Analysis:
Teradyne acquired AutoGuide Mobile Robots in 2019 for $58 million in cash. But after some bumps in the road, Teradyne decided in 2021 the best way to differentiate its AMR business from the competition was to provide a broad product line under a single software control. Teradyne reworked the sensor suite in the AutoGuide robots to optimize their performance with MiR’s software and to enhance the MiR software to handle the higher speeds of the heavy payload vehicles from AutoGuide. Merging AutoGuide and MIR not only improved the performance of the heavy-duty AMRs, but it also enhances the customer experience. Putting all of the AMRs under one software control and roof makes it easier to engage with customers and simplifies the marketing, sales and support processes. MIR is widely recognized as a world-class AMR provider and this merger makes its product portfolio even stronger. – Steve Crowe