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• News & Media

  KNAPP Establishes Robotics and AI Innovation Hub in Boston, MA

  November 6, 2026

  KNAPP Inc.

  The New Business Boosts the Development of AI-powered Robotics Solutions for Warehouse Automation and Intelligent Fulfillment ProcessesBOSTON & HART BEI GRAZ, Austria--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KNAPP, the reliable technology partner for value chain innovation, founded KNAPPRobotics.ai Inc. to drive the development of intelligent robotics solutions and accelerate achieving their industrial readiness. KNAPP’s new U.S. location in greater Boston is designed to be a robotics and AI innovation hub that will grant the existing robotics center in Graz, Austria direct access to one of the world’s leading research and technology ecosystems.KNAPPRobotics.ai at a Glance New cutting-edge robotics lab located in Somerville, Massachusetts Part of a global robotics organization with competence centers in Graz, Austria and Boston, MA Team of 30 to 35 employees by early 2027 Focus on AI, computer vision, robotics and product development Building closer ties with MIT, a renowned center for AI and robotics researchTwo Locations, One Shared MissionWith KNAPPRobotics.ai, KNAPP is establishing a global organization that spans the full continuum of robotics expertise, product management and product launch management. While the location in Graz, Austria will stay the center for robotics development, logistics know-how and achieving industrial readiness, the Boston location will serve as an international innovation and technology hub for specific industrial applications. Together, these centers form a well-connected network of competence linking research, product development, and solution design and deployment.The new hub in Boston was founded with the aim of translating market requirements into scalable and profitable robotics solutions more quickly. As the group-wide business owner of robotics, KNAPPRobotics.ai unites product management, development and implementation under one roof, shortening KNAPP’s development cycles, accelerating product launch and paving the way for robotics to become a scalable product and solution business. “Robotics is developing at a rapid pace, while customers are expecting solutions that can be implemented quickly, operated reliably and scaled at a global level. With KNAPPRobotics.ai, we are laying the organizational foundation that will enable us to firmly link innovation, product development and product launch management and turn new technologies into real customer applications faster,” explains Gerald Hofer, CEO of KNAPP AG.Boston: Robotics and AI Innovation HubAs a state-of-the-art robotics lab, KNAPPRobotics.ai will consist of a team of software developers, AI specialists, mechatronics and robotics experts who will work on intelligent, next-gen logistics solutions. By early 2027, KNAPPRobotics.ai will employ 30 to 35 people, around 20 of whom will be working in software development and be composed of experienced KNAPP employees and new talent from the Boston tech and robotics scene – a deliberate move that will create a balanced team of experts. Wolfgang Toferer will lead the company as the CEO and, together with Christopher Reiß as the COO and Vice President Thomas Zilk, will build KNAPPRobotics.ai and drive the global robotics business in the KNAPP group.Boston is one of the leading centers for robotics, artificial intelligence and technology development in the world. As the area is home to many renowned universities, research institutes, tech companies and start-ups, it is the ideal place to keep the finger on the pulse and deploy industry-ready solutions.At the core of KNAPPRobotics.ai’s endeavors are physical AI systems, which are able to perceive their environment, make decisions and perform physical tasks reliably. For example, they can be used to carry out piece picking, bin picking, cycle counting and other processes throughout the material flow in a warehouse. Overarching these systems is the KNAPP Brain, a platform that covers solutions for AI, computer vision, grip point calculation, motion planning and continuous learning, forming a powerful basis for intelligent robotics solutions. Besides innovating, KNAPPRobotics.ai aims to turn their technologies into scalable, robust and profitable applications for warehouse logistics.“Boston offers an extraordinary combination of robotics research, entrepreneurship and a pool of highly qualified talent. Our goal is to build an innovation hub that adds fresh impetus to the entire KNAPP group and optimally complement the strengths of our location in Graz. This allows us to combine the innovative power of a worldwide leading robotics ecosystem with KNAPP’s decades of automation and logistics experience,” says Wolfgang Toferer, CEO of KNAPPRobotics.ai.MIT Proximity Spurs InnovationAnother major advantage of the new location in Boston is its proximity to the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). KNAPP has been collaborating with MIT for several years and became a member of the MIT Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) in 2026. Being close to MIT allows KNAPP to access the most recent scientific knowledge and innovative methods and reach highly qualified talent. The goal is to accelerate translating research results into industrial applications and strategically develop the company’s robotics platform KNAPP Brain.In addition, KNAPP is also seeking partnerships with other businesses in the area of robot learning, computer vision, autonomous systems, simulation and intelligent robotics.About KNAPPKNAPP is one of the worldwide leading technology partners for logistics automation and digital supply chains. The company develops software, robotics and AI solutions for manufacturing, distribution and retail. As a value chain tech partner, KNAPP designs efficient intralogistics solutions for customers in the healthcare, retail, food retail, fashion, wholesale and manufacturing sectors. The KNAPP group has 9,000 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Austria.KNAPPRobotics.ai is a subsidiary of the KNAPP group and is located in Somerville near Boston (MA), USA. The company focuses on the development and enhancement of robotics, AI and physical AI solutions for logistics applications, supporting the long-term innovation strategy of the KNAPP group.ContactAlex Taylor+1 470 962 8657alex.taylor@knapp.com

