Rockwell Completes Clearpath Robotics Acquisition

Rockwell Automation has completed its acquisition of autonomous robotics developer Clearpath Robotics.

According to Rockwell the deal, first announced in September, will “supercharge” its position connecting industrial enterprises and help create a complete portfolio of connected manufacturing solutions.

Under the deal, Rockwell gains Clearpath Robotics’ research division, as well as its industrial division OTTO Motors, which develops autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for industrial applications. These robotic solutions are of particular interest given the rising market demand for them.

“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 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."

Additionally, Clearpath brings its fleet management and navigation software to the deal, used to improve autonomous transport capabilities at an industrial site. 

Related:Rockwell Automation Acquires Clearpath Robotics

Rockwell said these tools, combined with its automation designs, will create a complete“ portfolio of connected material handling solutions. 

“This acquisition marks a turning point for our customers around the world,” said Blake Moret, Rockwell Automation’s CEO. “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.”