Despite global supply bottlenecks, robotics manufacturer Kuka is experiencing strong growth again, with sales jumping by almost a third to €3.6 billion. Its subsidiary Swisslog generated €651 million in revenue in 2021, and its healthcare division received €239 million in orders.
Kuka has stated its intention to achieve a leading role in robot-based automation by 2025. Around €800 million will be invested in research and development by then. A leap forward, according to CEO Peter Mohnen.
Overall, order intake within the group increased by 27.7%, although global supply bottlenecks and increased material and logistics costs slowed the positive development, especially in the second half of the year.
The China business, in particular, experienced exceptional growth, with sales 48.4% higher than in 2020 and order intake increasing by 39.0%. KUKA is also supporting a growing number of automotive customers in the global e-mobility trend as they transition to new drive systems, including with automated systems for battery modules. Demand for electric vehicles is rising, especially in China and North America. Accordingly, order intake for the plant engineering division, KUKA Systems, increased by 37.3%, driven by strong business in North America.
With strong demand in e-commerce and the trend towards automated logistics solutions, Kuka's logistics specialist Swisslog increased its sales by 23.4%.
