SICK, a global provider of sensor-based automation solutions, has announced the acquisition of Accerion, a Dutch technology company specializing in AI-based image processing for mobile robot positioning.
The acquisition strengthens SICK’s Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solutions portfolio, providing customers with a comprehensive suite of positioning solutions for logistics, intralogistics, and manufacturing automation. Since 2021, SICK and Accerion have partnered to support industrial automation customers worldwide with precise mobile robot localization and navigation solutions. This collaboration has enabled the seamless integration of Accerion’s localization technology with SICK’s sensor and automation solutions, improving robot positioning accuracy in dynamic industrial environments.
Autonomous Mobile Robots: A Growing Global Market
The Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) market is valued at approximately four billion euros, with annual growth exceeding 15 percent. Industries such as intralogistics, warehousing, and manufacturing are increasingly adopting AMRs to enhance operational efficiency. Advanced sensor and software solutions for navigation, localization, and positioning enable precise and safe movement in dynamic environments.
As AMRs operate in shared spaces with human workers, reliable environmental awareness and obstacle detection are critical. SICK is already a leading global provider of AMR sensor solutions. With the acquisition of Accerion, SICK further expands its expertise in software-driven applications and strengthens its positioning solutions portfolio.
Expanding Software-Driven Localization Innovation
Accerion has developed infrastructure-free localization technology for autonomous mobile robots, using camera-based floor mapping. Its Triton system is the industry’s first and only known industrialized, infrastructure-free localization solution for floor structures based on camera technology. By eliminating the need for external infrastructure, Triton enhances robot flexibility, scalability, and deployment speed in industrial settings.
Integration of Accerion into SICK Group
As of January 16, 2025, Accerion’s product portfolio and team have fully transitioned to SICK, operating as SICK Accerion B.V.. Product development will continue at its existing Venlo, Netherlands location.
Advancing AMR Solutions Through Software Innovation
Dr. Niels Syassen, Executive Board Member for Technology & Digitalization at SICK, emphasized the growth potential of AMR sensor solutions, stating:
“We are very pleased to welcome the Accerion team to SICK and to further strengthen our software portfolio for autonomous mobile robots for the future. The market for sensor solutions for autonomous mobile robots offers enormous growth potential, as the demands on industrial companies for an efficient supply chain in terms of throughput, availability, flexibility, and safety are steadily increasing. To best support customers worldwide in their automation projects, we are further developing our own sensor solutions and investing in new technologies.”
Accerion CEO Vincent Burg highlighted Triton’s high-performance localization capabilities and the synergy between Accerion and SICK’s technologies and cultures, stating:
“With our dedicated team, we built Triton, a cutting-edge localization solution, entirely from the ground up. Today, Triton delivers high-performance localization for thousands of robots around the globe. Our close collaboration with SICK has shown how perfectly our products and cultures complement one another. We are thrilled to officially join the SICK family, where we can leverage this synergy to scale localization solutions worldwide.”
About Accerion
Accerion, a tech startup founded in 2015 in Venlo, Netherlands, has developed a fully infrastructure-free positioning technology for mobile robots, using the floor as a reference. Its optical positioning and navigation technology for AMRs enables high-accuracy robotic movement and autonomous vehicle navigation without the need for costly or inflexible external infrastructure.
About SICK
SICK is a global leader in sensor-based industrial automation solutions. Founded in 1946, the company is headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, with 60 subsidiaries and more than 12,000 employees worldwide. In 2023, SICK reported group revenue of EUR 2.3 billion.
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