From Dockyard to Industrial Robotics – Transformation of Kawasaki Heavy Industries
From a dockyard to an industrial robotics leader, Kawasaki Heavy Industries has transformed over 140 years. How did this evolution unfold?
At a glance
Country
Japan
Division Focus
Kawasaki Robotics
Gourp Revenue
US$11.2 billion
(FY2022)
Profit
US$360 million
(FY2022)
Abstract
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) embarked on a remarkable journey from a shipbuilding dockyard to a global industrial robotics leader. This case study delves into the company’s strategic evolution, technological advancements, and global expansion. It highlights KHI’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and technological shifts. By leveraging its strong engineering capabilities, the company successfully transitioned into industrial robotics, pioneering innovative solutions for various industries.
The case study examines the factors driving KHI’s success, including its focus on research and development, strategic partnerships, and a skilled workforce. It also explores the challenges and opportunities facing KHI in the evolving landscape of industrial automation. Through this analysis, we gain insights into the strategic implications for businesses seeking to thrive in the age of robotics and artificial intelligence.
All rights reserved. © 2025 Nikkei Business Lab Asia. No part of this publication may be copied, stored, or transmitted in any form. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright.
Disclaimers:
(1) Regarding Case Study Content: This case study is based mainly on secondary data and analysis of publicly available information unless otherwise stated, and is intended solely for educational purposes. Any opinions expressed by the author(s) are designed to facilitate learning discussion and do not serve to illustrate the effectiveness of the company. Additionally, banner images and logos used in the case study are intended for visualization in an educational setting and it is not used to represent or brand the company. For any dispute regarding the content and usage of images and logos, please contact the team.
(2) Regarding University Affiliation and Titles of Authors: The university affiliation and titles of author(s) seen in the case study is based on their affiliation and title during the time of publication. It may or may not represent the current status of said author(s).