(April 8): Many of Europe’s industrial companies are too slow to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), putting faster-moving global rivals in a position to overtake them, according to German-Chinese robotics maker Kuka SE & Co. Germany’s export-focused car and machinery makers as well as chemical companies like BASF SE remain under pressure from high energy and labour costs. Once a traditional machinery maker, Kuka has since expanded into software and AI, while its orange robots remain ubiquitous in factories. With several major European automaking customers like BMW AG and Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Kuka is exposed to a region where demand has been tepid since the pandemic. “The problem in Europe is there are so many companies that are fighting right now for fewer opportunities,” Schell said.

Source: The Edge Markets April 08, 2026 10:03 UTC