KNAPP AG

What KNAPP AG does

KNAPP AG is a privately held Austrian warehouse logistics automation company founded in 1952 by Günter Knapp, headquartered in Hart bei Graz with approximately 9,000 employees across 49 global locations. The company provides end-to-end intralogistics automation combining proprietary robotics — including the AeroBot warehouse robot with 3D navigation, Evo Shuttle storage system, Pick-it-Easy Robot with Covariant AI-powered picking, Open Shuttle autonomous mobile robots, and the RUNPICK palletizer — with the KiSoft software platform spanning WMS, WES, WCS, fleet control, analytics, SCADA, CMMS, and last-mile delivery management. KNAPP serves enterprise customers across healthcare and pharmaceutical, fashion, retail, food retail, and industrial manufacturing verticals, with marquee clients including Walmart, McKesson, BESTSELLER, Würth, EssilorLuxottica, Migros, SICK AG, Sonepar, and KICKS.

The business operates through direct enterprise sales with custom-engineered solutions priced in the hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of euros per project, combined with multi-year service contracts and recurring software subscriptions. Revenue streams include hardware automation systems, KiSoft software licensing and subscriptions, and professional services for integration, installation, commissioning, and maintenance. The company maintains deep SAP integration through SAP EWM by KNAPP and the AeroBot SAP BTP App available in the SAP Store, alongside strategic partnerships with Covariant (AI picking), Doosan Logistics Solutions (Korea), Planiform (fashion), and DCS (system integration).

KNAPP remains family-controlled with no disclosed parent company, private equity, or public shareholders, and is led by CEO Gerald Hofer, CFO Christian Grabner, and COO Franz Mathi. The company has emphasized AI differentiation through the KNAPP Brain platform launched in 2026, expanded into Asia-Pacific through Korean shuttle system partnerships, and continues to win flagship automation projects such as Walmart's Next Generation Fulfillment Centers, which reduced a 12-step process to 5 software-controlled steps.

Name

KNAPP AG

Legal name

KNAPP AG

Website

https://knapp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

KNAPP AG is a privately held Austrian warehouse logistics automation company founded in 1952, providing integrated robotics, AI-powered software, and end-to-end intralogistics systems to enterprise customers across retail, healthcare, fashion, food retail, and industrial manufacturing globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Warehouse Automation & Intralogistics

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Warehouse & Intralogistics Automation Systems (AS/RS, Sortation, Conveyance Controls) (IMAHAHAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAM)

Keywords

• Warehouse automation
• Logistics robotics
• Warehouse management software
• Intralogistics systems
• Automated storage retrieval

Headquarters

HQ city

Radegund Bei Graz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Automation Systems (Hardware): KNAPP generates revenue from selling automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), shuttle systems, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic picking systems, and conveyor/handling equipment. These are custom-engineered solutions for large warehouse and distribution center projects.
2. Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Revenue from KiSoft WMS, WES, WCS software platforms, SAP EWM integrations, and fleet management systems. Includes software licensing, implementation services, and ongoing support contracts.
3. Professional Services: System integration, project management, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance/services for automation systems throughout their lifecycle.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

KNAPP AG provides end-to-end intralogistics automation for warehouses and distribution centers, combining proprietary hardware systems (shuttle storage, autonomous mobile robots, robotic picking, palletizing cranes, conveyors) with the KiSoft software suite (WMS/WES/WCS/FCS/SCADA/Analytics/Delivery) and the KNAPP Brain AI platform. Solutions are sold as custom-engineered enterprise projects covering storage, retrieval, picking, sorting, transport, and last-mile delivery for retail, healthcare, fashion, food retail, manufacturing, and wholesale customers.

