ZAPI Group Acquires Robot Navigation Provider BlueBotics

Consolidation is continuing among component makers and mobile robot providers. ZAPI Group today announced that it has acquired BlueBotics SA, including shares held by investor Forestay Capital. The companies said the transaction closed Dec. 21, 2021, but they did not disclose terms.

"The acquisition of BlueBotics is a key strategic move for ZAPI Group as it further strengthens our position in the fast-growing automated vehicle sector, stated Giannino Zanichelli, president of ZAPI Group. "As a supplier of components for automated guided vehicles, it allows us to move up the value chain into vehicle navigation and fleet management while expanding the range of solutions we can offer our combined customer base."

"We are highly impressed with the performance of BlueBotics’ navigation solutions, the depth of its team’s expertise, its strong brand, and its global customer base," he added. "We now look forward to supporting the team as they continue to grow the business under the BlueBotics brand.”

ZAPI SpA said it is a global leader in electric and hybrid vehicles with deep systems experience. The Poviglio, Italy-based company manufactures motion controllers, electric motors, high-frequency battery chargers, and associated products. It said it has more than 1,500 employees and a total annual revenue of $600 million (U.S.).

BlueBotics to grow robot navigation market

BlueBotics described itself as "the global reference in natural navigation" for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The Saint-Sulpice, Switzerland-based company said it has more than 20 years of industry experience helping companies with automation.

BlueBotics explained that its Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT) is designed to support customers as they bring AGVs, AMRs, or automated forklifts to market. It claimed that no additional infrastructure is needed and that more than 3,000 ANT-driven vehicles are currently in operation worldwide.

Last year, ABI Research rated BlueBotics as a top market leader in AMRs for materials handling.

"This acquisition is exciting news for BlueBotics. Being part of the ZAPI Group, with its global footprint and market reach, will help us expand more strongly around the globe, allow us to engage with more new potential partners, and provide better support to our existing customers," said Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics. “Our team’s knowledge, values, and customer-centric focus are fully aligned with those of ZAPI Group. And from a product standpoint, our technologies are a perfect fit.”