ABB buys Spain's ASTI in planned automation push

Swiss engineering company ABB has bought Spanish robot maker ASTI Mobile Robotics Group as part of its strategy to diversify its robotics business beyond its traditional automotive base.

The acquisition of the global autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturer with a broad portfolio across all major applications will expand ABB’s robotics and automation offering, making it the only company to offer a complete portfolio for the next generation of flexible automation.

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With global AMR sales expected to reach approximately $14 billion (€11.8 billion) by 2025, ABB plans to expand AMR sales and service support globally to 53 countries.

Founded in 1982, ASTI is headquartered in Burgos, Spain and employs over 300 people in Spain, France and Germany, and has a broad customer base in the automotive, logistics, food & beverage and pharmaceuticals sectors in 20 countries. Customers include Nestle, L’Oreal and Procter & Gamble.

Its AMR portfolio includes autonomous towing vehicles, goods-to-person solutions, unit carriers and box movers as well as a comprehensive software offering, ranging from vehicle navigation and control, fleet and order management and cloud-based traceability systems.

 “With their portfolio, comprehensive suite of software and deep domain expertise across growth segments, ASTI is the perfect choice for us as we support our customers with the next generation of flexible automation,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation business.

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“With this acquisition, ABB will be the only company to offer a full automation portfolio of AMRs, robots and machine automation solutions, from production to logistics to point of consumption. This is a game-changer for our customers as they seize new opportunities presented by significant changes in consumer demand.”

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