Agile Robots is expanding its footprint with the acquisition of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering (TAE). This business unit builds full production and automation lines, mainly for the automotive sector. With the deal, a classic German engineering team moves under the wing of a fast-growing robotics company focused on AI and flexible automation.
TAE has around 650 employees and several sites across Europe and North America. Within Agile Robots, the unit will continue under a new name: Krause Automation, a nod to the historic machine builder Johann A. Krause. For thyssenkrupp, the sale fits into its ongoing effort to streamline the Automotive Technology division and focus on a few core areas. TAE no longer aligned with that strategy, making the move to a new owner a logical next step.
Agile Robots sees clear opportunities. By combining TAE’s long-standing experience in complex production systems with its own robotics and AI technologies, the company aims to deliver more complete, scalable automation solutions. This should strengthen its offering across sectors like automotive, consumer electronics, logistics and medical technology. The acquisition also gives Agile Robots a larger international presence and more capacity to take on large projects. For the wider market, the deal highlights how robotics and traditional machine engineering are increasingly merging. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Dr. Volkmar Dinstuhl, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology, said: “The sale of Automation Engineering to Agile Robots is a logical step in the strategic repositioning of our segment. We are providing Automation Engineering with a reliable perspective while continuing to align our Automotive business toward growth and capital market capability.”
Dr. Rolf-Günther Nieberding, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, said: “We bring decades of experience in plant engineering and project execution for complex processes, critical projects and global customer structures into the dynamic environment of a rapidly growing German technology company. Combining Agile Robots’ innovation in robotics, software and system integration with our expertise will create targeted value for our joint customers and further support the strong growth of the Agile Robots Group.”
“Now is the right time to unite AI, robotics and industrial know-how. With thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, we gain the perfect reinforcement to jointly drive the next industrial revolution – from Germany to the world,” said Dr. Zhaopeng Chen, founder and CEO of Agile Robots. “We will reposition the company and tap additional market segments. Our goal is to shorten innovation cycles even further and continuously optimize our customers’ production processes.”
Photos: thyssenkrupp
