Two German robotics companies are combining efforts to reach a wider but challenging market. NEURA Robotics GmbH last week said it has acquired ek robotics GmbH, which has experience in mobile robotics. NEURA said the acquisition will combine its scale and “cognitive robotics” platform strategy with ek’s intralogistics market expertise.
“The acquisition of ek robotics is much more than an acquisition; it is the dawn of a new dimension in mobile robotics,” stated David Reger, founder and CEO of NEURA Robotics. “Together, we will combine existing strengths with our platform, bring innovations to market faster, and create a global offering that sets new standards.”
“We not only want to continue ek robotics’ products but also make them the global benchmark again with new energy and new ideas,” he added. “This is a win for customers, for our partners, and for all employees. At the same time, it is a strong signal that Germany and Europe have the ambition to be at the forefront of this largest market of the future.”
ek robotics has 60+ years of experience
From its first automated guided vehicle (AGV) installation in 1963, ek robotics said it has played a role in shaping the development of mobile robots. The Hamburg, Germany-based company has more than 300 employees at five locations across Europe, and it said it has installed 1,500 systems and delivered 12,000 transport robots over 400 active sites.
ek robotics provides customized AGVs and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to customers in pharmaceuticals, automotive, logistics, retail, and manufacturing, as well as integration and support services.
The company filed for insolvency protection and self-administration in August. It cited economic uncertainty and buyer reticence, global market disruptions such as low-cost robots from Asia, and legacy projects with non-negotiable contracts.
NEURA Mobile Robotics to keep ek robotics brand
NEURA Robotics said it will keep the ek robotics brand under Neura Mobile Robotics GmbH. The Hamburg-based company said it expects to continue serving ek’s customer base.
NEURA added that its “strong order book” and existing mobile offerings such as the new MiPa service robot will enable it to fulfill existing orders faster and more efficiently. It plans to expand ek’s customer service and continue product development.
In addition, NEURA Robotics said it will integrate ek robotics’ software into its Neuraverse ecosystem. The company described Neuraverse as a platform or an “app store” for connecting and enabling robots to continually learn, built on the NEURON operating system.
Founded as Han’s Robot in 2019, NEURA claimed that its cognitive robots combine sensors and components for physical intelligence on each of its devices. The Metzingen, Germany-based company said its latest collaborations will advance automation and robotics innovation.
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While ek robotics has previously had a strong presence primarily in Europe, NEURA Robotics said its global sales network and opens new market opportunities for ek’s AGVs.
NEURA said its own locations in China and the U.S., as well as industry partnerships, create the basis for accelerating joint growth in the long term. The company has collaborated with Kawasaki, Omron, and Delta Electronics, and other leading manufacturers.
With more than 700 employees, NEURA said it has developed its components and AI in-house as it works toward launching a general-purpose humanoid robot.
