Linde Material Handling presents results of current and future developments

Broader automation offerings, humanoid robots in development

Few other segments within intralogistics are developing as rapidly as automation. At LogiMAT 2026, Linde Material Handling (MH) will introduce the new Linde I-MATIC core series, designed for specialized applications in various industrial sectors. These highly customizable automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are available with a variety of attachments, such as single or dual forks or paper clamps, and can move heavy loads up to 4.0 tons to a lifting height of up to 6.7 meters. The highlight of another live scenario at the booth is a humanoid robot. This shows how, in a few years, even the most ergonomically demanding order picking tasks in a warehouse can be performed using ‘embodied AI.

The robot's demonstration resembles science fiction: using a tablet, trade show visitors can let the humanoid robot ‘Carl’ know whether they want a bottle of water or Coke. After receiving the order, Carl makes his way to the shelf via the optimal route. Once there, he identifies the bottles and grabs one with his left or right hand. What makes this special is that Carl makes these decisions independently. The robot does not follow a completely predetermined order, nor is it controlled remotely. It recognizes the type of bottle and its exact location and performs the grabbing process completely autonomously. This is because Carl has learned through an AI training process how to perform his assigned task independently. “With this humanoid robot, we demonstrate the next step in the development of

order picking. However, it will still take a few years before it becomes a market-ready product,” explains Jan-Niklas Freund, Manager of Automation Sales Steering at Linde MH. The project is in the early development phase. The current focus is on

strategic learning, which takes place at KION's various global development sites in close cooperation with partners. “With the Linde RoCAP we already offer an advanced truck with an intelligent robotic arm and a gripper that uses AI to recognize and retrieve packages from the shelves. Our goal in humanoid robotics is to combine advanced AI with sophisticated mechanics to perform tasks in the warehouse far beyond what is possible today,” said Jan-Niklas Freund.

A wider range of solutions to meet growing demand

In recent years, the use of automation solutions in companies has increased, as have their requirements. For example, many companies in the beverage industry need the ability to autonomously load and unload two pallets simultaneously using double forks. In the paper industry, paper clamps are an indispensable tool for handling heavy paper rolls. Such applications require the use of robust AGVs with higher carrying capacities that can adapt to different applications.

The Linde I-MATIC AC core, an autonomous stacker presented at LogiMAT, is designed to lift loads up to 4.0 tons with a center of gravity of 600 millimeters to a height of four meters, or loads up to 3.5 tons to a height of 6.7 meters. Various attachments are available that transform these autonomous powerhouses into multifunctional logistics assistants. Other models in the series are designed for coldstores with ambient temperatures down to -25°C, or feature specialized load carriers, for example for maneuvering goods in

warehouses with wide aisles and supplying production lines with materials or removing finished products. Another model even features an integrated conveyor, allowing it to handle load carriers both from the side and from

the front can pick up and put down. All trucks meet industry standards and are custom designed and manufactured in-house. As for the software, the trucks are based on the MATIC:move+ platform and they become

driven by the Linde Warehouse Manager. This software solution regulates control, routing and transfer within the autonomous flow of goods.

Standard, custom and stationary

Other trucks on display in the live scene at LogiMAT represent the other two components of Linde's automation portfolio: standardized trucks and stationary solutions. With an aisle width of less than 2.5 meters, the Linde L-MATIC Core, an autonomous stacker, maneuvers effortlessly through narrow aisles and tight spaces. It is ideally suited for standard tasks such as floor transport and storing and retrieving goods at low heights. The product range of standardized trucks also includes various stackers, a reach truck, a narrow aisle truck (VNA) and AMRs. The S-MATIC cube is part of an application example for a stationary solution and is also featured in the demonstration. This fully automated, 4-track pallet transport system maximizes storage density in small spaces. It consists of conveyors, a warehouse system, elevators and several shuttles that can move in four directions. The self-contained system can handle up to 100 pallets per hour, including europallets and industrial pallets weighing up to 1.5 tons.