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KEBA, an automation specialist based in Linz, Austria, acquired software company drag and bot for an undisclosed amount. The deal was completed in December 2021, but the companies just announced the deal.

drag and bot is a Stuttgart, Germany-based startup that develops a graphical programming interface for industrial robots. The company’s drag-and-drop software is designed for loading and unloading, mechanical assembly, electronics assembly and a variety of pick & place applications.

drag and bot spun out of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production and Automation (IPA) and has been run as a limited liability company since 2017. The company said its programming interface works with a variety of industrial robots, almost all grippers and part supply systems and the most common image processing systems and communication interfaces.

For faster, global sales and further development of our products and services, a close strategic partnership with one of the industry leaders from the automation industry with international distribution now makes sense.

KEBA said it will use drag and bot’s expertise to expand its Kemro X modular system. KEBA said this enable it to offer machine builders simpler solutions for connecting to robots, among other things.

“KEBA’s mission is to use technologies to make the often complex world of automation easier for the user. With drag and bot, we have acquired a company that follows precisely this philosophy and is therefore an ideal match for KEBA’s strengths,” said Gerhard Luftensteiner, CEO KEBA Group AG.