Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a Japanese multinational electronics company, has announced a strategic investment in Clearpath Robotics, a Canadian-based company that develops and sells autonomous mobile robots (AMR). The investment aims to strengthen Mitsubishi Electric’s support for complete factory optimization and automation by utilizing AMR systems and contributing to the further development of manufacturing automation through open innovation and investments in companies with diverse ideas and advanced technologies.
The use of mobile robots is accelerating in the logistics and manufacturing industries as a solution to address labor shortages. Mobile robots are not only used for conveyance but also through their connection to IT systems, such as factory and line simulation software, ERP, and MES, they are becoming indispensable items for factory-wide optimization and complete automation.
Clearpath Robotics is a global leader in the development of AMR technology, and its ownership of OTTO Motors, an autonomous mobile robot brand for manufacturing facilities and warehouses, has been instrumental in introducing numerous AMR systems to the market.
Mitsubishi Electric is continuously evolving digital manufacturing through integrated solutions that utilize FA equipment, simulators, and other software using real and digital information, supported by partners such as Clearpath Robotics. In the future, Mitsubishi Electric envisions smart factories that integrate manufacturing and logistics to realize mass customized production and full factory automation by maximizing the use of integrated solutions.
The strategic investment in Clearpath Robotics is a part of Mitsubishi Electric’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the global robotics market. The investment will enable Mitsubishi Electric to access Clearpath Robotics’ advanced technologies and expertise in the development of AMR systems. This will enable Mitsubishi Electric to offer better solutions to its customers, including the development of smarter factories that integrate manufacturing and logistics.
Clearpath Robotics is a global leader in the development of AMR technology. Its ownership of OTTO Motors, an autonomous mobile robot brand for manufacturing facilities and warehouses, has been instrumental in introducing numerous AMR systems to the market. The company develops, manufactures, and sells AMRs and related software and has 335 employees as of January 2023.
Mitsubishi Electric’s investment in Clearpath Robotics is a significant development for the global robotics market. The investment is expected to strengthen the development of AMR systems, which are becoming increasingly important for factory-wide optimization and complete automation.
