Robot Maker Kuka Eyes US, Asia as Europe’s Factories Lag on AI

German-Chinese robotics firm Kuka warns Europe’s industrial sector is falling behind in AI adoption, risking competitive losses to faster-moving global rivals in the US and Asia. The company highlights stagnant AI integration in European factories, contrasting it with aggressive automation investments in North America and Asia, particularly China. Kuka’s strategic shift focuses on expanding in the US and Asia, where demand for AI-driven robotics and smart manufacturing solutions is surging. European manufacturers face pressure to modernize as delays in AI adoption threaten productivity, innovation, and long-term market share against tech-savvy competitors. The 2026 assessment underscores a widening gap, with Kuka positioning itself to capitalize on regions prioritizing AI-driven industrial transformation.