Rockwell Automation, one of the world’s leaders in industrial automation, informatization and digital transformation, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics. Clearpath Robotics is a leader in autonomous robotics, headquartered in Ontario, Canada, whose products include autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for industrial applications.

Clearpath Robotics’ namesake research division, which is a market leader in developing its own technologies for innovative markets, will also be incorporated into Rockwell Automation following the acquisition. In addition, OTTO Motors, the industrial division of Clearpath Robotics, is equipped to provide AMR, the future frontier of industrial automation and transformation. Both units will be part of Rockwell Automation’s Smart Devices operations group.

“We are thrilled to have the Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors teams join us,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation. “This acquisition will bring a new turning point for our customers around the world. Rockwell Automation will use end-to-end production logistics solutions to simplify and transform material handling difficulties and key points at every stage of the manufacturing plant. “Production logistics is critical in determining whether plant-wide operations can be optimized and whether Rockwell Automation’s connected enterprise solutions can deliver.”

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OTTO Motors will be making an appearance at Rockwell Automation’s Automation Expo. The global high-level Industrial Automation and Digital Transformation event will be held in Boston from November 6-9. Customers can see how AMR has a profound impact on productivity and safety in different parts of their operations.

According to Interact Analysis, the AMR market in manufacturing will grow at an annual rate of about 30% over the next five years, reaching an estimated $6.2 billion by 2027. The acquisition is expected to contribute one percentage point to Rockwell Automation’s earnings growth in fiscal year 2024.

“Not only does AMR connect multiple silos of automation, it often serves as the ultimate critical element, enabling manufacturers and their customers to create significant value while enabling their own production logistics.” Amar Mehta, Advanced Manufacturing Leader, EY Americas Strategy and Transactions, commented, “Rockwell Automation has a leading edge in key hardware, software and services, These are the elements needed to integrate AMR into the manufacturing plant. With this acquisition, Rockwell Automation will be able to enhance its ability to enable manufacturers to implement a complete end-to-end digital transformation of their production environments.”