Autonomous Pallet Handling Boosts Productivity in Manufacturing and Warehousing

KUKA is introducing the new KMF 1500P-CB as the first model in its new autonomous forklift family, a high-performance solution for flexible, autonomous material transport. The autonomous forklift transports both open and closed pallets and containers weighing up to 1,500 kilograms, ensuring a safe and precise material flow in warehouses and production logistics. Companies can use it to help address ongoing labor shortages and take pallet automation to a new level.

10 september 2026

New Family of Autonomous Forklifts

Automated material flows are a key driver for greater efficiency and competitiveness in production and logistics. With the new KMF 1500P series, KUKA is launching a family of autonomous forklifts that helps companies automate transport processes, use resources more efficiently, and increase safety in intralogistics transport operations. With the new KMF 1500P series, KUKA is addressing this market need and expanding its portfolio with a new product family. The series kicks off with the KMF 1500P-CB – where “CB” stands for “counterbalance” – which was developed specifically for the flexible transport of open and closed pallets and containers over longer distances.

Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to maintain reliable and cost-effective material flows despite ongoing labor shortages. With the new forklift family, we’re helping them automate transport processes and improve safety. At the same time, we’re expanding our portfolio with solutions that go beyond traditional horizontal material transport.

Christian Mühsam, product manager at KUKA

Automated Material Flow and Flexible Load Handling

The KMF 1500P-CB handles transport tasks with loads of up to 1,500 kilograms and is designed for handling closed and open pallets and containers. Companies can flexibly automate a wide variety of pallet and container types without having to adapt their existing transfer stations. The counterbalance design allows loads to be picked up even at enclosed transfer points such as roller conveyors. The larger wheels also ensure stable and efficient material transport over longer distances within production and warehouse environments. Loads are reliably detected, picked up, and moved precisely to lifting heights of up to three meters. Power is supplied by LFP batteries, which are charged using conductive charging technology. Automated 24/7 operation ensures consistent quality.

Thanks to its design, the KMF 1500P-CB is suitable for the stable and flexible handling of closed and open pallets

All the details about the family of autonomous forklifts

Learn how and where you can use autonomous forklifts and how the two models differ.

More Information About the KMF 1500P Series Order the KMF 1500P-CB

High safety and easy integration

Safety was a key priority during the development of the KMF 1500P-CB. The 360° safety concept helps companies safely implement autonomous transport even in dynamic production and warehouse environments and minimize potential risks to employees and equipment. Even at launch, the system meets the requirements of the new European Machinery Regulation, which becomes mandatory in January 2027. Customers thus benefit from a future-proof investment and can address regulatory requirements early on.

The KMF 1500P-CB integrates quickly into existing processes

Furthermore, the KMF 1500P-CB is based on the proven KUKA.AMR software ecosystem, allowing it to be integrated quickly and easily into existing material flow processes. With the VDA 5050 interface, the series can also be connected to other fleet management systems.

Availability and Additional Models

The KMF 1500P-CB will be available for order worldwide starting in September 2026, with deliveries expected to begin in December 2026. In the first quarter of 2027, KUKA will also expand the KMF 1500P series to include the KMF 1500P-PS (Pallet Stacker). This variant was developed for open pallets and containers, and its compact design makes it particularly suitable for automated pallet handling in confined spaces.