Italian automation group Comau has completed the 100% acquisition of Brazilian warehouse-automation specialist Invent Smart Intralogistics Solutions, closing a deal it first signed in May. Announced from Turin and São Paulo on July 7, 2026, the acquisition extends Comau's Automha-anchored intralogistics platform with AI-driven warehouse orchestration software, picking, sorting and material-handling technology — and cracks open the U.S. mid-market for the group.
Why Invent fits between Comau and Automha
Comau said the deal creates a comprehensive end-to-end intralogistics portfolio. Automha specialises in high-density automated storage and retrieval for pallet handling, while Invent brings expertise in box handling, order fulfilment and logistics orchestration — the software layer that ties production, storage and distribution together. "This is another milestone in Comau's journey to build a comprehensive automation platform," CEO Pietro Gorlier said. Invent CEO Leonardo Araki added that the tie-up gives the São Paulo firm access to Comau's global R&D, sales and industrial network.
Betting on 13% annual intralogistics growth
Comau expects the intralogistics market to expand roughly 13% a year over the next three to five years, with 15% growth in the U.S. mid-market and up to 17% in Brazil. Invent adds Latin American reach and a Miami-adjacent U.S. footprint on top of Automha's Italian base. The strategic investment mirrors a broader shift Comau flagged in May: its binding agreement to buy Invent kicked off a wave of intralogistics consolidation among European integrators.
Comau's playbook against the AMR incumbents
The move gives Comau a serious warehouse story to compete with Locus Robotics, Symbotic, Dexterity and AutoStore — all scaling AI-driven fulfilment. Recent moves in the segment include HelloFresh's 5x SKU expansion with Locus Origin AMRs and Ambi Robotics and Pickle Robot's fully automated inbound workflow. Invent will keep its existing organisation, leadership and brand as it plugs into Comau's 4,000-employee global network spanning 12 countries.
Reporting based on coverage from Comau, Robotics 24/7 and Modern Materials Handling.