Continental has strengthened its mobile robotics expertise through the acquisition of KINEXON’s specialist division, which includes the “Brain” on-board operating system for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The purchase provides Continental with advanced software and a skilled development team, enhancing its capabilities in AMR technology and positioning it as a one-stop solution provider for customers. KINEXON will concentrate on fleet management software, fostering a continued partnership with Continental in delivering intelligent fleet control solutions for AMRs. The acquisition aligns with Continental’s entry into the intralogistics AMR market in 2021, offering innovative solutions for improved material handling in logistics and production settings.
Continental, the global technology company, has solidified its position in mobile robotics through the acquisition of KINEXON’s specialized division for onboard operating systems, notably the “Brain” system, designed to intelligently control autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This strategic move bolsters Continental’s development and system expertise in mobile robotics, further enhancing its capabilities for precise and networked navigation.
At the core of this acquisition is the “Brain” on-board operating system, renowned for its ability to efficiently control AMRs in various applications. Continental now holds the intellectual property rights to this advanced solution, positioning itself as a leader in this growing field. Furthermore, Continental has gained a highly qualified development team from KINEXON, reinforcing its depth of value creation in software and hardware for mobile robotics.
Pierre Pomper, Head of Continental Mobile Robots, expressed, “With this acquisition, we are strengthening our one-stop-shop solution for customers in the field of mobile robotics. We can now offer robust mobile robot solutions with years of operational success. This marks a significant step forward as we continue our growth journey and expand our offerings for a wide range of end markets.”
The established partnership between KINEXON and Continental will persist beyond this acquisition. KINEXON is strategically focusing on centralized control for autonomous mobile robots, which aligns with the fast-growing trend in this sector. This move allows KINEXON to further develop its software for fleet management while offering Continental’s customers intelligent fleet management software for controlling their AMRs.
Alexander Hüttenbrink, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of KINEXON shared, “To meet the increasing demand and trends in the market, we are dedicated to concentrating on our fleet management solution. Selling the special division responsible for the onboard operating system for mobile robots, ‘Brain,’ is a strategic move for us. We take pride in the leading solution we’ve developed and the exceptional team behind it. This transaction provides both the ‘Brain’ technology and its dedicated team with a promising future under Continental’s banner.”
Autonomous mobile transport robots are revolutionizing material handling in industries. Continental, having ventured into the intralogistics AMR market in 2021, leveraged its automotive expertise to create an industrial solution that streamlines logistical workflows. Following successful internal testing at Continental’s production sites globally, these AMRs are now available for the broader market, offering improved features and the ability to address a broader range of use cases. This marks a significant advancement, enabling seamless implementation and efficient operation within warehouse and production environments.
