KUKA as a robot manufacturer – your questions, our answers

What makes KUKA one of the world's leading suppliers of robotics and automation? What does the portfolio look like – and where are KUKA solutions used today? In this article, we provide a concise overview of the technologies, industries, and services with which KUKA is shaping the industry of tomorrow.[No text in field]

What role does KUKA play in the world of intelligent automation?

KUKA is one of the world's leading robot manufacturers and providers of intelligent automation solutions. The global automation group offers a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent and resource-saving automation solutions – from individual industrial robots to autonomous mobile robots (AMR) including control systems, software, and cloud-based digital services, right through to fully networked production facilities.

As a robot manufacturer and pioneer in the industry, KUKA developed the first electrically powered industrial robot with six axes – the KR FAMULUS – back in 1973. A milestone that makes KUKA the #HomeofRobotics. Today, KUKA robots are used in a wide variety of industries: automotive with a focus on e-mobility & batteries, electronics, healthcare, logistics, construction, metal & plastics, consumer goods, food, battery production, and e-commerce.
The KUKA Group comprises the plant engineering division KUKA Systems, the robotics division KUKA Robotics, Swisslog (intralogistics automation), Swisslog Healthcare (hospital and pharmacy automation), and the digital division KUKA Digital with the software specialists Visual Components and Device Insight.

KUKA omniMove from the leading robot manufacturer: Flexible heavy-duty transport solution for automated production processes.

How is KUKA positioned globally?

KUKA is a globally active group of companies operating in more than 50 countries. The robot manufacturer is one of the leading robotics companies in Germany and worldwide.

As part of the Midea Group, KUKA operates as an independent company headquartered in Augsburg. KUKA was founded in 1898 by Johann Keller and Jakob Knappich – the initials of their names gave the company its name. Today, the KUKA Group is an internationally active automation group and one of the most important players in the industry.

With its motto “Home of Robotics,” KUKA stands for German engineering, innovative strength, and customer focus – from its headquarters in Augsburg to its major hubs in Europe, Asia, and North America. With over 100 locations and around 15,000 employees from 107 nations, KUKA has a global presence.

Think global, act local: Close to customers in a wide variety of markets

Its global presence enables KUKA to support customers worldwide with local service, fast response times, and comprehensive automation expertise—a decisive advantage for companies that rely on reliable robotics and automation solutions.

KUKA Locations

How does KUKA work with system partners to implement customized automation solutions?

In order to offer customers the best possible solution, KUKA has a global network of qualified system partners in addition to its own portfolio. These partners have comprehensive expertise in KUKA products and services and contribute additional industry expertise and in-depth application knowledge – for tailor-made automation solutions that precisely meet every requirement.

How do robot manufacturers differ from system integrators?

As one of the world's leading robot manufacturers, KUKA develops and manufactures industrial robots, mobile platforms, controllers, and software. More than 500,000 KUKA robots are in use worldwide. The global automation group thus provides the technological basis for automation in almost all industries – from automotive production to the electronics and food industries.

System integrators combine these robots with peripherals, safety technology, IT connectivity, and process knowledge to create complete systems.

Industrial robots from KUKA – automated manufacturing solutions from the leading robot manufacturer for maximum efficiency in production.

With KUKA Systems, the robotics company implements complete production facilities. Here, KUKA takes on tasks that go beyond pure robotics:
- Planning and engineering of entire production lines
- Integration of conveyor technology, welding, and bonding technologies
- Software and control integration
- Commissioning and service at the customer's site

KUKA is particularly strong in the automotive industry, among others: there, the company supplies turnkey car body construction and assembly lines in which robots, machines, tools, and IT systems are integrated into a functioning overall system.

KUKA thus combines both roles and is one of the few providers worldwide to offer technology and integration from a single source.

What advantages does KUKA's global infrastructure offer customers worldwide?

Over many years, KUKA has built up a resilient and globally diversified supply chain. With a broad manufacturing and service infrastructure spanning several continents, the company ensures that partnerships developed over decades can be successfully continued and that customers worldwide are reliably supplied with innovative automation solutions.

The complete range also includes controllers, HMI operating devices, software solutions for simulation, planning, and analysis, as well as interfaces for grippers, cameras, and sensors.

KUKA Automation Technology: Robot manufacturer for flexible production solutions and maximum efficiency in modern industry.

Are robots also suitable for small businesses?

Small businesses benefit above all from compact, easy-to-use robots such as SCARA systems and cobots, supplemented by mobile platforms. Manufacturers such as KUKA offer a broad portfolio specifically tailored to the requirements of smaller companies – from quick commissioning to flexible financing models.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), flexibility, ease of use, and an attractive price-performance ratio play a central role in the selection of robots. Modern robotics solutions are now designed in such a way that they can also be used economically in companies without extensive automation expertise.

KUKA offers compact and easy-to-integrate systems for this purpose.

One example is the KR SCARA series, which is characterized by high speed, precision, and a good cost-benefit ratio. It is particularly suitable for pick-and-place tasks, assembly of small parts, and handling processes.

Collaborative robots (“cobots”) are also attractive for small businesses. They can work directly alongside humans without the need for complex protective equipment and are easy to program. KUKA offers the LBR iisy for this purpose – a sensitive lightweight robot that is quickly ready for use and can be flexibly adapted to changing tasks.

Another approach is mobile robot solutions that support material flows in small businesses. With KUKA's autonomous mobile robots (AMR), transport tasks can be automated without the need for complex infrastructure.

In addition, new business models such as Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) are lowering the barriers to entry. Here, companies do not pay the full purchase price, but use robots on a rental or pay-per-use basis. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), this trend is an important factor in giving SMEs in particular access to automation.

How is KUKA positioned as a manufacturer of service robots and in the medical sector?

Demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers, and urbanization are bringing service robotics into focus. In medical robotics, KUKA offers robots for medical technology, for example as assistance systems in surgery or imaging procedures. Mobile platforms from KUKA and solutions from Swisslog and Swisslog Healthcare perform tasks in logistics centers, laboratories, and hospitals. KUKA is also working with partners on hospital automation projects, such as material transport.

Robots in medicine

KUKA is not only one of the world's largest automation companies, but also a leading supplier of robotics for medical systems.

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Autonomous mobile robotics

KUKA offers a wide range of mobile robotics covering the entire value chain – including applications in healthcare.

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Swisslog

Swisslog develops, produces, and optimizes automated logistics solutions.

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Swisslog Healthcare

More time for patients, fewer medication errors. Intelligent transport and pharmacy automation from Swisslog Healthcare.

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How is the robotics market developing?

The robotics market has been growing dynamically for years and is one of the most important technology drivers in global industry. The reasons for this are the increasing level of automation in almost all industries, the shortage of skilled workers, and the need for flexible and efficient production solutions.

The robotics market is growing not only quantitatively but also qualitatively. New technologies, broader fields of application, and increasing acceptance in companies have ensured that robotics has long since become a central component of modern value chains—and its importance will continue to grow in the coming years, not only in Germany, the US, or China.