In context
By September 2023, Industry 4.0-driven digital transformation was accelerating demand for autonomous material handling across manufacturing and warehousing. AGV and AMR vendors were expanding distribution partnerships to scale deployment and meet rising interest from sectors like automotive, food, and aerospace.
What was reported
Kivnon, a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), announced a partnership with TAP Group, an industrial solutions provider, to distribute its AGV and AMR product line. Kivnon's portfolio includes small AGVs for lab use, mouse-style platforms that slide under and lift pallets, tractor AGVs for pulling carts, and self-driving forklifts.
The collaboration aims to leverage heightened AGV/AMR interest resulting from Industry 4.0 digital transformation. TAP Group's Storagis brand focuses on storage projects and equipment for automotive and logistics applications, complementing Kivnon's automation offerings.
Jose Pantaleao, Kivnon's France country manager, said the partnership marks a significant milestone, enabling supply of autonomous vehicles to a larger audience with confidence in TAP's implementation expertise. Damien Marie, TAP Group's sales director, noted that many client projects involve advanced automation of material handling and warehousing, deploying AGVs or AMRs to reduce cost and increase productivity and safety.
Why it mattered
This distribution agreement reflected a broader trend of AGV/AMR vendors partnering with regional integrators to accelerate adoption. By combining Kivnon's technology with TAP's reach and automation know-how, the partnership aimed to help manufacturers optimize supply chains—underscoring the growing importance of flexible, autonomous material handling in modern industrial operations.
“This is a real opportunity to optimize our clients’ supply chain.”
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-09-05 · “Kivnon partners with TAP for warehouse robot distribution”