Clearpath Robotics

Clearpath Robotics is a Canadian robotics company specializing in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for industrial applications. Founded in 2009 by four University of Waterloo mechatronics engineering graduates, the company initially focused on creating technology to remove mines from war zones before shifting to developing driverless vehicles for hazardous jobs in manufacturing and industrial plants. In 2015, Clearpath launched its OTTO Motors division, which became the company's primary focus for AMRs in manufacturing environments.

Clearpath's AMRs are designed to transport materials and products within manufacturing facilities, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce manual labor in tasks such as moving parts to assembly lines and between manufacturing cells. The company's product lineup includes various autonomous vehicles capable of handling different load capacities. Clearpath also developed OutdoorNav, an autonomous navigation software platform launched in 2022, which provides GPS-based navigation for outdoor mobile platforms and third-party industrial vehicles.

In September 2023, Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation, announced its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics in a deal valued between USUSD 550 million and USUSD 600 million. The acquisition, which was completed in October 2023, aimed to enhance Rockwell's capabilities in advanced material handling solutions and strengthen its position in the rapidly growing AMR market for manufacturing applications. Following the acquisition, Clearpath Robotics became part of Rockwell's Intelligent Devices operating segment.

Key customers and partnerships

Clearpath Robotics' OTTO Motors division has established a strong presence in the manufacturing sector, with over 70% of its AMRs installed in Fortune Global 500 companies. Notable customers include General Electric, Toyota, and Nestle, spanning industries such as automotive, consumer packaged goods, and home appliance manufacturing.

In February 2020, Clearpath expanded its operations in the Japanese market through a partnership with Altech, a Japan-based trading company. This partnership was part of Clearpath's strategy to build a global network of certified installation partners, facilitating easier onboarding and servicing of international customers.