Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
KION brings physical AI into live warehouse operations at GTC 2026 in San José, California
At the GTC 2026 conference, KION Group presented its latest developments in physical AI, highlighting the capabilities of autonomous industrial trucks and AI-driven automated trailer loading systems during live demonstrations in warehouse settings. This initiative is designed to tackle ongoing labor shortages and improve efficiency within supply chains, representing a crucial advancement in the application of AI technology in logistics operations.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION showcases physical AI turning real-time data into real-world warehouse performance at CeMAT Shanghai
At CeMAT Shanghai, KION Group presented its cutting-edge physical AI solutions, emphasizing a partnership with NVIDIA and Accenture aimed at advancing warehouse automation. The event showcased innovative AI-driven industrial trucks and digital twin technology, designed to optimize supply chain operations and enhance efficiency in real-time. This collaboration reflects KION's commitment to integrating advanced technology into logistics, addressing the growing demand for smarter and more efficient warehouse solutions in the industry.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
Siemens and KION partner to shape the supply chains of the future
Siemens and KION have announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving supply chain resilience and warehouse efficiency by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence, automation, and simulation technologies. The collaboration will harness Siemens' Digital Twin Composer software to develop digital twins of logistics processes, enabling real-time simulations and optimizations. This initiative is designed to address the growing demand for more efficient and adaptable supply chain solutions in today's dynamic market environment. By integrating these cutting-edge technologies, the partnership seeks to enhance operational performance and responsiveness in logistics operations.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION presents physical AI solution at LogiMAT in Stuttgart
At LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart, KION Group introduced an advanced AI-powered industrial truck solution, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA and Accenture. This cutting-edge technology leverages digital twins and real-time data to optimize supply chain operations, significantly improving efficiency and adaptability in warehouse management. The unveiling of this solution highlights KION's commitment to innovation in the logistics sector, aiming to address the growing demands for streamlined operations in an increasingly complex supply chain environment.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION Teams with NVIDIA and Accenture to Optimize Supply Chains with AI-Powered Robots and Digital Twins
KION Group has joined forces with NVIDIA and Accenture to transform supply chains by integrating AI-powered robots and digital twins. This partnership was highlighted during CES 2025, where the companies presented their cutting-edge warehouse solutions. The collaboration seeks to boost warehouse efficiency and adaptability, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
20 years of KION – connecting the heritage with the future at the Annual General Meeting 2026
KION Group marked its 20th anniversary during the 2026 Annual General Meeting, reflecting on its transformation into "The Supply Chain Solutions Company." The event featured significant corporate decisions, including the election of three new members to the Supervisory Board and the approval of a €0.62 dividend per share for shareholders. Additionally, the company announced the extension of Michael Larsson's contract, ensuring his leadership through 2029. This gathering not only celebrated the company's achievements but also set the stage for its future direction in the evolving supply chain industry.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION with positive start into 2026 – strong order intake
KION Group has reported a robust performance at the beginning of 2026, with order intake reaching €2.985 billion and adjusted EBIT rising to €205.2 million. This growth reflects the company's resilience in the face of ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. In a strategic move to bolster its automation technology capabilities, KION Group has also announced a significant investment in ZIKOO Robotics. This initiative aims to enhance their offerings in the rapidly evolving automation sector, positioning the company for continued success in a competitive market.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
Three new members of KION GROUP AG’s Supervisory Board to be elected at Annual General Meeting in May 2026
KION GROUP AG is set to elect three new members to its Supervisory Board during the Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 28, 2026. This transition comes as current board members Dr. Alexander Dibelius, Kui Jiang, and Dr. Shaojun Sun prepare to step down. The nominees for the positions include seasoned executives Dr. Ralf Krieger, Decheng Wang, and Zhao Jin, who are expected to bring valuable experience and ensure continuity in the company’s leadership.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION GROUP AG successfully places a bond of € 500 million
