Agile Robots, a leading provider of AI-powered robotic solutions, is set to acquire the European and North American assets of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, formerly part of thyssenkrupp AG’s Automotive Technology segment. The acquisition is aimed at strengthening Agile Robots’ position in next-generation smart automation solutions and unlocking new growth markets.

“Now is the right time to combine AI, robotics, and industrial expertise. Physical AI offers enormous productivity leaps to industrial producers,” says Zhaopeng Chen, founder and CEO of Agile Robots. “Together with thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, we are perfectly positioned to drive the next industrial revolution – and to do that from Germany.”

Key factors behind the deal include thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering’s technological expertise, long-standing customer relationships, and decades of experience in the international automotive industry.

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Agile Robots currently employs over 2,500 staff from nearly 60 countries. With this acquisition, the company will add approximately 650 experts and 10 new locations across Europe and North America. thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering reported revenue in the hundreds of millions in 2024, while Agile Robots has achieved consecutive annual revenue growth since its founding, reaching roughly €200 million in 2024.

“We want to reposition thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering and tap into new market segments,” says Chen.

The acquisition comes at a time of significant transformation in the automotive sector, thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering’s core business. Agile Robots views this as an opportunity to reposition the business and enter new market segments. “We want to reposition thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering and tap into new market segments,” said Chen, CEO of Agile Robots. The deal also strengthens Agile Robots’ presence in North America.

Agile Robots has a track record of implementing robotic solutions for clients in the consumer electronics and automotive sectors, often transforming entire production lines. “Our goal is to shorten innovation cycles and continuously optimize our customers’ production processes,” Chen added. The company leverages an integrated portfolio of robotics hardware, software, data solutions, and in-house manufacturing expertise, supported by one of the industry’s largest R&D teams of over 1,000 AI and robotics experts.

The acquisition enhances Agile Robots’ engineering capabilities and extends its global network with established locations and supply chains. Thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering’s decades of experience and strong OEM partnerships are expected to provide additional value.

Dr. Rolf-Günther Nieberding, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering: “We are bringing our many years of experience in plant engineering and project execution for demanding processes, mission-critical projects, and global customer structures into a dynamically growing, future-oriented organization. With Agile Robots’ innovations, we can leverage our expertise in the application of robotics, software, and system integration to further enhance the value for our joint customers – while continuing to support the strong growth of the Agile Robots Group.”

For thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, the deal opens doors to high-growth sectors including consumer electronics, medical technology, and logistics. Customers will benefit from the combined group’s expanded end-to-end capabilities, covering industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots, and full plant integration. The companies also plan to jointly develop new modular system solutions.

Originally founded in 1950 as Johann A. Krause in Bremen, the company became part of Thyssen Industrie AG in 1989 and expanded its North American presence. Today, it is a leading provider of automated production systems. Post-acquisition, it will operate as Krause Automation within the Agile Robots Group.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, with closing expected in the coming months. The purchase price has not been disclosed.