ABB acquires Codian Robotics and enhances delta robot range

ABB has acquired Codian Robotics, a Netherlands-based manufacturer of delta robots, which are used primarily for high-precision pick-and-place applications. Codian Robotics’ offering includes a hygienic design line suitable 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 1 October 2020. Both parties have agreed not to disclose any details regarding the purchase price.

“Our acquisition underscores our focus on breakthrough technology, helping our customers to fully realise the potential of automation and increase their flexibility in a rapidly changing business landscape,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation. “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.”

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

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,” added Atiya.

Hans Wimmer, President of ABB’s Machine Automation division and Managing Director of B&R, said, “With Codian Robotics we are acquiring one of the world’s most successful suppliers of delta robots, with an extraordinary track record in the machine builders’ sector. In the future, we will be able to offer our customers fully integrated solutions — globally and for all industries.”