MotionTech is entering the U.S. automation market with packaging, material handling and conveyor solutions. (All images: MotionTech)
MotionTech, headquartered in Stockholm, recently announced its entry into the United States market. The launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth strategy, bringing a proven portfolio of automation and packaging technology to North American customers.
To spearhead the expansion, MotionTech has appointed Kristian Hulgard as executive sales director for the U.S. market. An experienced business builder with a strong track record of establishing and scaling commercial operations in the automation industry, Hulgard will lead the U.S. business from the Dallas–Fort Worth area and drive the company’s next phase of growth in the region.
The initial focus of the U.S. launch is bringing MotionTech’s end-of-line packaging, storage systems and conveying solutions to American customers, building on the automation and material-handling solutions that have made the group a trusted partner across Europe.
Over time, the U.S. location intends to build out a full commercial and service presence to support customers throughout their automation journey. MotionTech has completed more than 30 installations for U.S. customers—such as large warehouse automation partners Dematic and Knapp.
“Customers have repeatedly asked for a dedicated local point of contact for both sales and service,” said Louise Ringström Grandinson, CEO, MotionTech. “Hulgard’s appointment lays that groundwork as MotionTech positions itself to serve a U.S. automation market set for substantial growth in the coming years.”
“The U.S. represents an enormous opportunity,” said Kristian Hulgard, MotionTech’s new sales director for North America. “I’m excited to build something meaningful here from the ground up. American manufacturers and distributors are investing heavily in automation to stay competitive, and MotionTech brings exactly the kind of proven, high-quality technology they’re looking for. My focus from day one will be on getting our products in front of the right customers, build up a distribution network, and establish MotionTech as a serious partner in this market.”
With Hulgard at the helm, MotionTech’s U.S. operations will begin ramping up immediately. “We are delighted to have Kristian leading this effort,” added Grandinson. “His experience building commercial operations and the combined strengths of our different technologies, gives us real confidence as we enter one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Dallas–Fort Worth gives us an excellent foundation from which to serve customers across North America, and this launch reflects our long-term commitment to making motion smarter for businesses around the world.”
Earlier this year, MotionTech announced the acquisition of Induser, a specialist that designs and manufactures high performance weighing and packaging machinery for the fresh produce industry delivering fully automated, end-to-end packaging solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy and throughput.
The acquisition marks an important milestone for both companies. By joining MotionTech, Induser becomes part of a global group that brings together leading companies across the intralogistics and industrial automation sector, while continuing to operate under its own organization, and leadership. “
“Induser has built a strong and respected business over more than two decades, driven by quality, innovation and close customer relationships. These values are fully aligned with MotionTech’s decentralized philosophy. Ever since meeting them for the first time in Almeria, I was impressed by their visionary approach together with engineering craftmanship. Something they have in common with the other entrepreneurs in MotionTech,” said Grandinson.
Automate Show Heads West in 2027
Automate, North America’s largest robotics and automation event, celebrated its most successful show to date, drawing more than 50,000 registrants and 1,230 exhibitors to McCormick Place in Chicago from June 22–25. Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate 2026 filled 425,000 square feet of show floor space with the latest technologies in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, motion control and industrial automation. The record-setting event reflected the continued growth of automation across industries as companies look for practical ways to improve productivity, address workforce challenges, strengthen supply chains and remain competitive. “Automate 2026 was the strongest show we have ever had, not just in size, but in the quality of the technology, conversations and connections taking place across the show floor,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “The energy in Chicago was incredible. From humanoid robots and industrial AI to machine vision, motion control, autonomous mobile robots and industrial automation systems, attendees saw firsthand how quickly this industry is moving and how much opportunity lies ahead.” According to Burnstein, the Humanoid Pavilion displayed an enormous collection of humanoid robots and A3 received excellent feedback from attendees at the show. “Currently, China is ahead of the game as far as humanoid adoption is concerned, especially with government support, but this is likely going to change in the next few years, and the West will start catching up.” In general, Burnstein saw robotic and automation technologies expanding out of automotive and into areas such as photonics, life sciences and food and beverage. “Pay close attention in the near future to what automation is going to look like in our hospitals as well as our bio labs,” he added. “And though safety and government standards still need to be addressed, we see a path down the road for the use of consumer robotics in households. It’s been vacuum cleaners for a long time, but when will we see robots doing mundane tasks such as folding laundry or washing dishes? We’re just not sure what this timeframe realistically looks like.” If the Automate Show in Chicago was any indication, we’re merely scratching the surface on the potential of robotics and Physical AI technology in manufacturing moving forward.