Product overview

KNAPP AG is a logistics automation company offering integrated automation, robotics, software, and AI solutions for the entire value chain from production to end customer. The portfolio operates as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the KiSoft software platform, which provides the orchestration layer through KiSoft WMS (Warehouse Management System), KiSoft WES (Warehouse Execution System), KiSoft WCS (Warehouse Control System), and KiSoft Fleet Control System (FCS) for AMR coordination. The KiSoft platform is complemented by specialized add-on modules including KiSoft Analytics (real-time analytics and predictive maintenance), KiSoft SCADA (process monitoring), KiSoft CMMS (maintenance management), and KiSoft Driver/Delivery Solution (transport management). KNAPP's robotics portfolio includes the AeroBot (3D navigation warehouse robot), Evo Shuttle (shuttle storage system), Pick-it-Easy Robot (AI-powered picking with Covariant), Open Shuttle (autonomous mobile robots for container/pallet transport), RUNPICK (palletizing robot), PocketEngine (pocket sorter), and Evo Crane (pallet storage crane). The company offers SAP EWM integration services and has introduced KNAPP Brain as its AI platform for intelligent value chain operations. Additional specialized solutions include pharmacy automation, micro-fulfillment centers, PickEngine pick-to-light systems, MultiScan master data acquisition, and Powerline pallet conveyor systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KiSoft: Comprehensive software platform for warehouse management, execution, control, and fleet management systems
• AeroBot
• Evo Shuttle
• Pick-it-Easy Robot
• Open Shuttle
• PocketEngine
• KNAPP Brain
• RUNPICK

