There have been plenty of developments in the materials handling automation and robotics space already this year. In this latest roundup, we bring together all the coverage from new product launches, strategic partnerships, and market expansions.

In March

Yale Lift Truck Technologies introduces its Yale Relay, a drag-and-drop portal that replaces the complex software coding requirements typically associated with forklift automation. The new overarching platform will now apply to all of its automated forklift releases.

Knapp’s Aerobot is named best product in the “Order Picking, Conveying, Lifting, and Storing Technology” category at LogiMAT 2025. The autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have been designed to complement Knapp’s automated storage systems.

Dematic is awarded a Silver Medal in the 2025 Ecovadis Assessment for its operations in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). To qualify for the medal, Ecovadis evaluates businesses across four areas, including environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

Capow, a power delivery solutions provider in the robotics field, introduces its Genesis Antenna XL, a long-range modular floor antenna for in-motion power which provides an extended path for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to receive power, even when only partially aligned.

Combilift welcomes school students to its headquarters in Monaghan, Ireland. During the gathering to promote STEM education, Combilift announced that it will host the Regional VEX Robotics Championships later this year.

The German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) issues a call to arms to the European robotics industry, saying it must act now or risk falling behind more pro-active Asian and North American competitors.

Bluebotics introduces its ANT locator, a flexible vehicle tracking and mixed fleet management solution. The ANT locator is also able to manage the interactions between manual forklifts and both automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Omron certifies industrial wireless charging specialists Wiferion’s technology for its LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Wiferion’s wireless charging solution is sealed, requires no mechanical contacts, and facilitates fast charging up to 60amps.

Robotize announces a new partnership with Roeq. The first product from this collaboration, the Roes TMC300 top module, enables the Robotize GoPal P35 AMR to pick up, transport, and drop off payloads of up to 300kg using the ROEQ Cart500.

In February

Still begins the construction phase of its Centre of Competence Mechatronics in Hamburg Billbrook. The centre will be home to 140 employees.

Hangcha releases a new heavy load counterbalance forklift mobile robot (FMR), which features a front-wheel drive with rear steering, and reaches speeds of up to 3.7 m/s.  

Delta Electronics, launches its new D-Bot series Collaborative Robots (Cobots), designed for use in the materials handling, electronics assembly, packaging and welding applications, into the Indian market.

Supply solutions specialist Körber reports on the pilot program of its AI robot VarioPick, which it has been running with Nordic postal service PostNord over the past six months.

Rainbow Dynamics releases its 4D pallet shuttle automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). The company confirms it is the first 4D system available in the UK.

Hybrid autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) maker Anscer Robotics, names Mark Messina managing director and CEO - Americas, as it expands into the US market.

Mobile Industrial Robots (MIR) partners with Matthews International to pair Matthews’ warehouse execution system (WES) software, picking systems, and general automation expertise with MIR’s range of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

SPECIAL FEATURE REPORT - Forkliftaction covers the latest developments in AMRs and AGVs, examining the benefits and features of each, and looking into the best pathways to a positive ROI.

Toyota Material Handling UK notes a “surge in enquiries” for automated and robotic warehouse equipment, attributing this increase to the rise in National Insurance (NI) employer contributions.

In January

The merger of Advanced Material Processing (AMP) and Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) creates a new materials handling entity operating under the trading name Akona Process Solutions.

Rocla AGV Solutions, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Logisnext’s European operations, completes the deployment of AGVs at a warehouse that will handle paper rolls weighing up to 1,400kg.

Walmart enters into an agreement with AI-enabled robotics technology developer Symbotic to “develop, build and deploy” an automated system for the retail chain's accelerated pickup and delivery centres (APDs).

Autonomous forklift producer Cyngn secures USD33 million in funding, which it will use to “accelerate its growth and deliver on its missions to proliferate industrial autonomous vehicles”.

Motive power solutions provider RoyPow launches a dedicated, USD1 million fully automated forklift battery module production line at its Guizhou head office in Guangdong Province.

KION Group, AI and robotics company Nvidia, and professional services company Accenture leverage advanced AI and simulation technologies to showcase a 'future warehouse' at the CES tech event.

Chinese service robotics innovator Pudu Robotics launches Pudu D9, its first full-sized, bipedal humanoid robot which is capable of performing a wide range of warehouse tasks, and carries a payload of 20kg.

Watch this space. We will continue to add the latest automation news as it happens.

If it's happening in materials handling, you'll read about it on Forkliftaction. Each week we cover the latest product and market developments and industry trends including the rapidly accelerating automation market. To receive full access to our global coverage and industry-led resources subscribe here.