Rockwell Automation, a global company specializing in digital transformation and industrial automation, has announced its definitive agreement to acquire Clearpath Robotics, a frontrunner in autonomous robotics. This acquisition aims to bolster Rockwell's expertise in autonomous production logistics and augment the realization of the Connected Enterprise concept.
As per the analysis of Interact, the autonomous mobile robots (AMR) market in manufacturing is anticipated to increase by approximately 30% annually over the next five years, reaching an estimated $6.2 billion in 2027.
The acquisition addresses the complex and labor-intensive task of material transportation within manufacturing facilities, optimizing operations and efficiency. AMRs, coupled with PLC-based line control, offer versatility across various industries, from automotive to consumer packaged goods. The integration of autonomous mobile robots into manufacturing processes will revolutionize the transportation of parts and materials within assembly lines, minimizing inefficiencies and production bottlenecks.
Chairman and CEO at Rockwell Automation, Blake Moret, emphasized,
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.
[Source: Business Wire]
The combination of autonomous robots and PLC-based line control has been a longstanding aspiration of plant managers in various industries, said Blake Moret. He added that with Clearpath, Rockwell has asserted that it is uniquely positioned to turn this aspiration into reality across nearly all discrete and hybrid verticals, with the aim of operations, optimizing planning, and the workforce. The data generated by Rockwell and OTTO Motors will be utilized in AI-powered Software-as-a-Service applications, enhancing efficiency, traceability, and real-time adjustments in manufacturing processes. The acquisition will also strengthen Kalypso's production logistics consulting practice.
Clearpath's OTTO Motors Division, offering AMRs and navigation software, reduces costs, enhances throughput, and ensures timely component availability. With Rockwell's existing partnerships in fixed robotic arms, leadership in programmable logic controllers and Independent Cart Technology solutions, OTTO Motors' addition of AMR capabilities completes an unparalleled advanced material handling solutions portfolio. The acquisition will be financed partially by the proceeds from the sale of Rockwell's investment in PTC and is subject to customary regulatory approval, expected to conclude in the first quarter of Rockwell's fiscal year 2024.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation is a prominent global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. Its mission revolves around human imagination with cutting-edge technology, thus amplifying human capabilities and contributing to a more productive and sustainable world. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern manufacturing landscape by providing solutions that enable companies to optimize their operations, increase efficiency, and reduce downtime.
About Clearpath Robotics
Clearpath Robotics is a global player in the field of autonomous technology. The company serves a diverse array of the most innovative brands through two distinct divisions: its research-focused Clearpath Robotics division and the industrial division known as OTTO Motors. Clearpath Robotics is dedicated to the mission of automating tasks that are often mundane, hazardous, or dirty, utilizing Autonomous Mobile Robots to enhance workplace safety and productivity.