KION Group invests in AI-based energy management platform

The intralogistics group KION Group acquires nearly 20 percent of ifesca GmbH, a software specialist in the energy sector. KION is investing around 5 million euros for this. The forecasting software from ifesca offers a comprehensive solution for energy management on the customer side. With this, KION becomes the second-largest co-owner of ifesca.

Frankfurt am Main/Ilmenau) KION GROUP AG focuses on environmentally friendly intralogistics solutions and acquires nearly 20 percent of ifesca GmbH, a software specialist in the energy sector. With an investment of around 5 million euros, KION Group thus becomes the second-largest owner of ifesca GmbH.

Founded in 2016 in Ilmenau, the company specializes in digital energy management. With ifesca.AIVA(R), the young company, which has 35 employees, has created an innovative forecasting software that uses artificial intelligence to help manage energy networks more efficiently in near real-time. Through algorithms, the application learns faster with increasing usage time, continuously improving the quality of forecasts and data to support users in their predictions. The software is specialized in predicting energy consumption and energy generation – especially from renewable energy sources – and efficiently controlling and optimizing production processes with regard to energy management.

Comprehensive solution for energy management

“With the AI-based software from ifesca, we will offer our customers a comprehensive solution for their energy management in the future,” explains Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management at Linde Material Handling, a subsidiary of KION Group. “With the accurate forecasting results of this platform, they will be able to plan optimal charging times for their forklift fleets, avoid charging peaks, and thus significantly reduce their energy costs.” Additionally, the platform can be easily and flexibly integrated into existing energy management systems via open interfaces. “A real added value for our customers and thus also for us,” Prokosch is convinced of the platform.

“Our goal is to optimally support decision-making processes by offering innovative software solutions, especially in the areas of forecasting and optimization, along with the associated services,” says Sebastian Ritter, CEO of ifesca GmbH. “In doing so, the highest user comfort and intuitive handling of business processes are paramount. We are pleased to have found a strategic investor in KION GROUP AG, where our AI-based software leads to enormous customer benefits.”

Strategic focus on sustainable energy systems

As part of its strategy “KION 2027”, KION Group places particular emphasis on sustainable energy and energy efficiency, which they believe will significantly shape intralogistics and material flow. The drive technology of tomorrow is the focus of global research and development activities. KION already offers its customers in its portfolio all drive technologies, from combustion engines to lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries to fuel cells.

Particular importance for electromobility

Electromobility is of particular importance, as KION Group, with its brands, is a major provider of electrically operated forklifts and warehouse equipment. Already today, electrically powered industrial trucks represent around 87 percent of incoming orders in the Industrial Trucks & Services segment. Just this June, KION’s subsidiary Linde Material Handling introduced new state-of-the-art electric forklift models (Linde X20 – X35) in the load capacity range of 2.5 to 3 tons, which achieve the performance level of forklifts with combustion engines.

Photo: © KION Group