K.Hartwall and Bosch Rexroth Kft. have signed an official partnership and distribution agreement with the aim of jointly developing and supplying mobile robotics and intralogistics systems in Hungary and the Central European region. This cooperation enables Bosch Rexroth’s ACTIVE Shuttle autonomous mobile robot platform and K.Hartwall’s A‑MATE® automated guided vehicles to be deployed as a unified, integrated fleet for industrial intralogistics tasks.
Intralogistics automation is accelerating
In nearly every sector of industrial manufacturing and logistics — from the automotive and electronics industries to FMCG, packaging, machinery, and general manufacturing — the deployment of mobile robotics systems is expanding rapidly. Labor shortages, the demand for flexible production models, and the drive for automation are collectively accelerating the adoption of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
Systems based on the VDA 5050 standard enable full digitalization and automation of material flow in production and warehouse environments, significantly improving productivity and transparency of logistics operations. Thanks to the cooperation between Bosch Rexroth and K. Hartwall, fleet-based robot management is now also available in Hungary, offering scalable, rapidly deployable solutions to players across multiple industries.
Technological synergy: ACTIVE Shuttle + A‑MATE® FreeLift
Within the scope of this partnership, Bosch Rexroth’s ACTIVE Shuttle autonomous mobile robots and K.Hartwall’s A‑MATE® automated vehicles can operate as a cohesive, cooperative fleet. At the heart of the integration is Bosch Rexroth’s Active Fleet Manager (AFM), which ensures real-time control and automated task distribution through the VDA 5050 interface.
Smart navigation and localization capabilities are provided by Bosch Rexroth’s proprietary ROKIT Locator and ROKIT Navigator software. These enable the vehicles to navigate safely and independently in dynamic environments — without requiring fixed infrastructure such as floor markings or guide rails. The system is designed for plug-and-play deployment, allowing quick implementation with minimal modification to existing production and logistics environments.
“As part of our strategy, we are continuously expanding our solutions in the field of warehouse automation. In addition to designing custom warehouse systems, we integrate modular conveyor solutions, autonomous mobile robots, and collaborative robots into internal logistics processes. These systems not only enhance efficiency and flexibility but also enable real-time data collection and optimized process control, thereby supporting the competitiveness of our partners,” said Sándor Volosinovszki, Head of Business Unit Factory Automation at Bosch Rexroth Kft.
Benefits for Local Operations
The joint solution from Bosch Rexroth and K.Hartwall provides comprehensive support for modern intralogistics automation. One of its key advantages is the ability to control different types of mobile robots — both AMRs and AGVs — as a unified fleet through a single platform. This enables gradual, modular automation of intralogistics processes, while ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. Scalability and safety are critical across industries: the solution can handle vehicles with payloads of up to 1,000 kilograms, and the use of advanced real-time obstacle detection and safety systems ensures reliable, accident-free operation even in mixed-traffic environments. In addition, rapid deployment, easy integration with open APIs (ERP, MES), and sustainable, scalable operations all contribute to fast return on investment and long-term competitive advantage for industrial players.
“We are excited about the new collaboration with Bosch Rexroth Kft as we will be able to offer customers in Hungary a unique combination of Mobile robot solutions including both the A-MATE family and the Active Shuttle enabling our customers to handle most size and type load carriers in their supply chain plus offer a world class installation and support service locally.”, says Sebastian Hirschmann, Head of AGV Partners at K.Hartwall.
Vision and Market Relevance
The collaboration between Bosch Rexroth and K.Hartwall brings modular, scalable intralogistics solutions to Hungary that directly address modern intralogistics challenges faced by companies in the automotive, electronics, machinery, food, and many other manufacturing sectors. The application of mixed robot fleets and integrated fleet management creates opportunities to enhance competitiveness, ensure sustainable operations, and support flexible manufacturing models.
“The partnership with Bosch Rexroth Hungary is an important step for K.Hartwall to establish a local presence in the country in addition to our already successful solutions like our roll containers, foldable cages, and Lean portfolio.”, adds Marcin Brzezinski, Senior Vice President for Industrial Logistics at K.Hartwall.