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Organization: Rockwell Automation
Country: U.S.
Website: https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us.html
Year Founded: 1903
Number of Employees: 500+
Innovation Class: Business & Management
In a significant move, Rockwell Automation announced its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics and its subsidiary OTTO Motors for approximately $600 million in late 2023. Clearpath Robotics is known for its development of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) primarily geared toward research and development.
The motivation behind this acquisition appears to be rooted in Rockwell’s interest in OTTO Motors, a leading name in the AMR sector focused on manufacturing and logistics applications. This strategic acquisition underlines the growing importance of automation technology in industrial environments and positions the company as a leader in the fast-evolving AMR landscape.
The addition of OTTO Motors’ technology to Rockwell’s service offerings is expected to enhance its portfolio of smart manufacturing systems, enabling the company to meet the rising demand for agile automation solutions. This integration will allow Rockwell to offer a comprehensive suite of tools designed to bolster productivity and efficiency in materials handling across numerous industries.
Rockwell Automation’s move is also indicative of its broader commitment to innovation and enhancing business growth for its clients. According to a report from Interact Analysis, the market for AMRs in manufacturing is poised for remarkable growth, predicted to expand by about 30% annually over the next five years, reaching an anticipated valuation of $6.2 billion by 2027. This positions Rockwell excellently to leverage such an opportunity moving forward.
Blake Moret, the chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, articulated the potential impact of the acquisition, 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 emphasized the longstanding ambition of blending autonomous robotics with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for various industries, saying, “With Clearpath, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to make that dream a reality across virtually all discrete and hybrid verticals, optimizing planning, operations, and the workforce.”
Explore the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024.
RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024
Various organizations have made remarkable contributions to the robotics industry, showcasing innovative advancements that enhance efficiency and safety. Below is a list of some notable entries:
- ABB Robotics: Modular industrial robot arms offer flexibility.
- Advanced Construction Robotics: IronBOT facilitates faster and safer rebar installation.
- Agility Robotics: Digit humanoid engages in logistics work.
- Amazon Robotics: Enhances its portfolio with heavy-duty automated guided vehicles (AGV).
- Ambi Robotics: Utilizes real-world data to optimize picking with AmbiSort.
- Apptronik: Introduces Apollo humanoid featuring custom linear actuators.
- Boston Dynamics: Demonstrates unique skills with the Atlas humanoid robot.
- Brightpick: Implementing mobile manipulation and AI to enhance warehouse operations.
- Capra Robotics: Hircus AMR bridges indoor and outdoor logistics.
- Dexterity: Combines robotics and AI for efficient truck loading.
- Disney: Creates engaging experiences through robotics using beloved characters.
- Doosan: Offers an app-like Dart-Suite for easier cobot programming.
- Electric Sheep: Aiming for success in landscaping through vertical integration.
- Exotec: Skypod ASRS adapts to serve automotive suppliers effectively.
- FANUC: Achieves a milestone with the shipment of one-millionth industrial robot.
- Figure: A startup that successfully created a working humanoid within a year.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics: EVObot showcases a unique mobile manipulator design.
- Gardarika Tres: Develops a de-mining robot specifically for Ukraine.
- Geek+: Updates the PopPick system for improved goods-to-person logistics.
- Glidance: Advances independence for visually impaired individuals through robotics.
- Harvard University: Innovates an exoskeleton to enhance mobility for those with Parkinson’s disease.
- ifm efector: Introduces an Obstacle Detection System for mobile robot development.
- igus: Develops a cost-effective cobot with a human-like hand.
- Instock: Revolutionizes fulfillment processes with Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS).
- Kodama Systems: Utilizes robotics for wildfire prevention strategies.
- Kodiak Robotics: Enhances U.S. military operations through autonomous pickup trucks.
- KUKA: Strengthens their mobile robots focus for logistics applications.
- Locus Robotics: Surpasses 2 billion picks, solidifying their leadership in mobile robotics.
- MassRobotics Accelerator: Provides equity-free support to startups for growth and success.
- Mecademic: Highlights the MCS500 SCARA robot for accelerated micro-automation.
- MIT: Advances understanding of heart disease with a robotic ventricle.
- Mujin: Speeds up the automated unloading of trucks with TruckBot.
- Mushiny: Introduces an intelligent 3D sorter to enhance throughput and flexibility.
- NASA: Successfully completes a historic oxygen-making mission on Mars with MOXIE.
- Neya Systems: Develops cybersecurity standards aimed at bolstering AGVs.
- NVIDIA: Nova Carter provides mobile robots with comprehensive visual capabilities.
- Olive Robotics: Makes strides in easing the robotics development process with EdgeROS.
- OpenAI: Enables the proliferation of embedded AI technologies.
- Opteran: Integrates insect-inspired navigation strategies in mobile robots.
- Renovate Robotics: Automates the installation of roof shingles with the Rufus robot.
- Robel: Addresses labor shortages in railway repairs through automation.
- Robust AI: Is currently integrating the Carter AMR into DHL’s extensive robotics portfolio.
- Rockwell Automation: Enhances its manufacturing solutions with the integration of OTTO Motors’ mobile robots.
- Sereact: Leverages generative AI in robotics with PickGPT.
- Simbe Robotics: Expands its inventory robotics operations with BJ’s Wholesale Club.
- Slip Robotics: Streamlines the loading and unloading of trailers using heavy-duty AMRs.
- Symbotic: Supported by Walmart, focuses on capturing the demand for logistics automation.
- Toyota Research Institute: Develops large behavior models to expedite robot teaching processes.
- ULC Technologies: Improves cable splicing efficiency and area power grid reliability.
- Universal Robots: Enhances its cobot lineup with the introduction of the UR30.
Source
www.therobotreport.com