Rockwell Automation and Doosan Announce Partnership at U.S.-South Korea Summit

Rockwell Automation Inc. this week signed a memorandum of understanding with Doosan Robotics at a summit in Washington, D.C., marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea. The companies agreed to further integrate their controllers and robots, as well as develop other technologies for industrial automation, smart factories, and additional applications.

“We are proud to sign this strategic agreement with Doosan during their historic visit to Washington,” said Ed Moreland, vice president for government affairs and external communications at Rockwell. “Rockwell and Doosan look forward to working together to provide cutting-edge products and services that will make our customers around the world even more resilient, agile, and sustainable.”

He welcomed Doosan officials along with Yong Ha Lee, regional director for Korea at Rockwell.

Established in 1896, Doosan Corp. is expanding its business focus from power generation and compact construction equipment to the areas of robotics and semiconductors.

Founded in 2015, the Doosan Robotics unit said it develops innovative technology and provides a variety of collaborative robot offerings, including manufacturing and service. It opened U.S. headquarters leat year in Plano, Texas.

Last week, Doosan Robotics launched a National Sanitation Foundation-certified cobot for food handling.

South Korean and U.S. officials meet

Lee Chang-Yang, South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, led the agreement signing ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C.

“Our two countries are broadening and deepening bilateral engagement to include bilateral partnership in advanced industries and technologies,” said Minister Lee through an interpreter.

In addition to marking the historic anniversary, the summit was the first state visit to the U.S. by a South Korean leader since 2011. The ceremony celebrated 23 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between U.S. and South Korean entities.

From left to right: Yong Ha Lee, regional director, Korea, Rockwell Automation; Ed Moreland, vice president, government affairs and external communications, Rockwell Automation; Lee Chang-Yang, South Korea’s minister of trade, industry, and energy; Hongsung Moon, president and chief business officer, Doosan Corp.; William Junghoon Ryu, CEO, Doosan Robotics. Source: Business Wire

Doosan and Rockwell pledge long-term support

Under their MOU, Doosan Robotics will become a long-term robot supplier for Rockwell’s manufacturing operations. Rockwell will provide automation solutions for Doosan, a holding company offering a wide range of products around the world.

Rockwell Automation claimed that it is "the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation. The Milwaukee-based company said it employs about 26,000 people and has customers in more than 100 countries.

Last week, Rockwell announced that it is working with Cornish Lithium PLC on a demonstration plant to validate the sustainable production of lithium hydroxide from micaceous granite. The plant will use its PlantPAx distributed control system.

Earlier this week, Rockwell Automation said it plans to implement a robot fleet management sytem for TotalEnergies' offshore oil and gas platforms. It said its autonomous surveillance and inspection robots will improve safety, attract young talent, and reduce expenses.