Codian Robotics, based in Ede, the Netherlands, employs 20 people worldwide. The company will continue to serve its customers directly. The transaction was signed and completed on October 1. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

"The acquisition underscores our focus on pioneering technologies that help our customers realize the full potential of automation and become even more agile in a rapidly changing environment," said Sami Atiya, Head of ABB's Robotics & Factory Automation business. "Codian Robotics' technologies and industry expertise perfectly complement our range of solutions for the food, pharmaceutical, service robotics and logistics industries. At the same time, they strengthen ABB's machine-centric robotics offering."

"Over the years, we have developed an extensive product range. ABB's impressive global presence and industry expertise will help us to make our products available worldwide. I look forward to opening a new chapter in our success story together with ABB," said Freek Hartman, founder of Codian Robotics.

Until now, most robots in the food industry have not been designed for contact with food. The Codian Robotics portfolio, however, includes a series for applications with high hygiene requirements that can be used to safely process open food.

"The demand for pick & place robots that meet high hygiene standards is high and is being further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our customers in the food, pharmaceutical and logistics industries are particularly interested in automation solutions that enable them to maintain supply chains while protecting the health of their employees," says Atiya.

ABB will be able to offer its customers a broader range of delta robots and integrated solutions from a single source. This will support ABB's machine-centric robotics strategy, where machine automation and robot control are integrated into one platform.

Hans Wimmer, Head of ABB's Machine Automation division and Managing Director of B&R: "With Codian Robotics, we are acquiring one of the world's leading manufacturers of delta robots with an impressive track record in the machine building sector. We will be able to offer our customers fully integrated solutions in the future - worldwide and for all industries."