Kivnon Makes and Installs 5,000 Mobile Robots in 20 Countries

Kivnon Logistica SLU today announced that it has manufactured and installed its 5,000th mobile robot. The Barcelona, Spain-based company said it represented a "significant milestone" in its history.

"We started in 2009 with a vision for new ways to improve intralogistics operations in production centers, warehouses, and distribution centers, along with a team of talented experts in material handling and robotic engineering," said Juan Prieto, CEO of Kivnon, in a press release. "We are proud and excited to announce that we have now manufactured our 5000th mobile robot."

The family-owned company designs, makes, and implements automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Kivnon said it has global expertise in designing, prototyping, manufacturing, commissioning, and supporting AGVs and AMRs.

Kivnon provides robots to multiple markets

In late 2009, Prieto and Luis Gómez, co-founders of Kivnon, registered the brand and designed their first mobile robot, the K10 model, which they said was the most successful product in the automotive sector at that time. Growth continued as global economic tensions eased, according to the company.

Kivnon's product portfolio includes small vehicles that tow carts or carry the load directly, tractors, and autonomous forklifts. The vehicles move materials and goods in factories, warehouses, and distribution centers. Navigation systems allow them to drive safely and efficiently in work areas without the need for an operator, said the company.

"Creating Kivnon was a visionary gamble that has paid off," said Prieto. "Automating material logistics flows is making a visible difference in all sectors. For example, in one of our applications in the automotive sector, it helped transform assembly plants into open and organized lines."

Kivnon serves industries including automotive, food, and retail. In 2017, the company began entering new sectors such as logistics and pharmaceuticals. It said it is continuing to expand through subsidiaries in Europe, North America, and South America.

In May, Kivnon partnered with Plaisir, France-based TAP Group, which will distribute its AGVs and AMRs.

Kivnon's team celebrated its 5,000th robot. Source: Kivnon

Digital transformation drives automation growth

"Digital transformation and the advancement of Industry 4.0 increasingly bring warehouse and distribution center functions to automation," said Kivnon.

The company said it manufactures and deploys around 1,000 mobile robots per year, and it attributed its growth to the following factors:

• The success of the K05 Twister model, which automates the transport of medium loads in confined spaces
• Expansion of distribution channels
• Demonstrated commitment to simplifying logistical processes through the application of mobile robotics

"We are constantly attentive to automation trends and the future. We develop new products based on the improvement of our technology to offer even better solutions to our customers, including leveraging the full value of Industry 4.0, AI, and machine learning for logistics," said Gómez.