Today’s Forklift News Daily leads with KNAPP’s new robotics and artificial intelligence operation near Boston. Other developments include an international standard for mobile robot interoperability, a U.S. regulatory decision affecting autonomous forklifts, and $75 million in new funding for warehouse robotics developer Tutor Intelligence.
KNAPP Establishes Robotics and AI Innovation Hub Near Boston
KNAPP has established KNAPPRobotics.ai Inc., a new robotics and artificial intelligence operation based in Somerville, Massachusetts, as the Austrian warehouse automation specialist expands its development activities in the United States. Announced November 2, the new operation will focus on AI-powered robotics, computer vision, intelligent picking and other warehouse automation applications. KNAPP expects the business to employ 30 to 35 people by early 2027, including approximately 20 software developers.
The Boston-area operation will work alongside KNAPP’s existing robotics development centre in Graz, Austria. The company also intends to strengthen its connections with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where it joined the Industrial Liaison Program earlier this year. KNAPP said the initiative will help translate robotics research into commercially deployable solutions and shorten the development cycle between new technologies and customer applications.
Wolfgang Toferer has been appointed CEO of KNAPPRobotics.ai, with Christopher Reiß serving as COO and Thomas Zilk as vice president.
Source: Packaging Revolution
New ISO Standard Targets Interoperability Between Mobile Robots
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has announced the publication of ISO 21423:2026, an international standard establishing communication requirements for industrial mobile robots and the systems that manage them. Announced November 2, the standard addresses communication between mobile robots from different manufacturers, their fleet management systems and other industrial equipment. It specifies how systems can exchange information about robot position, speed, direction, operating condition, task assignments and availability.
The standard also covers communication with enterprise systems and building infrastructure, including automated doors, lifts and alarms, and provides a common framework for coordinating equipment that might otherwise operate through separate proprietary systems.
ISO 21423 was developed through ISO Technical Committee 299. A3 said the standard responds to longstanding requests from industrial users seeking greater flexibility in selecting and operating mobile robots from different suppliers.
Source: Association for Advancing Automation, November 2, 2026
Humro Autonomous Forklifts Receive Conditional U.S. Regulatory Exemption
Indian automation manufacturer Affordable Robotic & Automation has reported that selected autonomous forklifts and pallet trucks developed by its ARAPL RaaS subsidiary, operating under the Humro brand, have received conditional approval under a U.S. regulatory process governing foreign-produced advanced robotic devices. The November 3 disclosure covers the Humro Maia2000 autonomous pallet truck in versions V1, V3 and V4, along with the Atlas AC2000 autonomous forklift in versions V1, V2 and V4.
The Federal Communications Commission has included these devices among products granted conditional approval and exempted from its Covered List restrictions. The decision follows the introduction of U.S. restrictions on certain foreign-produced advanced robotic devices in July 2026. The approval is conditional and applies to the specified equipment rather than the manufacturer’s entire product range. The development provides Humro with a regulatory pathway for the covered autonomous material-handling equipment in the U.S. market, subject to the applicable conditions.
Source: Affordable Robotic & Automation announcement, November 3, 2026
Tutor Intelligence Secures $75 Million for Warehouse Robotics
Massachusetts-based robotics company Tutor Intelligence has raised $75 million in Series B financing led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, supporting further development and deployment of its warehouse robotics technology.
Tutor Intelligence develops robots designed to perform tasks in production environments, using a combination of autonomous operation and remote human assistance. Its approach allows robots to begin working in commercial settings while data gathered during operation supports improvements in their capabilities.
The company’s robotics platforms include Cassie and Sonny, with applications involving repetitive material-handling and warehouse tasks.
In its November 2 investment announcement, Andreessen Horowitz emphasized Tutor Intelligence’s focus on deploying robots in operating facilities rather than limiting development to laboratory demonstrations.
The financing adds to investment activity in warehouse robotics as developers seek to move increasingly capable systems into commercial operations.
Source: Andreessen Horowitz, November 2, 2026
Autoliv Completes Acquisition of MCF Safety Belts
Automotive safety systems supplier Autoliv has completed its acquisition of Italian manufacturer MCF Safety Belts, expanding its business in restraint systems for commercial, off-road and specialty vehicles. Announced November 3 following final regulatory approval, the transaction brings Autoliv a manufacturer of certified seatbelts and specialized harnesses serving more than 500 customers.
Founded in 1989 and based in Pancalieri, near Turin, MCF has approximately 60 employees and annual sales of about €10 million. Its products serve a range of specialty vehicle applications, including material-handling equipment. The acquisition provides Autoliv with additional manufacturing and engineering capabilities for lower-volume, customized restraint systems.
Autoliv plans to retain MCF’s existing management team and operating model while expanding the business through its international customer relationships and technical resources.
Source: Autoliv, November 3, 2026
Columbus McKinnon Reports 107% Sales Increase Following Kito Crosby Acquisition
Columbus McKinnon Corporation reported fiscal second-quarter sales of $539.3 million, an increase of approximately 107% from the corresponding period last year, primarily reflecting its acquisition of Kito Crosby. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based lifting and motion equipment manufacturer completed the Kito Crosby acquisition in February 2026.
In results released November 3, Columbus McKinnon reported quarterly orders of $562.6 million, up 122% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA reached $111.2 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20.6%. The company reported a net loss of $25.5 million, reflecting factors that included acquisition and integration costs.
Columbus McKinnon said integration activities remain on track, with cost synergies progressing ahead of plan. The company also increased its fiscal 2027 guidance for sales, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share.
Its equipment portfolio includes hoists, cranes, lifting systems and motion-control technologies used across manufacturing and industrial material-handling operations.
Source: Columbus McKinnon, November 3, 2026
Forklift and Material Handling Job of the Day
Safety Director, Region AME | Konecranes
Location: Springfield, Ohio, USA
Work arrangement: Hybrid, full-time
Salary: US$160,000–$180,000 annually
Konecranes is recruiting a regional Safety Director to lead health, safety and environmental initiatives across North and South America. The position includes responsibility for regional safety strategy, regulatory compliance, incident investigations, performance monitoring, training and leadership of the regional safety team.
Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant safety experience, including five years in management. The position may involve up to 30% travel.
Apply: Konecranes Careers: Safety Director, Region AME
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