ABB today said it has acquired Codian Robotics BV, which provides delta robots mainly used for high-precision pick-and-place applications. Codian Robotics’ offerings include a line that is designed to be hygienic for industries including food and beverage and pharmaceuticals. ABB said the purchase “is accelerating its engagement in the growing field of delta robots.”

Ede, Nethelands-based Codian Robotics employs 20 people globally and has an office in Rives Junction, Mich. The company said it will continue to serve its customers directly. The deal was signed on Oct. 1, 2020, and both parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

“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,” stated 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.”

ABB notes increasing interest in safe food handling

The majority of robots in the food and beverage industry are not currently designed for touching food, noted ABB. 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,” Atiya said. “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.”

Codian and ABB expect delta robot growth

Zurich-based ABB said the acquisition will enable it to provide customers with a broader range of delta robots and integrated systems from a single source. The company said this follows its robotics strategy, which integrates machine automation and robot control into a single platform worldwide. ABB last month expanded its six-axis industrial robot line with the IRB 1300.

“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,” said Hans Wimmer, president of ABB’s Machine Automation division and managing director of B&R. “In the future, we will be able to offer our customers fully integrated solutions — globally and for all industries.”

“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.”