ABB Strengthens Global Robotics Offering With Codian Robotics Buyout

ABB has acquired Codian Robotics B.V., a provider of delta robots, which are used primarily for high-precision pick-and-place applications. Based in Ede, Netherlands, Codian Robotics is a 20-employee robot manufacturer with a product offering that includes a hygienic design line for hygiene-sensitive industries including food and beverage and pharmaceuticals. 

Codian Robotics will continue to serve its customers directly. The acquisition was signed and closed on October 1, and both parties agreed not to disclose any details regarding the purchase price.

Sami Atiya, president of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation, said in the Oct. 1 press release that the company’s latest acquisition bolsters ABB’s focus on food and beverage, pharmaceutical, service robotics and logistics solutions. The press release said the acquisition will allow ABB to offer integrated machine automation and robot control on a single platform through its Robotics & Discrete Automation business unit.

“Codian Robotics’ technologies and industry expertise are the perfect addition to our suite of food and beverage, pharmaceutical, service robotics and logistics solutions, while also supporting ABB’s machine-centric robotics offering,” Atiya said in the press release.

While today the majority of robots in the food and beverage industry are not designed for touching food, Codian Robotics’ portfolio includes a hygienic design that allows safe, open food processing.

“There is a strong need for pick-and-place robots that ensure high hygienic standards, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our food and beverage, pharmaceutical and logistics customers are particularly interested in the potential of automation, enabling supply chains to continue to function, while protecting employee welfare,” said Atiya.

“Over the years, we have developed an extensive product portfolio. ABB’s global presence and industry expertise will help us make our portfolio available globally. I am looking forward to working together with ABB to write the next chapter of our success story,” said Freek Hartman, founder of Codian Robotics, added in the release.

According to the press release, the ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation business unit specializes in providing robotics, machine automation and digital services for a diverse range of industries, including automotive, electronics and logistics and has shipped over 400,000 robot solutions. The business employs more than 10,000 people at over 100 locations in more than 53 countries. In total, ABB has an estimated 110,000 employees in more than 100 nations.