The story of NDC Solutions

Pioneering the Future of AGVs — Since 1972

Decades of Expertise. A Future of Possibilities.

At Kollmorgen, we don’t just develop an automation solution for AGVs and AMRs, we deliver reliability and high throughput into automated material handling operations . Since deploying the first industrial AGVs at Volvo in 1972, we’ve been at the forefront of vehicle automation. Today, our NDC Solutions platform powers over 50,000 vehicles worldwide, enabling smarter, safer, and more efficient operations across industries. We continue to pioneer the future of automated material handling—driving innovation in navigation and fleet control. With deep domain expertise and a proven track record, we empower OEMs and integrators to build AGVs and AMRs with an edge.

The 2020’s

Support for Vision-Based Localization (2025): Vision-based localization uses cameras and image processing to determine a vehicle’s position, enabling localization without relying solely on GPS or physical markers, making it suitable for dynamic environments with minimal infrastructure
API Integration (2025): Launch of a powerful API ecosystem to streamline development and accelerate innovation.
System Manager NG (2024): A new fleet manager released, controlling entire vehicle systems and traffic flow.
Cirrus (2024): Easy commissioning tool enabling faster tuning by users with basic AGV knowledge.
U-Zone (2022): Partners can now integrate custom applications directly on the vehicle controller

The 2010’s

CVC700 & LS2000T (2019): High-performance controller and laser scanner for cold environments introduced.
Natural Navigation (2016): AGVs and AMRs begin using existing environmental features for navigation—no reflectors needed.

The 2000’s

LS5 Scanner (2009): Designed for rugged conditions—wet, cold, and demanding environments.
NDC8 Platform (2004): A complete, scalable control solution designed for future expansion and customer demands.
Multinavigation (2001): AGVs gain the ability to select optimal navigation modes based on their environment.

The 90’s

System 7 (1999): Flexible control cards and “off-wire” capabilities introduced, laying the foundation for modern navigation.
Lazerway Teach-In (1998): Standard forklifts used for automated transport, revolutionizing internal material handling.
Laser Navigation in Singapore (1991): Breakthrough in AGV navigation, accepted across Asia and globally.

The 80’s

System 6 (1985): Microprocessors introduced in AGV controls, enabling two-way communication and greater flexibility.
Partner Model Introduced (1980): A local partnership model launched to reach all markets effectively.

The 70’s

Tetra Pak Rollout (1976) AGVs deployed across Tetra Pak factories, establishing the first global AGV system.
Volvo Pioneers AGVs (1972 ) Volvo implements 186 wire-guided AGVs in Kalmar, Sweden—marking the industrial birth of AGVs.