Rockwell Automation completes acquisition of autonomous robotics leader Clearpath Robotics and its industrial offering OTTO Motors

October 02, 2023
Rockwell Automation completes acquisition of autonomous robotics leader Clearpath Robotics and its industrial offering OTTO Motors

Rockwell Automation significantly expands its portfolio of solutions for the logistics sector with the acquisition of the leading Canadian manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots Clearpath Robotics, announced specially for Robotics-Bulgaria.com by Rotek, which is the official distributor of the American company for Bulgaria.

The strategic deal focuses on the acquisition of ownership of Clearpath’s iconic brand of industrial AMR systems – OTTO Motors, as well as the research and development division of the Canadian company. Both divisions will be subordinate to Rockwell’s specialized department for intelligent devices Intelligent Devices.

Key addition to the catalog of logistics solutions

“We are pleased to welcome the Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors teams to the Rockwell Automation business structure. This transaction is of key importance to our customers around the world. Through it, we will be able to further facilitate and transform their complex and critical processes in the field of handling goods and materials in manufacturing and logistics with advanced technology solutions.

It is the robotization of logistics operations that is the key to the overall optimization of production facilities and the realization of the concept of connected factories,” commented Rockwell Automation CEO Blake Moret.

The US company included the newly joined OTTO Motors range among the leading highlights within the framework of its large-scale company exhibition for innovations in industrial automation and digital transformation, Rockwell Automation Fair, the edition of which was held from November 6 to 9 in Boston. During the event, the corporation’s customers and partners had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the advantages and capabilities of autonomous mobile robots for logistics applications and see them in action.

The role of mobile robots for the future of industry

A current report by the international marketing agency Interact Analysis, cited by Rockwell, predicts that the global market for AMR systems for manufacturing will grow steadily by about 30% annually, reaching an impressive $6.2 billion by the end of 2027. The acquisition of Clearpath Robotics is also expected to make a significant contribution to Rockwell’s revenue growth for fiscal year 2024, the company noted.

“AMR robots do not simply connect individual “islands” of automation solutions in production halls and warehouses. They are also usually the last key element needed to achieve fully autonomous logistics operations. Thus, these systems become a major source of high added value not only for manufacturers, but also for users,” adds Amar Mehta, head of the Advanced Manufacturing Strategy and Transactions department for the Americas at Ernst & Young.

“Rockwell is a leader in the hardware, software and services segments that are necessary for the integration of autonomous mobile robots into production. With this deal, the company strengthens its capabilities to ensure comprehensive support for industrial enterprises in their transition to digital transformation,” the expert summarizes.

Rockwell Automation; photos: OTTO Motors
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