KION GROUP AG has announced the successful issuance of a €500 million corporate bond featuring a 4.125% coupon rate. This move, which is part of the company's strategy to refinance existing liabilities related to its short-term rental and leasing operations, reflects a strong demand from both institutional and retail investors. The bond is set to mature in March 2031, highlighting the company's commitment to maintaining financial stability and resilience in a competitive market.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION with solid financial year 2025 – strong order intake
KION Group announced a strong financial performance for 2025, achieving an order intake of €11.705 billion, despite experiencing a slight decline in revenue to €11.297 billion. The company attributed its success to the completion of an efficiency program that enhanced its free cash flow, setting the stage for profitable growth in 2026. Additionally, KION Group has rebranded its Supply Chain Solutions segment to "Intelligent Automation Solutions," reflecting its commitment to innovation and modernization in the industry.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
Supervisory Board extends term of Chief Financial Officer Christian Harm
The Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG has decided to extend Chief Financial Officer Christian Harm's contract until July 2029. This move aims to maintain stability within the Executive Board as Harm has played a crucial role in steering significant financial initiatives and guiding the company through difficult economic circumstances since he took office in 2023.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION with a solid third quarter – strong order intake increase in the first nine months of 2025
KION Group announced a robust performance for the third quarter of 2025, highlighting a notable rise in order intake, which reached €8.882 billion, compared to €7.506 billion in the same period last year. Although the company experienced a minor decrease in revenue and adjusted EBIT, it has refined its revenue outlook and increased its projections for free cash flow. This adjustment underscores the strong customer demand and the effectiveness of ongoing efficiency initiatives.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
EcoVadis awards KION Group Platinum rating for sustainability commitment for the first time
KION Group has received a prestigious Platinum rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability efforts, positioning the company among the top one percent of over 150,000 evaluated organizations. This achievement, announced recently, highlights KION's dedication to sustainable practices, as evidenced by its impressive score of 86 out of 100, which marks a 10-point improvement from the previous year. The enhanced rating underscores the company's ongoing commitment to integrating environmentally responsible strategies into its operations, reinforcing its status as a leader in sustainability within the industry.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION with strong customer demand in the first half of the financial year 2025
KION Group has announced a significant increase in customer demand during the first half of 2025, with order intake reaching €6.206 billion, a notable rise from €5.079 billion in the same period last year. Despite this positive trend, the company experienced a slight decline in revenue, which fell to €5.496 billion, alongside an adjusted EBIT of €385 million. The results reflect the ongoing economic uncertainties, yet KION remains optimistic about its future prospects as it navigates these challenges.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
Dr. Mohsen Sohi new Chairman of the Supervisory Board – KION increases dividend
Dr. Mohsen Sohi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG, taking over from Hans Peter Ring. This leadership change comes as the company also announced an increased dividend of €0.82 per share, reflecting its strong financial performance. In a move to further emphasize its commitment to sustainability and employee development, KION GROUP AG has extended the contract of Chief People and Sustainability Officer Valeria Gargiulo until 2030. The announcements signal the company's strategic focus on enhancing shareholder value while prioritizing sustainable practices and workforce growth.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION opens highly automated spare parts distribution center in Kahl am Main
KION Group has officially opened a state-of-the-art spare parts distribution center in Kahl am Main, a project valued at €90 million. This facility, which features cutting-edge technology from KION's Dematic and Linde Material Handling brands, is designed to improve service quality and bolster supply chain resilience across Central Europe. The new center aims to facilitate quicker and more dependable delivery of spare parts, while also emphasizing sustainability in its operations.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION starts in 2025 with solid customer demand amidst increasing global geopolitical uncertainties
KION Group has announced a strong beginning to 2025, achieving an order intake of €2.706 billion. This positive performance comes despite a minor decrease in revenue, which fell to €2.788 billion, attributed to ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties. The company remains hopeful about its future prospects, buoyed by a rise in customer demand and ongoing strategic expansions in both its production and service networks.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
Personnel changes on the Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG ensure continuity