Products and services

• KiSoft WMS Warehouse Management System providing comprehensive inventory control, order management, and warehouse optimization capabilities for enterprise logistics operations.
• KiSoft WES Warehouse Execution System orchestrating real-time order fulfillment, task management, and resource allocation across automated and manual operations.
• KiSoft WCS Warehouse Control System providing real-time control and monitoring of automated material handling equipment and robotics systems in distribution centers.
• KiSoft Fleet Control System (FCS) Fleet management solution for coordinating and optimizing autonomous mobile robot (AMR) operations in warehouse environments.
• KNAPP Brain AI Platform AI platform for intelligent value chain operations that anticipates and optimizes processes across the supply chain from forecasting through last-mile delivery.
• SAP EWM by KNAPP SAP Extended Warehouse Management implementation services and pre-configured solutions integrating KNAPP's automation systems with SAP enterprise software via prefabricated SAP-based Building Blocks.
• AeroBot Warehouse robot system for automated storage and retrieval, featuring 3D navigation and high-performance throughput for dynamic warehouse environments.
• Evo Shuttle Shuttle storage system providing high-speed, energy-efficient automated storage and retrieval for totes, cartons, and shallow trays in e-commerce and retail logistics.
• Pick-it-Easy Robot AI-powered robotic picking system using Covariant AI for autonomous item identification, picking, and handling across diverse product categories.
• Open Shuttle Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) family for flexible container and pallet transport within warehouses, featuring autonomous navigation and fleet coordination capabilities.
• PocketEngine Standardized pocket sorter system for high-throughput sortation of items in e-commerce, fashion, and retail distribution centers.
• RUNPICK Palletizing Robot Palletizing robot automated for efficient and precise stacking and palletizing of goods for shipping and storage.
• Evo Crane Automated pallet storage and retrieval crane system for high-bay warehouses handling heavy loads with precision and reliability.
• Powerline Pallet Conveyor Automated pallet conveyor system for efficient material flow between storage and picking areas in distribution centers.
• PickEngine Pick-to-light picking system using light-guided technology to accelerate order picking accuracy and efficiency in warehouse operations.
• MultiScan Mobile master data acquisition device for capturing and measuring item dimensions, weights, and attributes for accurate warehouse management.
• Pharmacy Automation Automated pharmacy systems including prescription retrieval robots and blister packaging for daily dose dispensing, enhancing medication management and patient safety.
• Micro Fulfillment Center Compact automated fulfillment solution for urban e-commerce and quick-commerce operations, enabling rapid order processing in limited space.
• AeroBot SAP BTP App Cloud-based encapsulated SAP Business Technology Platform app integration for the AeroBot 3D navigation robot system, enabling warehouse associates to execute and monitor storage and picking processes via SAP Fiori dashboards.
• KiSoft Delivery Solution End-to-end delivery management platform connecting warehouse operations with last-mile logistics, providing transparency and dynamic decision-making capabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Walmart: Reduced 12-step process to 5 software-controlled steps in Next Generation Fulfillment Centers
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers28 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability7 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SAPcoreTechnology or Integration · 17 March 2026KNAPP integrated its award-winning AeroBot 3D navigation robot system into SAP Business Technology Platform as a cloud-based encapsulated app. Enables warehouse associates to execute and monitor storage and picking processes via SAP Fiori dashboards. Part of growing suite of SAP BTP services including AMR systems, now available in SAP Store.
• NORD Electronic DrivesystemsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 16 September 2025NORD implemented the AeroBot robotic warehouse system from KNAPP in Germany, with go-live planned for mid-2026. New system will quadruple storage and double production capacity, integrating advanced logistics software and future expansion options.
• DCScoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 12 May 2025Partnership with DCS strengthens supply chains through intelligent automation. Collaboration addresses market challenges with innovative, flexible, and data-driven automation technologies. Exemplified by Graco case involving state-of-the-art storage system.
• Doosan Logistics SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 March 2025Joint venture to build Korea's largest shuttle system for Asung Daiso. Marked as the fourth joint project in Korea, demonstrating ongoing strategic partnership in Asian market expansion.
• PlaniformminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 July 2024Partnership to develop advanced GOH (Garment on Hanger) automation solution for apparel industry. Integrates Planiform's Carousel Pick Module with KNAPP's automation systems. Enhances garment handling, reduces picking times, and optimizes warehouse operations.
• CovariantcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Five-year partnership deploying Covariant's AI-powered robotic systems across multiple continents and industries. Notable implementations include BESTSELLER, McKesson, Brødrene Dahl, and Wurth Industries. The Pick-IT-Easy Robot solution is deployed at 26 customers worldwide.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Dematic: Dematic (KION Group) is one of the world's largest intralogistics automation suppliers, directly competing with KNAPP across AS/RS, shuttle, AMR, and WMS offerings for the same retail, healthcare, and e-commerce enterprise customers.
• SSI Schaefer: SSI Schaefer is a privately held German intralogistics peer that, like KNAPP, supplies end-to-end warehouse automation including shuttles, conveyors, robotics, and WMS software to retail, fashion, and industrial customers globally.
• Daifuku: Daifuku is a Japanese-listed global leader in material handling and intralogistics automation, offering AS/RS, sorting, and conveyor systems that overlap with KNAPP's warehouse automation portfolio across multiple verticals.
• Swisslog: Swisslog (owned by KUKA) provides warehouse automation including shuttles, AMRs, and WMS, competing head-to-head with KNAPP in healthcare, retail, and food retail distribution centers worldwide.
• Honeywell Intelligrated: Honeywell Intelligrated is a large incumbent offering integrated warehouse execution, AS/RS, conveyor, and robotic solutions directly comparable to KNAPP's portfolio for retail and e-commerce customers.
• AutoStore: AutoStore specializes in cube-based AS/RS automation deployed at enterprises like Sonepar; it is a direct alternative to KNAPP's Evo Shuttle and AeroBot for high-density storage, often competing on the same shortlists.
• TGW Logistics Group: TGW is a privately held Austrian-headquartered intralogistics peer offering shuttle, AS/RS, and WMS solutions with comparable go-to-market focus on European retailers and fashion brands.

Emerging players

• Symbotic: Symbotic is a publicly listed AI-enabled warehouse robotics platform with deep Walmart ties; it competes with KNAPP for large-scale automated fulfillment center programs and represents both a peer and a partnership/customer-relationship dynamic.
• Geek+: Geek+ is a leading AMR and robotics vendor competing with KNAPP's Open Shuttle and Pick-it-Easy offerings, particularly in e-commerce and 3PL segments across Asia and Europe.
• Locus Robotics: Locus Robotics is an AMR-focused goods-to-person vendor competing with KNAPP's picking solutions in retail, e-commerce, and 3PL warehouses, with strong adoption among apparel and healthcare distributors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/knapp.ag
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knapp-ag
• Instagraminstagram.com/knapp_ag
• Xx.com/knapp_ag_de

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KNAPP AG