  

• News & Media

  Clustag Launches Inline, Its New Division of Solutions for Intralogistics Automation Integrators

  November 6, 2026

  CLUSTAG

  Clustag InLine brings to market solutions for automatic label printing and application, DWS, machine vision, end-of-line operator stations and RFID for intralogistics automation projects. This offering combines adaptable solutions, specialized expertise and technical support to facilitate integration into each project.Valencia, 29 October 2026.- Clustag, a global provider specialized in RFID projects for major companies and operators in the retail sector, has just launched Clustag InLine, its new division of solutions and services for intralogistics automation integrators. With a solid track record in the development and deployment of high-demand RFID solutions and experience in international projects, Clustag is making available to integrators, through InLine, identification, control and inspection technologies for logistics and industrial lines and flows, backed by technical know-how and specialized support.Part of Clustag InLine’s technical expertise comes from Labelmasters, a company recently incorporated into Clustag to add experience in automatic label printing and application, as well as volumetric measurement and weighing systems.“We have created this new business division to offer integrators a broader range of solutions that are easier to incorporate into their projects. We combine different technologies with technical knowledge and ongoing service to help them respond more quickly to their customers and give them the peace of mind of having long-term solutions and support,” explains Manolo Reguart, CEO of Clustag.InLine includes automatic label printing and application systems, DWS equipment for dimensioning, weighing and scanning, machine vision, quality control, process validation, end-of-line operator stations and RFID. These solutions can be integrated into conveyors, sorters, order picking, e-commerce, parcel handling, packaging and dispatch, depending on the needs of each project.“We want to become a technology partner for integrators, helping them find the solution that best fits each project and providing expertise, products and responsiveness whenever they need it. Our role is to make their work easier and give them the confidence of having a specialized team behind them throughout the project,” says Carles Barberá, Sales Manager at Clustag InLine.For end customers, this offering translates into more traceable and efficient processes: automatic identification, verification of contents and shipments, dynamic measurement and weighing, error or damage detection and task automation at end-of-line operator stations. The goal is to turn data and images into operational decisions and prevent incidents before they impact production or service. “Our experience allows us to adapt each system to the real needs of each facility, since factors such as the product, line speed, application position or environment determine the solution required,” explains Giuseppe Vernone, Technical Manager at Clustag InLine.The service includes 24/7 remote assistance, support via hotline and ticketing platform, troubleshooting by video call and the ability to provide on-site technical intervention. With a European focus and international experience, Clustag InLine offers integrators proven solutions, technical documentation and specialized support, with reliability, proximity and speed of response as priorities.

