thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering has areas in Germany and the U.S. Supply: Agile Robots
A bodily AI firm is strengthening its industrial automation experience. Agile Robots SE this week stated it’s buying the belongings of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering in Europe and North America. They have been beforehand a part of Automotive Expertise phase of thyssenkrupp AG.
“Now’s the best time to mix AI, robotics, and industrial experience. Bodily AI provides huge productiveness leaps to industrial producers,” acknowledged Zhaopeng Chen, founder and CEO of Agile Robots. “Along with thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, we’re completely positioned to drive the following industrial revolution — and to do this from Germany.”
Based in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Middle (DLR) in Munich, Agile Robots stated it has deployed greater than 20,000 robots and doubled its income yearly, reaching round €200 million ($231.9 million U.S.) in 2024. thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering’s 2024 income was within the a whole lot of tens of millions, it added.
Agile Robots cited the unit’s technological experience, long-standing buyer relationships, and a long time of expertise within the worldwide automotive trade as causes for the acquisition.
Agile Robots plans to develop past automotive trade
Agile Robots has applied robots for patrons in sectors starting from shopper electronics to automotive around the globe. The firm claimed that these tasks haven’t solely concerned putting in robots however have additionally modernized total manufacturing strains.
“Our aim is to shorten innovation cycles and constantly optimize our prospects’ manufacturing processes,” Chen stated.
Nevertheless, the acquisition is happening in a difficult market atmosphere, acknowledged Agile Robots. The automotive trade is present process profound change, which the corporate stated offers a possibility.
“We need to reposition thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering and faucet into new market segments,” asserted Chen.
Agile Robots famous that thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering may also help it develop into high-growth industries comparable to electronics, medical expertise, and logistics. The businesses stated they plan to use their experience in industrial automation and autonomous cellular robots (AMRs), in addition to to collectively develop new modular techniques.
CEO Zhaopeng Chen at Agile Robots headquarters in Munich. Supply: Agile Robots
Agile Robots builds out technical portfolio
Agile Robots stated its built-in portfolio combines robotics {hardware}, software program, knowledge, and in-house manufacturing experience. It acquired force- and power-limited arm maker Franka Emika GmbH in 2023 and launched the Agile ONE industrial humanoid final week.
The firm at present employs greater than 2,500 individuals from round 60 international locations. Agile Robots additionally stated it has one of many trade’s largest analysis and improvement groups, with greater than 1,000 synthetic intelligence and robotics consultants.
With the acquisition of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, Agile Robots stated its staff will develop by roughly 650 consultants and 10 new areas in Europe and North America. Along with offering engineers and provide chain experience, Agile Robots stated the group’s North American operations will assist it strengthen its foothold within the U.S. market.
thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering to be Krause Automation
thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering was based in 1950 below the title Johann A. Krause in Bremen, Germany, and stated it rapidly grew to become a key equipment producer for the automotive trade within the European market. In 1989, Thyssen Industrie AG acquired 100% of the corporate’s shares and expanded its presence in North America.
“We’re bringing our a few years of expertise in plant engineering and mission execution for demanding processes, mission-critical tasks, and international buyer constructions right into a dynamically rising, future-oriented group,” stated Dr. Rolf-Günther Nieberding, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering.
“With Agile Robots’ improvements, we are able to leverage our experience within the utility of robotics, software program, and system integration to additional improve the worth for our joint prospects — whereas persevering with to assist the robust development of the Agile Robots Group,” he stated.
Agile Robots and thyssenkrupp stated they intend to safeguard and additional develop current capabilities and their workforce’s robust engineering experience. Following the acquisition, the corporate will function as Krause Automation inside the Agile Robots Group.
The transaction is topic to regulatory approval. The businesses stated they anticipate to shut the transaction inside the subsequent few months and didn’t disclose the acquisition value.
thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering will proceed as Krause Automation. Supply: Agile Robots
