Leading the Era of Harmonized Intralogistics

As the conductor’s baton rose gently, the elegant melody of a violin filled the air—but this was no ordinary concert. It was a unique performance staged by KION for the opening of its exhibition booths at CeMAT ASIA 2025, symbolizing how smart logistics can flow as harmoniously as a symphony.

KION CEO Rob Smith took on the role of “conductor.” As the violinist played, Linde MH robots activated in perfect sync with the music, performing a series of tasks—storage, transport, and stacking—like an orchestra of intelligent devices performing an efficient “Logistics Symphony.” This creative opening vividly brought to life KION’s vision of "Harmonized Intralogistics": enabling logistics systems to cooperate as seamlessly and adaptably as an orchestra, sounding a powerful note for the future of smart logistics.

Rob Smith stated at the opening: “KION is the Supply Chain Solutions company. Our participation in this exhibition is a key showcase for us in the Asian market. By combining German engineering with Chinese manufacturing expertise, we have built a comprehensive local business system to support our global operations.”

Linde Material Handling occupied a 1,600 m² exhibition area, presenting integrated logistics solutions for hybrid manual and automated scenarios. In the AI Innovation Zone, Linde MH exhibited for the first time in Asia the Future Warehouse model co-developed by KION, NVIDIA, and Accenture. This includes a fully integrated goods-in and goods-out solution including lorry loading in a warehouse, featuring autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and a manual truck, all AI-powered.

Notably, one of the AMRs was a third-party vehicle, demonstrating full compatibility with KION’s solutions. This underlines KION’s commitment to open, interoperable solutions and customer flexibility. The solution is orchestrated by a fleet manager and a warehouse management system.

Additionally, Linde displayed a miniaturized automated smart factory demonstration powered by KION’s in-house developed software. Several automation solutions also made their debut, including a double-pallet counterbalance robot, a four-way shuttle system, pallet transport robots, and tote-handling robots.

KION’s value brand Baoli exhibited its upgraded product range in the outdoor area, targeting the shift from diesel to electric and the need for warehouse optimization in the Chinese material handling market. The display included electric counterbalance forklifts, high-efficiency warehouse trucks, and electric pallet trucks. Among them, the X1B and X3B electric forklifts attracted significant visitor interest.

In the technology zone, Baoli showcased KION’s breakthroughs in core technologies such as batteries, motors, and electronic controls through physical displays and videos. Baoli reported strong on-site contract signings, earning recognition from e-commerce platforms, industry customers, and distributors with its comprehensive service network and flexible cooperation models.

Dematic captured the spotlight with the global premiere of its live dynamic demonstration for the newly developed FD Shuttle system. Building upon Dematic Multi-shuttle technology, the system offers high flexibility and intelligence. It can handle a mix of totes, cartons, and trays, and is engineered to support high-bay warehouses up to 24 meters. It is suitable for industries such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and third-party logistics, providing robust support for customers’ smart transformation.

The booth also featured a Virtual Reality Hub (VRH) experience zone, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the smart warehouse processes of Dematic's global benchmark projects. Dematic also highlighted its end-to-end solutions supporting Chinese companies in global expansion. Leveraging over 50 years of project experience in regions like Asia, Dematic offers services ranging from localized design to operational support.

Steve Cheung, Senior Vice President and President of Asia, Middle East and Africa at Dematic, stated: “The Chinese market is of utmost importance to Dematic Asia. At this exhibition, we have demonstrated Dematic’s strengths in system integration and innovative technology, empowering customers across industries to achieve their logistics digitalization and intelligent upgrade goals.”

Through this exhibition, KION demonstrated its integrated strength in connecting global resources with local market needs. Ching Pong Quek, KION Board Member, Chief Technology Officer, and President of KION ITS APAC, emphasized that the exhibition presented not only specific products and solutions but also the future direction of the industry: The Future Warehouse model redefines collaborative paradigms in smart logistics. The range of automation solutions marks a key step toward the Group’s automation vision. Baoli's upgraded electric portfolio demonstrates how value-oriented products can drive sustainable transformation. Dematic’s globally premiered FD Shuttle system provides strong support for customers’ intelligent transformation.

Quek concluded: “We have not only showcased technology—we have also gained deep trust from global customers and partners. Moving forward, we will continue to advance the application of AI and digital twin technologies in supply chains and collaborate with partners to explore smarter, more advanced supply chain solutions.”