Kuka has performed well in the highly competitive robotics and automation market despite the difficult overall economic environment. The company proved robust compared to the mechanical engineering and automotive industries, increasing its order intake by 1.3 percent to around €4.1 billion in the past financial year. The ratio of order intake to sales rose to 1.09, signaling a positive trend.
Kuka's sales decline by around eight percent in 2024
Nevertheless, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties are affecting the economy and thus the investment behavior of customers. In addition, customers are holding back on investments in electromobility due to subdued demand. The robot manufacturer is also feeling the effects of this. Sales declined by just under eight percent to €3.7 billion in 2024. Declines in America and Europe were the main factors behind this. In contrast, Kuka grew in Asia and achieved record sales. The more competitive market and one-off effects from a major project more than halved the operating result to €76.5 million.
Kuka returns to growth in the first quarter of 2025
With its products, new developments, and solutions, the manufacturer is convincing more and more customers and recorded growth in order intake, sales, and Ebit in the first quarter of 2025. "Our economy is currently facing major challenges that many companies are feeling. We need a fundamental change towards an industry that is resilient and flexible. Such a transformation is only possible with the help of new technologies. And that requires new approaches", says Peter Mohnen, CEO Kuka Group. He adds: "In challenging times, competitiveness and flexibility are more important than ever. Kuka is helping customers to make their production more efficient.”
New Kuka digital division established
Last year, Kuka established its digital division, Kuka Digital, to provide comprehensive support to companies in this area. This enables even small and medium-sized companies to comprehensively and seamlessly digitize their production, regardless of the hardware they have installed. In addition, Kuka is placing a special focus on simpler automation in combination with digital solutions and AI-based innovations. At this year's leading robotics trade fair, Automatica, Kuka is presenting its latest robot operating system together with a new all-in-one software suite and a new generation of controllers.
Robotics and automation as important topics for the future
“We are focusing on making automation more intuitive and autonomous to use, and thus even easier for our customers,” said Peter Mohnen. ‘Our innovations in the areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence and ease of use are guided by the motto ’making automation easier' - because industry needs simple and practical solutions, especially in difficult times.”
