Tag: LogisticsTech

  • SICK Acquires Accerion, Expands Autonomous Mobile Robot Solutions

    SICK Acquires Accerion, Expands Autonomous Mobile Robot Solutions

    WALDKIRCH, Germany, Jan 31, 2025 – SICK has announced the acquisition of the Dutch technology company Accerion. Accerion specializes in AI-based image processing with a focus on positioning technologies for mobile robots. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are primarily used in logistics and manufacturing. They improve efficiency by automating tasks in warehousing, intralogistics, manufacturing, and other industries. With the acquisition of Accerion, SICK will offer a complete solution portfolio of positioning solutions.

    Innovation Hub for Software-Driven Localization

    Accerion was founded in 2015 in the Netherlands and has established itself as a tech startup specializing in AI-based image processing for the positioning of autonomous mobile robots. With the software-driven positioning solution “Triton”, Accerion introduced the world’s first industrialized, infrastructure-free localization solution for floor structures based on camera technology for mobile robots. Since 2021, SICK has been partnering with Accerion to support industrial customers worldwide in the precise localization, positioning, and navigation of mobile robots.

    Accerion Now Part of the SICK Group

    With the acquisition, the entire product portfolio and the Accerion team with technology and sales experts, fully transitioned to SICK on January 16, 2025. The product development of the new SICK subsidiary “SICK Accerion B.V.“ will continue at the current location in Venlo, Netherlands.

    SICK Expands Software Portfolio for Autonomous Mobile Robots

    Dr. Niels Syassen

     “We are very pleased to welcome the Accerion team to SICK and to further strengthen our software portfolio for autonomous mobile robots for the future,” says Dr. Niels Syassen, executive board member for Technology & Digitalization at SICK. “The market for sensor solutions for autonomous mobile robots offers enormous growth potential, as the demands on industrial companies for an efficient supply chain in terms of throughput, availability, flexibility, and safety are steadily increasing. To best support customers worldwide in their automation projects, we are further developing our own sensor solutions and investing in new technologies,” adds Dr. Niels Syassen.

    Vincent Burg

     Vincent Burg, CEO of Accerion, says: “With our dedicated team, we built Triton, a cutting-edge localization solution, entirely from the ground up. Today, Triton delivers high-performance localization for thousands of robots around the globe. Our close collaboration with SICK has shown how perfectly our products and cultures complement one another. We are thrilled to officially join the SICK family, where we can leverage this synergy to scale localization solutions worldwide.”

    Autonomous Mobile Robots – a Global Growth Market

    The global market for Autonomous Mobile Robots is valued at about four billion euros. With growth rates exceeding 15 percent, industries like intralogistics focused on efficiency are increasingly adopting these robots. Advanced sensors and software for navigation, localization, and positioning allow mobile robots to move accurately and safely in changing environments. When working near people, it is critical for autonomous robots to detect surroundings and human presence.

    About Accerion

    Accerion is a technology startup based in Venlo, Netherlands, established in 2015 by Willem-Jan Lamers. The company specializes in developing advanced, infrastructure-free positioning technology for mobile robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Their innovative sensors provide sub-millimeter accuracy, enabling precise navigation in dynamic environments without external infrastructure. This technology is particularly beneficial in industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics, where automation and efficiency are paramount. As of 2025, Accerion operates in 13 countries, serving key customers across multiple markets.

    About SICK

    SICK AG, founded in 1946 by Dr. Erwin Sick, is a global provider of sensor-based solutions for industrial applications. Headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, the company specializes in intelligent sensors and systems that improve automation across various sectors, including factory, logistics, and process automation. SICK’s product portfolio comprises of photoelectric sensors, safety light curtains, laser scanners, and identification solutions like barcode scanners and RFID readers. These technologies are integral to industries such as automotive, electronics, food and beverage, and packaging, where they ensure efficient process control, safety, and environmental protection. With nearly 60 subsidiaries and numerous agencies worldwide, SICK employs over 12,000 people and reported a group revenue of €2.3 billion in the 2023 fiscal year.

    Source: SICK AG

  • InOrbit Unveils Space Intelligence to Connect Robotics and Enterprise

    InOrbit Unveils Space Intelligence to Connect Robotics and Enterprise

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, Jan 29, 2025 – Launched by InOrbit.AI, Space Intelligence is a product suite that acts as the central nervous system for smart operations. By integrating autonomous robots, line-of-business data and spatial computing, Space Intelligence leverages physical AI to unlock a new level of performance and flexibility in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other demanding environments to drive smarter operations.

    “Traditional automation offers rigid and static operations,” said Florian Pestoni, CEO of InOrbit. “InOrbit Space Intelligence enables enterprises to leap forward with software-defined orchestration and leverage the latest development in Physical and AI and Reinforcement Learning to drive dynamic process optimization. Now enterprise customers can drive productivity and improve operational resilience.”

    Space Intelligence combines business, robotic, and spatial data to streamline real-world operations. It offers flexibility and clear insights, supporting ongoing improvements and achieving balance.

    InOrbit Space Intelligence offers enterprises:

    • Unified Command: Seamlessly connecting enterprise systems (WMS, ERP, WES) with robot operations for complete process visibility and control.
    • Intelligent Orchestration: Mapping and managing autonomous robots, IoT devices, and non-robotic equipment for synchronized and optimized facility operations.
    • Proactive Operations: Real-time traffic management, path planning and incident response to execute business workflows and improve utilization.
    • AI-Powered Optimization: Continuously learning and adapting, dynamically optimizing operations for peak efficiency and improved ROI.

    “We are excited to introduce Space Intelligence to enterprises,” continued Pestoni. “This transformative technology enables businesses to truly unlock the full potential of a facility with smart operations.”

    About InOrbit.AI

    InOrbit, headquartered in Mountain View, CA, specializes in cloud-based robot operations (RobOps) management. Founded in 2017, the company offers an AI-powered platform that helps enterprises and robot developers optimize autonomous robot fleets at scale. Serving industries like logistics, manufacturing, and smart cities, InOrbit streamlines deployment, monitoring, and optimization of robotic systems. Its platform enables seamless integration across multi-vendor fleets, improving efficiency and reliability.

    Source: InOrbit