October 2020

www.smartmachinesandfactories.com September/October 2020 | 0 7 | | NEWS | ABB has acquired Codian Robotics B.V., a leading provider of delta robots, which are used primarily for high- precision pick and place applications. Codian Robotics’ product range includes a hygienic design line for hygiene-sensitive industries including food and beverage and pharmaceuticals. With the transaction, ABB is accelerating its engagement in the growing field of delta robots. Codian Robotics is located in Ede, Netherlands and employs 20 people globally. The company will continue to serve its customers directly. The acquisition was signed and closed on October 1, 2020 for an undisclosed sum. Sami Atiya, president of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation, commented: “Our acquisition underscores our focus on breakthrough technology, helping our customers to fully realize the potential of automation and increase their flexibility in a rapidly changing business landscape. “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.” Freek Hartman, founder of Codian Robotics, added: “Over the years, we have developed an extensive product portfolio. 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 the majority of robots in the food and beverage industry today are not designed for touching food, Codian Robotics’ portfolio includes a hygienic design that allows safe, open food processing. Atiya added: “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 Strategic acquisition enhances portfolio of high-speed industrial robots continue to function, while protecting employee welfare.” In the future, ABB says it will be able to provide its customers with a broader range of delta robots and integrated solutions from a single source, contributing to ABB’s machine-centric robotics strategy which integrates machine automation and robot control into a single platform. 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.” As a consequence of the Government’s recent announcement to the delay of events taking place from October 2020, and the continued uncertainty and local lockdowns, DFA Media, organiser of Smart Industry Exhibition and co-located shows, has announced the event has been rescheduled for 5th - 7th April 2022, which will take place alongside MACH Exhibition. The co-location of events include: • Drives & Controls • Fluid Power & Systems • Air-Tech • Plant & Asset Management • Smart Industry Expo Ian Atkinson, event director for DFA Media commented: “As a responsible events organiser, ensuring the health and wellbeing of all our exhibitors, contractors and visitors (many of whom face travel restrictions) has to be our top priority. Therefore, as a consequence of the continued global situation, the social distancing restrictions and the requirements of our exhibitors, we have taken the decision to postpone the events until April 2022.” Atkinson added: “The rescheduled dates in April 2022 provides clarity and ensures we have time and space to deliver the same high-quality event we promised, providing a safe and secure environment conducive to business, networking and career development for the manufacturing sector that we serve. “We thank all our exhibitors for their continued support during this unprecedented period and we look forward to working with all our partners to deliver a safe and successful event in April 2022.” For more information and to register please visit: http://www.smartindustry-expo.com Smart Industry Exhibition and co-located shows rescheduled to take place on 5th-7th April 2022