Robotics and Automation
Business Wire | October 04, 2023
Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced it completed its acquisition of Ontario, Canada-based Clearpath Robotics Inc., a leader in autonomous robotics, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for industrial applications.
The acquisition includes Clearpath Robotics’ namesake research division, a leader in developing autonomous technology for the innovation market, and the industrial division OTTO Motors, which provides AMRs, the next frontier in industrial automation and transformation. Both divisions report to Rockwell’s Intelligent Devices operating segment.
“We are delighted to welcome the Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors teams to Rockwell,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation. “This acquisition marks a turning point for our customers around the world. Rockwell is simplifying and transforming the difficult yet critical function of material handling throughout the manufacturing plant with an end-to-end production logistics solution. Production logistics is key to optimizing operations across an entire facility and bringing the Connected Enterprise to life.”
OTTO Motors will be featured at Rockwell’s Automation Fair, the world’s premier industrial automation and digital transformation event, Nov. 6-9 in Boston, where customers will see first-hand the significant impact that AMRs will have on productivity and safety across operations.
According to Interact Analysis, the market for AMRs in manufacturing is expected to grow about 30% per year over the next five years, with an estimated market size of $6.2 billion by 2027. This acquisition is expected to contribute a percentage point to Rockwell’s fiscal year 2024 revenue growth.
“Not only do AMRs connect islands of automation; they are often one of the final major elements that help manufacturers achieve autonomous production logistics, enabling significant value creation for the manufacturer and their customers,” said Amar Mehta, EY Americas Strategy and Transactions Advanced Manufacturing Leader. “Rockwell is a leader in the key hardware, software, and services that are needed to integrate AMRs into a manufacturing plant. With this acquisition, Rockwell enhances its ability to take manufacturers on a full end-to-end digital transformation for their production environments."
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc., is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 28,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises.
OTTO Motors by Rockwell Automation
OTTO Motors by Rockwell Automation is a global leader in autonomous technology for material handling inside manufacturing and warehouse facilities. With over five million hours of production experience, OTTO autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are trusted in mission-critical operations for some of the world’s most recognized brands. OTTO Motors was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Robotics Companies of 2023.
Clearpath Robotics by Rockwell Automation
Clearpath Robotics by Rockwell Automation is a global leader in unmanned vehicle robotics for research and development, and provides hardware, software, and services to enable mobile robotics product deployment and operation. Clearpath works with over 500 of the world’s most innovative brands in over 40 countries, serving markets that span mining, military, agriculture, aerospace, and academia. Clearpath was recognized as a Robotics Business Review’s RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2023 Winner.
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Manufacturing Technology
Business Wire | October 16, 2023
Oshkosh Corporation, a leading innovator of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, today announced a strategic partnership with Manufacture 2030 to move the company closer to establishing its science-based targets. Oshkosh is the first manufacturer of purpose-built commercial vehicles on the Manufacture 2030 platform.
Manufacture 2030 provides global brands, corporations and their small and medium-sized suppliers with the data, tools and support they need to help meet their GHG emissions reduction targets. Manufacture 2030’s unique software platform and support services help measure, manage and reduce emissions across global supply chains.
In the first phase of the partnership, Oshkosh is offering the Manufacture 2030 platform to its top 300 suppliers. These suppliers represent an estimated 75 percent of Oshkosh’s total supply chain emissions. Manufacture 2030’s platform will help suppliers identify which actions to take to measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions and trim operational costs.
“At Oshkosh, sustainability is integrated into everything we do,” said Kevin Tubbs, vice president, chief ethics, compliance and sustainability officer, Oshkosh Corporation. “Our partnership with Manufacture 2030 will help our suppliers create carbon action plans to drive sustainable growth. Manufacture 2030 is a key program for Oshkosh to help us measure and reduce our supply chain emissions effectively and to make progress towards achieving our sustainability goals.”
Across the company, Oshkosh is making steady progress in its sustainability efforts, including the expansion of its purpose-built, battery-electric-powered products. Electric vehicle (EV) offerings now include North America’s first fully integrated, zero-emission electric refuse collection vehicle, North America’s first electric fire truck, the world’s first all-electric scissor lift, the next-generation delivery vehicle (NGDV) for the United States Postal Service and an electric airport rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicle.
Oshkosh is committed to people and our planet. Oshkosh Corporation has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI) for four consecutive years, highlighting our commitment to sustainable business practices. In addition, Oshkosh has been named one of America’s Most Responsible and One of the World’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek, one of FORTUNE’s World’s Most Admired Companies and recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical companies.
About Oshkosh Corporation
At Oshkosh, we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs approximately 17,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, JBT® AeroTech and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit www.oshkoshcorp.com.
About Manufacture 2030
Manufacture 2030 provides global brands, corporations and their small and medium-sized suppliers with the data, tools and support they need to be certain they can hit their GHG emissions reduction targets. Manufacturer 2030’s unique software platform and support services help measure, manage, and reduce emissions across global supply chains. Clients include leading brands like: Reckitt, Bayer, GSK, and Toyota.
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3D Printing
Align Technology | September 20, 2023
Align announced its agreement to acquire Cubicure GmbH.
Cubicure's technology employs a mechanism that enables the processing of extremely viscous resins, facilitating unprecedented adiitive manufacturing.
The transaction's purchase price, anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 or early in 2024 will be nearly €79 million.
Align Technology, known for its Invisalign system, is set to acquire Cubicure GmbH, a private pioneer in direct 3D printing solutions for polymer additive manufacturing. Cubicure specializes in developing, producing, and distributing innovative materials, processes, and equipment for novel 3D printing solutions.
Align Technology, known for its clear aligners and 3D printing operations, seeks to innovate and invest in technologies that support the next generation of direct 3D printed products. This acquisition aligns with its strategy to scale 3D printing operations and drive innovation in the field.
Cubicure's technology allows for high-precision 3D printing, producing resilient components with exceptional material quality performance. The acquisition will expand Align's knowledge and expertise in direct 3D printing, enhancing its global leadership in digital orthodontics and 3D printing. The company is known for its patented Hot Lithography technology, which employs a unique heating and coating mechanism to process highly viscous resins. This technology results in tough and temperature-resistant polymers.
Senior Vice President of product research and development at Align, Srini Kaza, remarked,
“Align and Cubicure have worked together for many years and our successful collaboration has contributed to breakthrough technologies and innovation in direct 3D printing. This acquisition of Cubicure will strengthen the Align Digital Platform and our core capabilities in direct 3D printing, and their talented team, including visionary founders, engineers, and material scientists, will expand our knowledge and expertise in one of the most strategic areas of innovation over the next decade. I look forward to welcoming the entire Cubicure team to Align and continuing to extend our global leadership in digital orthodontics and 3D printing.”
[Source: Business Wire]
Joe Hogan, Align Technology's president and CEO, recognized as a pioneer and global leader in clear aligners with the world's largest 3D printing operations, mentioned that Align remains committed to innovation and investments in technologies that facilitate the development of the next generation of direct 3D printed products. He explained that their partnership with Cubicure began a few years ago as a joint development program and has evolved over time, presenting the potential for significant innovations in expanding their direct 3D printing capabilities. Joe added that the decision to acquire Cubicure was a logical progression, as it enables them to integrate Cubicure's talented team and advanced technology internally, aligning with their long-term growth strategy to scale their 3D printing operations for eventually direct printing millions of custom appliances each day.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen Align's intellectual property portfolio and expand its capabilities in 3D printing of appliances. This strategic move will contribute to Align's long-term growth strategy, allowing the company to scale its 3D printing operations significantly.
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