Automation remains a key trend in Forkliftaction’s coverage of the materials handling market. In this September to October roundup, we highlight market developments including strategic partnerships, record equipment orders, and the latest product news.

In October

Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and Boston Dynamics enter a research agreement aimed at accelerating the development of general purpose humanoid robots.

Retailer Auchan Retail installs 37 Exotec Skypod system robots at its Luxembourg warehouse as it moves towards further automating its order picking process.

UK-based Rainbow Robotics launches its latest product RackBot, which it describes as “a paradigm shift in goods-to-person order picking.”

Automation specialists Vecna Robotics launches CaseFlow, a system that utilises pallet-handling robots “for up to 90% of warehouse travel” using direct zone picking.

Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte II (MVII) terminal gets set to become APM Terminal’s largest fully automated terminal in Europe, as it prepares to receive delivery of the 71 new automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from Konecranes.

Tompkins Solutions and Agility Robotics enter a strategic partnership that will see the intergration of Agility Robotics’ advanced humanoid robot, Digit, into Tompkins Solutions' service offerings.

Cyngn expands its dealer network to include Raymond West, which will distribute its AI-powered autonomous DriveMod Tugger on the US West Coast. Cyngn recently extended the capabilities of the tugger for both indoor and outdoor use. 

KION Group enters a strategic partnership to distribute Eurofork’s automated plug-and-play pallet shuttle systems throughout the EMEA.

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) gets set to receive the first of its 116 ordered Gottwald Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), with Konecranes reporting the order is the single largest it has received for AGVs.

Australian digital freight provider Ofload launches a whole-of-supply-chain, AI-enabled platform which allows businesses to measure and optimise carbon emissions and freight performance.

Turkey’s MND Robotics launches an upgraded version of its FORX autonomous forklift robot, which is designed to integrate seamlessly with IoT and industrial automation systems and has remote access capabilities.

A report from the International Federation of Robotics reveals Asia accounted for 70% of new robot installations in factories in 2023, while new factory robot installations globally increased 10%.

In September

Chicago-based Macrovey enters a strategic partnership with Spanish industrial robotic company Kivnon, to distribute its products through the United States. This follows news in June of Kivnon’s partnership with German-based Tap.

Rocsys partners with Finnish software development, AI and machine-learning solutions provider Unikie, to “improve the charging process for autonomous vehicles and advance fully autonomous fleet depot operations.”

Croatian company Gideon signs a strategic investment agreement with Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), including Toyota Material Handling Group and Toyota Automated Logistics Group, to develop new automated solutions.

Warehouse IT solution provider, Optiscan Group, becomes the strategic distributor for ForwardX Robotics through Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Norway. This follows news in July of Greek equipment dealer Voyatzoglou being named distributor for Greece and Romania. 

Kargo releases the Kargo Lift system for forklifts and AGVs which, it claims, enhances warehouse visibility while automating critical processes. The system performs a host of automated functions as freight is loaded and unloaded.

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.