Rockwell Automation acquired Clearpath Robotics and its subsidiary OTTO Motors in late 2023 for nearly $600 million. Clearpath develops autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for research and development purposes. But Rockwell did this deal for OTTO Motors, a leading developer of AMRs for manufacturing and logistics applications. This deal points to the importance of automation in industrial settings and positions the companies as clear leaders in the burgeoning field of AMRs.

The acquisition enables Rockwell Automation to expand its portfolio of smart manufacturing solutions and capitalize on the increasing demand for flexible automation. By integrating OTTO Motors' AMR technology into its product offerings, Rockwell Automation can provide customers with a comprehensive suite of solutions for material handling to enhance productivity and efficiency across a variety of industries.

The acquisition also reinforces Rockwell Automation's commitment to innovation and value-added solutions that drive business growth and competitiveness for its customers. According to Interact Analysis, the market for AMRs in manufacturing is expected to grow about 30% per year over the next five years, with an estimated market size of $6.2 billion by 2027. Rockwell is now well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.

“Rockwell and Clearpath together will simplify the difficult and labor- intensive task of moving materials and product through an orchestrated and safe system to optimize operations throughout the entire manufacturing facility,” said Blake Moret, chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation.

“The combination of autonomous robots and PLC-based line control has long been a dream of plant managers in industries as diverse as automotive and consumer packaged goods," he said. "With Clearpath, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to make that dream a reality across virtually all discrete and hybrid verticals, optimizing planning, operations, and the workforce.”

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