2026 CIIF Preview · Trends | Three Major Technology Waves, KUKA Has Already Reached Shore First

In its CIIF preview article, KUKA reviews the evolution of its robotics technology: in 1973 it launched FAMULUS, the first electrically driven 6-axis industrial robot, and in 1996 it introduced its first PC-based control system. Today, with the KR C4 control system, KR QUANTEC, KR AGILUS, and the lightweight LBR iiwa robot launched in 2013, KUKA has entered industries beyond automotive, including food, electronics, and medical, with the vision of making robots affordably accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises as well.