  

• News & Media

  NORD Receives the MHEA Sustainability Award for ECO Service

  November 5, 2026

  Nord Gear Corporation

  NORD DRIVESYSTEMS earns the MHEA Sustainability Award for NORD ECO, a data-driven service that identifies drive system energy savings and efficiency gains.NORD DRIVESYSTEMS received the MHEA Sustainability Award presented by the Materials Handling Engineers Association (MHEA). The award recognizes the advantages of NORD ECO, a service that helps system operators evaluate energy consumption, utilization, and efficiency improvement potential of drive systems based on real operating data. MHEA is an industry association representing specialist companies in the bulk materials handling sector. The Sustainability Award recognizes companies and solutions that contribute to sustainability, energy efficiency, and decarbonization in the industry.NORD ECO Service NORD ECO service is an analysis tool that evaluates the energy consumption and utilization of existing drive systems based on defined measurement data. The main component is the ECO BOX, a mobile control cabinet with an integrated energy measuring device that measures voltage and current, determining the actual energy consumption and calculating the proportional power factor. Data is collected continuously over a set period, with a minimum duration of two weeks, to identify load profiles, load peaks, and anomalies during operation.Once the data has been collected and analyzed, optimization strategies for operation and design can be developed. NORD creates a personalized solution that incorporates the data collected and selects motors that are more ideal for the application based on load capacity and energy consumption. The goal in drive selection is to target higher efficiencies from the right operation point. An investment in more efficient drives that are better sized for applications needs will result in future cost savings over the lifecycle of the unit. IE5+ synchronous motors with permanent magnet technology are an ideal solution for constant torque and high efficiency over a wide speed range, even with low speeds and varying loads.NORD’s proposed solutions focus on optimized performance, reduced CO2 emissions, and improved energy efficiency. If a proposed solution is chosen and installed, there will be an additional measurement period to gather data, enabling direct comparison of before and after the implementation of the new drive system. The advantages of NORD ECO service increase significantly when viewed over entire systems. Once an optimized drive solution is determined for an application, it can be applied to each drive throughout the system, effectively reducing the number of system variants. Minimizing variants within a system helps to streamline production, logistics, storage, and service processes as well as administrative costs.Learn more by visiting nord.com.About NORD DRIVESYSTEMS® GroupWith more than 5,000 employees worldwide, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has been a global leader in drive technology since 1965. Specializing in gear units, gear motors, electric motors, and drive electronics, including energy-efficient and explosion-protected solutions, NORD offers a comprehensive range of products. The company supports customers with subsidiaries and partners in 80 countries and provides fast delivery and customer-oriented service.

  

• News & Media

  MODEX named finalist for TSNN’s 2026 B2B Show of the Year

  November 4, 2026

  MHI

  MODEX, the supply chain trade show produced by MHI, has been named a finalist for B2B Show of the Year in the 2026 Trade Show News Network awards.MODEX joins CONEXPO-CON/AGG, Natural Products Expo West, PGA Show and Ai4 2026 as finalists in the category. Now in its 16th year, the TSNN awards program recognizes trade show organizers and individual industry professionals in categories including show of the year, community building, marketing, sustainability, and individual achievement.“Being named a finalist alongside some of the largest shows in the country reflects the value of this event for our exhibitors and attendees and the work the team put into producing MODEX 2026. It’s recognition that the supply chain community has built one of the most valuable B2B events anywhere,” said Carol Miller, Chief Marketing Officer at MHI.Winners will be revealed on Nov. 16 at a joint awards ceremony with the International Association of Exhibitions & Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, held in conjunction with the IAEE Annual Meeting & Expo! Expo!MODEX 2026 took place April 13-16 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The next MHI event will be ProMat 2027 April 19-21 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The next MODEX event will take place in Atlanta from April 3-5, 2028.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s more than 1,100 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, workforce solution providers, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for its members, the members’ customers, and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association produces the ProMat and MODEX expositions that showcase the products and services of its member companies to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution and logistics community.

  

MHI UPCOMING EVENTS

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MHI & WERC Industry Hangouts

Ontario, Canada

August 20, 2026

Join us for an Industry Hangout at The Port House Social Bar &  Kitchen in Burlington, Ontario - where great conversations meet good times.

Hosted by MHI and WERC, this Industry Hangout is your chance to connect with fellow supply chain professionals in a fun, energetic atmosphere. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while expanding your network ! 

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MHI Annual Conference 2026

Palm Springs, CA

Sep 27-30, 2026

The MHI Annual Conference is an interactive thought leadership event for manufacturing, material handling and supply chain professionals that focuses on the technology innovation taking place across the supply chain industry—and the associated workforce challenges highlighted in the MHI Annual Industry Report.

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