ABB adds autonomous transport robots to its portfolio of industrial robotics and machine automation solutions, expanding its unique automation portfolio into new industries.

ABB announced on the 21st that it has acquired ASTI Mobile Robotics Group (ASTI), a leading global manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

The decision to acquire ABB Robotics and Automation comes on the heels of the company's announcement that it will expand into new areas of robotics automation, launch new products for new robotics customers, the GoFa™ and SWIFTI™ collaborative robot families, and accelerate automation in the construction industry. Keensight Capital is managing the acquisition.

ASTI has a broad portfolio of software products supporting all major sectors. This acquisition expands ABB's robotics and automation offerings, making it the only company to offer a complete portfolio for next-generation flexible automation.

The acquisition, signed on July 19th as part of ABB's external growth strategy, is expected to close by mid-summer. Both parties agreed not to disclose the transaction details.

Founded in 1982, ASTI is headquartered in Burgos, Spain, and employs over 300 people in Spain, France, and Germany. CEO Veronica Pascual Boe is the majority shareholder, along with Kinsight Capital, a European growth investor. ASTI currently supports one of the largest AMR transport systems in Europe and has a broad customer base across 20 countries, spanning the automotive, logistics, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Since 2015, the company has grown by nearly 30% annually and aims to generate approximately $50 million in revenue by 2021.

“ASI’s industry-leading portfolio, comprehensive software suite, and deep industry expertise in growing industries make it the ideal fit for ABB to support our customers with the next generation of flexible automation,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB Robotics and Automation. “With this acquisition, ABB will become the only company to offer a complete automation portfolio of AMRs, robotics, and machine automation solutions, from production and logistics to the point of consumption. We believe this acquisition will be a game-changer for our customers, enabling them to tailor their solutions to individual needs and seize opportunities presented by evolving consumer demands.”

AMRs offer unparalleled flexibility in applications ranging from production, logistics, and workspace logistics and order processing to retail and healthcare environments. They are also a vehicle for realizing the shared vision of ABB and ASTI. It helps replace today's sequential production lines with fully flexible networks. Within factories, logistics centers, laboratories, stores, and hospitals, intelligent autonomous robots autonomously handle materials, parts, and finished products between connected, smart workspaces.

“ABB’s vision aligns perfectly with ours. Together, we aim to accelerate automation on the shop floor, enabling our customers to be more flexible and competitive. I look forward to the next step in this journey,” said ASTI CEO Veronica Pascual Boe. “Together, we can accelerate our innovation plans, expand our global customer service, partner network, and production and execution capabilities, and leverage ABB’s global reach, particularly in China. I am delighted to join the Robotics leadership team and oversee the AMR business to execute on our ambitious growth plans.”