Rockwell Automation completes acquisition of autonomous robotics leader Clearpath Robotics and its industrial offering OTTO Motors

Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world’s largest company focused on industrial automation and digital transformation, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics Inc., an Ontario, Canada-based leader in autonomous robotics and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for industrial applications.

The acquisition encompasses both Clearpath Robotics’ research division, known for its advancements in autonomous technology for the innovation sector, and its industrial division, OTTO Motors, which specializes in AMRs—representing the next major evolution in industrial automation and transformation. Both divisions will now operate under Rockwell’s Intelligent Devices segment.

“We are delighted to welcome the Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors teams to Rockwell,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation. “This acquisition marks a turning point for our customers around the world. Rockwell is simplifying and transforming the difficult yet critical function of material handling throughout the manufacturing plant with an end-to-end production logistics solution. Production logistics is key to optimizing operations across an entire facility and bringing the Connected Enterprise to life.”

OTTO Motors will be showcased at Rockwell’s Automation Fair, the world’s leading event for industrial automation and digital transformation, taking place November 6–9 in Boston. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can significantly enhance productivity and safety across industrial operations.

According to data from Interact Analysis, the AMR market in manufacturing is projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 30% over the next five years, reaching an estimated value of $6.2 billion by 2027. This acquisition is anticipated to add roughly one 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, 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."