Next Stop Las Vegas
Automate 2027 will move West for the first time next year, taking place May 10–13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. Per the A3 blog: “Automation is becoming more accessible and more capable at the same time. Tools that once required heavy customization are easier to deploy. Machine vision is handling more complex tasks. AI is making systems more adaptable in real environments, not just controlled ones. Ideas that felt early or experimental even a couple of years ago are starting to show up in day-to-day manufacturing. The shift is something more immediate, more usable and increasingly widespread. Las Vegas, with its scale and visibility, is built for moments like this, where a lot of attention is focused on one place. A perfect backdrop for where the industry is right now.” Burnstein urges attendees heading to Las Vegas to plan for next year’s show by downloading the app, planning your exhibitor visits and schedule appointments as early as possible. “We had a record sign-up for booth space for the 2027 show this summer,” Burnstein added. “We’re adding more floor space, a larger humanoid pavilion, more conferences, everything about Automate Las Vegas is getting bigger. We’re extremely excited to share what’s happening in robotics and automation next year.” After reflecting on the success of Automate 2026 in Chicago, Burnstein discussed how the rebranding of the show back in 2009 really set the stage for future growth. “The show was formerly known as the International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show, not exactly the easiest thing to say,” Burnstein said. “The rebrand to Automate happened in 2011. Outside of the COVID years, attendance and exhibitor numbers have steadily grown each year. 2027 should be an incredible year for robotics and automation.”
For Induser, the change represents a natural next step in its long‑term development.
“This is an exciting step for Induser,” said Elvis Moreira, managing director at Induser. “After more than 20 years of building our business, we are joining a group that shares our values and our commitment to quality, innovation and long‑term partnerships.
MotionTech’s mission is to help customers automate across production and warehouse environments.MotionTech specializes in conveyor and belt applications where curve technology is critical.
The acquisition further strengthens MotionTech’s position within the Fresh Food segment, also in Iberia and supports the group’s strategy of partnering with high‑quality, entrepreneurial companies focused on sustainable, long‑term value creation.
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A second acquisition happened in January when MotionTech acquired Kairos Global, an OEM focusing on powered belt curves, merges, and specialized modules for warehouse, logistics and airport applications.
The acquisition represented a strategic expansion of MotionTech’s conveyor offering and geographical reach, further building on the group’s strong position within full-cycle automation services.
Kairos Global’s products and capabilities expand MotionTech’s portfolio with a broader range of standard and tailored curved belts and merges, which strengthens MotionTech’s role in supply to parcel, e‑commerce and airport projects where high‑performance curve technology is critical. The MotionTech platform creates synergies as well as new opportunities by providing Kairos Global with a stronger base for global growth in intralogistics applications.
Founded in Malaysia in 2014 by Steve King, Kairos Global serves customers across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the United Kingdom, and North and South America, and employs approximately 50 people.
MotionTech’s mission is to help customers automate across production, warehouse and intralogistics settings through an end-to-end offering that spans integration, products, software and maintenance. The company makes motion smarter for more than 3,000 businesses across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific, including Coca-Cola, DHL, PepsiCo, DP World, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Ball, JCB, Domino’s and H&M. MotionTech delivers more than 500 projects each year with a team of more than 500 coworkers.
Power Transmission Engineering is THE magazine of mechanical components. PTE is written for engineers and maintenance pros who specify, purchase and use gears, gear drives, bearings, motors, couplings, clutches, lubrication, seals and all other types of mechanical power transmission and motion control components.
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Power Transmission Engineering is THE magazine of mechanical components. PTE is written for engineers and maintenance pros who specify, purchase and use gears, gear drives, bearings, motors, couplings, clutches, lubrication, seals and all other types of mechanical power transmission and motion control components.