In China’s Xiamen, KION Group has unveiled its upgraded Asia-Pacific Automation Centre of Excellence and its new line of handling robots, announcing it will now turn its attention to ramping up investment in R&D, manufacturing and service coverage across the APAC region.

KION board member Ching Pong Quek, addressing the dignitaries gathered to commemorate the opening, spoke of the company’s history of automation and innovation. 

“As a global leader in intralogistics automation, KION’s brand Linde Material Handling pioneered mobile robotics over 50 years ago, launching the world’s first Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV),” Quek says. 

“Today, Linde MH has successfully deployed over 1,200 automation projects world-wide, operating more than 10,000 mobile robots and automated systems. In 2024, KION Group further strengthened its technological edge through strategic partnerships with Nvidia and Accenture, exploring AI-driven innovations for the supply chain industry.

"By integrating cutting-edge AI, machine learning, and industry expertise, we aim to equip material handling systems with real-time detection and autonomous decision-making capabilities. “This will drive the industry toward more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable solutions—ushering in a new era of material handling.”

Xinqing Zheng, senior director mobile robotics and intralogistics at KION Intelligent Technology Solutions APAC adds: “Moving forward, we will further leverage our ‘German technology, Chinese innovation’ dual-operation model to deliver smarter, more efficient logistics solutions across the Asia-Pacific region”.