Amazon builds warehouse robots – share vigorously differentiated

Amazon builds warehouse robots – share vigorously differentiated

San Francisco, 12.92020

Amazon has signed an agreement to acquire Belgian mechatronics specialist Cloostermans. Mechatronics refers to technology that combines mechanical, computer and electrical systems. Amazon already uses Cloostermans‘ technology to package products and move pallets and containers around its facilities.

Cloostermans specializes in machine and robotics technology for warehouses and other industrial facilities. Under the agreement, about 200 machinists, engineers and other Cloostermans employees will work in Amazon’s Global Robotics unit to automate some warehouse processes.

Cloostermans was founded in 1884 and has been privately held for six generations.

Amazon noted in a statement that the acquisition will allow the company to increase its research and development and use of mechatronics and robotics in its e-commerce operations. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition comes at a time when Amazon is expanding its robotics ecosystem. In 2012, the company acquired warehouse robotics maker Kiva Systems for $775 million and incorporated it into its Amazon Robotics unit. In 2019, Amazon bought warehouse robotics startup Canvas Technology.

In June of this year, Amazon unveiled its first fully autonomous warehouse robot designed to work alongside human employees. The company says it now has more than 500,000 robotic drive units in its workplaces worldwide.