Rockwell Automation, Inc., a leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has completed its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics Inc. Accordingly, Clearpath Robotics, a leader in autonomous robotics, also has strong clout in 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. In addition, the transaction also covers the industrial division OTTO Motors, which provides AMRs. Both divisions report to Rockwell’s Intelligent Devices operating segment.

Fortifies AMRs, Logistics

Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation, said the acquisition marks a turning point for our customers around the world. Furthermore, Moret said, “Rockwell is simplifying and transforming the difficult yet critical function of material handling throughout the manufacturing plant…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, a premier industrial automation and digital transformation event from Nov. 6 to 9. Here, 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 will likely grow about 30% per year over the next five years. This means an estimated market size of $6.2 billion by 2027. This acquisition will also 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. (Thus), 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.”