KION Group AG has revealed upcoming changes to its Supervisory Board, with Chairman Hans Peter Ring planning to retire in May 2025. Dr. Mohsen Sohi is poised to take over the chairman role following Ring's departure. In addition to this leadership transition, the company will hold elections for new board members, including Sherry A. Aaholm and Zhang Xiaomei. These appointments are part of KION's strategy to enhance its international profile and support ongoing growth initiatives.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION presents AI Control Tower at GTC in San José, California
At the GTC conference in San José, KION Group introduced its AI Control Tower, a cutting-edge digital twin technology created in collaboration with NVIDIA and Accenture. This advanced solution enables businesses to simulate and optimize their supply chain operations in real-time, significantly improving efficiency and adaptability while simultaneously lowering costs. The unveiling of this technology highlights KION's commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence to transform supply chain management and address the evolving needs of customers in a competitive market.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION with strong financial year 2024: significant increase in profitability
KION Group has announced impressive financial results for 2024, achieving a revenue of €11.503 billion and a notable increase in adjusted EBIT to €917.2 million. The company attributes this strong performance to its strategic emphasis on innovation and operational efficiency, even amid a difficult macroeconomic landscape. In light of these results, KION Group intends to propose a dividend of €0.82 per share, signaling confidence in its ongoing growth and stability.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION GROUP AG included in Dow Jones Best-in-Class Europe Index as one of Europe's top sustainability performers
KION GROUP AG has made its debut in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Europe Index, marking a significant recognition of its sustainability efforts. This inclusion highlights the company's position as a leading performer in sustainability within Europe. Additionally, KION achieved its highest score to date in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, underscoring its dedication to excellence in environmental, social, and governance practices. This recognition reflects KION's ongoing commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its operations and strategy, reinforcing its reputation as a responsible corporate leader in the industry.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
KION with strong financial year 2024 – efficiency program resolved to strengthen resilience
KION Group has announced robust preliminary financial results for 2024, showcasing revenues of €11.5 billion and a notable rise in adjusted EBIT to €917 million. In response to ongoing economic challenges, the company has launched an efficiency program designed to bolster its resilience and sustain investment capacity. This initiative aims to achieve annual cost savings between €140 million and €160 million by 2026, reflecting KION's commitment to navigating the current economic landscape while maintaining its growth trajectory.
intralogistics supply chain solutions industrial trucks forklift trucks warehouse trucks automation technology
2D Shuttle System at Gerolsteiner
Gerolsteiner is set to enhance its operations at its headquarters in Gerolstein by constructing a new compact pallet warehouse featuring a 2D shuttle system. This facility will be dedicated to the storage and distribution of finished goods and will include an automated loading system for trucks. The initiative aims to improve efficiency in logistics and streamline the distribution process for the company’s products. The project reflects Gerolsteiner's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure to meet growing demand and optimize supply chain operations.
Allgemein Automation Fördertechnik & Handling Lagerlogistik & Materialfluss Mobile Robotik
Raymond partners with Third Wave Automation to expand physical AI across lift truck fleets
Third Wave Automation has partnered with The Raymond Corporation, a subsidiary of Toyota Material Handling North America, to enhance AI-enabled physical automation capabilities in select automated Raymond lift trucks. This collaboration, which builds on years of joint development and operational insights since 2021, is supported by investments from Toyota Ventures. The initiative aims to improve efficiency and productivity in material handling operations, reflecting the growing trend towards automation in the industry. The integration of advanced AI technology into Raymond's lift trucks is expected to streamline processes and optimize performance in various operational settings.
Artificial Intelligence Material handling News AI-powered forklifts automation news autonomous forklifts
Interview: Parallel Systems CEO Matt Soule on building ‘the world’s first autonomous freight rail system’
In recent years, autonomous trucks have captured significant attention and investment in the freight transportation sector. However, freight rail is also experiencing a transformative shift, as highlighted by Matt Soule, founder and CEO of Parallel Systems. He asserts that autonomous rail technology could revolutionize the industry, offering a promising alternative to traditional freight methods. This development comes at a time when the logistics sector is increasingly seeking innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. As the demand for sustainable and automated transport solutions grows, the freight rail industry is positioning itself to leverage advancements in technology, potentially reshaping the future of cargo movement across the country.
Engineering Features Logistics Transportation ai logistics automation newsRobotics needs a service framework.
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