Milwaukee, USA – Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, announced on September 5 that it has signed a definitive agreement to Acquired Clearpath Robotics Inc., a leader in autonomous robotics for industrial applications based in Ontario, Canada. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are the next frontier in industrial automation and transformation, and this acquisition will further Rockwell’s leadership in enabling the “connected enterprise.”

Moving parts and materials to and from assembly lines and manufacturing cells is one of the most complex and inefficient tasks in industry, often creating production bottlenecks. Autonomous production logistics will change the workflow of the entire manufacturing plant, significantly reducing costs and improving operational efficiency. Clearpath’s OTTO Motors business unit provides AMR and fleet management and navigation software that dramatically increases throughput and reduces costs by ensuring that components and sub-components are in place when needed and that finished products are shipped to trucks or warehouses when completed.

Combined with Rockwell’s strong ongoing partnership in solutions such as fixed robotic arms and standalone trolley technology, as well as its traditional leadership in programmable logic controllers (PLCS), the addition of OTTO Motors’ AMR capabilities will create a complete portfolio of advanced material handling solutions unmatched in the industry.

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According to Interact Analysis, the AMR market in manufacturing is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 30% over the next five years, with the market size expected to reach $6.2 billion by 2027. The acquisition is expected to contribute one percentage point to Rockwell’s revenue growth in fiscal year 2024.

Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, said, “Rockwell’s partnership with Clearpath will streamline the difficult, labor-intensive task of moving materials and products through coordinated, secure systems to optimize operations across manufacturing facilities. Combining autonomous robots with PLC-based production line control has long been a dream for factory managers in diverse industries such as automotive and consumer goods. With Clearpath, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to realize this dream in virtually every discrete and hybrid vertical, optimizing planning, operations and workforce.”

Data from Rockwell products and OTTO Motors AMR will be utilized in AI-driven software-as-a-service information management applications, such as those for the Rockwell Plex and Fiix businesses. In this way, Rockwell will provide the manufacturing industry with a unified solution that enables autonomous execution and optimization, thereby increasing efficiency and enabling traceability and real-time adjustments. The combined technology will also expand Kalypso’s production logistics consulting business.

“Industrial customers are under increasing pressure to do more with less. Independent production logistics has become a necessary condition for achieving goals and maintaining competitiveness. We are excited to join Rockwell and help them expand their leadership in advanced material handling.” “Together, we will leverage autonomous technologies to create safer and more productive workplaces,” said Matt Rendall, co-founder and CEO of Clearpath.

Founded in 2009, Clearpath initially provided robotics for the global R&D market, and established its OTTO Motors division in 2015.

The acquisition will be funded by a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Rockwell’s investment in PTC. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Upon completion of the acquisition, Clearpath will be part of Rockwell’s Smart Devices operations.

Goldman Sachs & Co.LLC acted as financial advisor to Rockwell.