.
About KUKA
KUKA is an international automation group with sales of around EUR 3.7 billion and approximately 15,000 employees. As one of the world's leading suppliers of intelligent, resource-saving automation solutions, KUKA offers industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR) including controllers, software, and cloud-based digital services, as well as fully networked production systems for various industries – primarily for markets such as automotive with a focus on e-mobility & battery, electronics, metal & plastic, consumer goods, food, e-commerce, retail, and healthcare. The company is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany.
