Rockwell Automation signs agreement to acquire autonomous robotics leader Clearpath Robotics

Rockwell Automation, Inc., a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has made a significant announcement regarding its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics Inc., headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Clearpath Robotics is renowned for its expertise in autonomous robotics tailored for industrial applications. This strategic move underscores Rockwell's commitment to pioneering the concept of the Connected Enterprise, further solidifying its position as an industry powerhouse.

In the realm of industrial automation, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) represent the future frontier. This acquisition will empower Rockwell Automation to enhance its capabilities in this field significantly. The integration of AMRs into industrial operations has the potential to revolutionize the logistics of transporting parts and materials within manufacturing facilities. This often complex and inefficient task can lead to production bottlenecks. However, autonomous production logistics, made possible by this acquisition, promises to streamline workflows, resulting in substantial cost reductions and heightened operational efficiency.

Clearpath's OTTO Motors Division brings to the table a comprehensive suite of AMRs, fleet management, and navigation software. These technologies play a pivotal role in boosting throughput and cost reduction by ensuring timely placement of components and subassemblies and by facilitating the transportation of finished goods to trucks or warehouses upon completion.

When combined with Rockwell's existing strengths in fixed robotic arms, solutions like Independent Cart Technology, and its traditional leadership in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), the addition of OTTO Motors' AMR capabilities creates a holistic portfolio of advanced material handling solutions that is unrivaled in the industry.

According to market analysts at Interact Analysis, the AMR market in manufacturing is poised for remarkable growth, projected to expand by approximately 30% annually over the next five years, with an estimated market size of $6.2 billion by 2027. Rockwell Automation expects this acquisition to make a meaningful contribution to its revenue growth in fiscal year 2024.

Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, expressed the transformative potential of this collaboration, stating, "Rockwell and Clearpath together will simplify the difficult and labor-intensive task of moving materials and product through an orchestrated and safe system to optimize operations throughout the entire manufacturing facility." He further highlighted the long-standing desire of plant managers across diverse industries to combine autonomous robots with PLC-based line control, a goal that Rockwell is uniquely positioned to realize across various verticals, enhancing planning, operations, and workforce optimization.

The partnership between Rockwell's data offerings and OTTO Motors' AMRs will drive the development of AI-powered Software as a Service (SaaS) information management applications, complementing Rockwell's Plex and Fiix businesses. This integrated technology will provide manufacturing with a unified solution, enabling autonomous execution and optimization while enhancing efficiency, traceability, and real-time adaptability. Additionally, it will amplify the capabilities of Kalypso's production logistics consulting practice.

Matt Rendall, co-founder and CEO of Clearpath, emphasized the growing demand among industrial customers for autonomous production logistics to meet targets and maintain competitiveness. He expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Rockwell to create safer and more productive workplaces through autonomous technology.

Clearpath, originally founded in 2009, initially offered robotics technology for global research and development markets before launching its OTTO Motors Division in 2015.

Funding for this acquisition will be facilitated by a portion of the proceeds from Rockwell's divestment of its investment in PTC. The completion of the acquisition is contingent on customary regulatory approvals and is anticipated to conclude in the first quarter of Rockwell's fiscal year 2024. Upon completion, Clearpath will operate under Rockwell's Intelligent Devices operating segment.

Source:businesswire.com