Agile Robots, global industry experts in AI-enabled robotics and industrial automation, have announced plans to acquire assets of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering in Europe and North America. The automation engineering business has previously operated within the Automotive Technology segment of thyssenkrupp AG and brings decades of experience delivering complex production systems to the global automotive industry.
Through the acquisition, the Munich-based robotics company aims to expand its capabilities in next-generation smart automation while entering additional industrial growth markets. Agile Robots cited thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering’s technical expertise, long-standing customer relationships, and established presence in international manufacturing environments as key factors behind the transaction.
Agile Robots’ industrial robotic systems, shown here in an automated manufacturing environment, reflect the company’s expansion following its acquisition of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering.
“Now is the right time to combine AI, robotics, and industrial expertise. Physical AI offers enormous productivity leaps to industrial producers,” said Zhaopeng Chen, founder and chief executive officer of Agile Robots. “Together with thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, we are perfectly positioned to drive the next industrial revolution – and to do that from Germany.”
Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Agile Robots has grown rapidly and now employs more than 2,500 people representing approximately 60 countries. Following completion of the transaction, the company expects its workforce to increase by approximately 650 employees, with the addition of around 10 new locations across Europe and North America. thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering reported revenue in the hundreds of millions of euros in 2024, while Agile Robots reported revenue of approximately €200 million that same year.
The acquisition comes amid structural change within the automotive sector, which has historically been thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering’s core market. Agile Robots views this transition as an opportunity to reposition the automation engineering business and extend its reach into additional industrial segments. The transaction also strengthens Agile Robots’ operational footprint in North America, supporting its broader expansion strategy within the U.S. market.
Agile Robots has deployed robotic systems for customers in the automotive and consumer electronics industries worldwide, with projects often focused on transforming entire production lines rather than deploying standalone robotic systems. According to the company, its approach integrates robotics hardware, software, data-driven control, and in-house manufacturing expertise, supported by an extensive internal research and development organization focused on AI and robotics.
The acquisition is expected to enhance Agile Robots’ engineering depth and global network by incorporating established locations, supply chains, and OEM relationships developed by thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering over several decades. At the same time, the automation engineering business is expected to expand into new application areas, including consumer electronics, medical technology, and logistics. Both organizations plan to collaborate on developing new modular automation systems following the transaction.
Dr. Rolf-Günther Nieberding, chief executive officer of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, said, “We are bringing our many years of experience in plant engineering and project execution for demanding processes, mission-critical projects, and global customer structures into a dynamically growing, future-oriented organization. With Agile Robots’ innovations, we can leverage our expertise in the application of robotics, software, and system integration to further enhance the value for our joint customers – while continuing to support the strong growth of the Agile Robots Group.”
thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering traces its origins to 1950, when it was founded as Johann A. Krause in Bremen, Germany. The company became part of Thyssen Industrie AG in 1989 and expanded its presence into North America, eventually establishing itself as a major provider of automated production systems.
Following completion of the transaction, the business will operate as Krause Automation within the Agile Robots Group. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval, with closing expected in the coming months. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
About Agile Robots
Agile Robots is a Munich-based robotics company focused on AI-enabled robotic systems and smart automation solutions for industrial manufacturing. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the company develops integrated robotics hardware, software, and data-driven control technologies for applications across automotive, consumer electronics, and other industrial sectors. Agile Robots operates globally, with engineering, manufacturing, and deployment activities spanning Europe, North America, and Asia.
About thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering
thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering is a provider of automated production systems with long-standing expertise in plant engineering and complex manufacturing projects, particularly within the automotive industry. Founded in 1950 in Bremen, Germany, under the name Johann A. Krause, the company was acquired by Thyssen Industrie AG in 1989. It expanded its operations internationally, including a significant presence in North America. The business delivers automation solutions for mission-critical production environments and global OEM customers.
Source/Photo Credit: Agile Robotics
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Molly is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Components Source Network, the industry’s first and only known 100% woman- and disability-owned and led B2B publishing platform serving the global high-tech manufacturing and engineering sectors. Her portfolio includes Robotics Industry Monthly and ten additional specialized e-news sites. With more than 25 years of experience spanning strategic technical marketing, public relations, and business development in highly specialized technical markets, she also leads Embassy Global, LLC, a virtual consultancy that has supported the growth of more than 200 high-tech industry brands worldwide since 2008. In addition to her publishing and advisory work, Molly has been appointed to serve as Second Vice Chair of the Government Team for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Forum, beginning in 2026, supporting policy development and advocacy initiatives advancing women-owned businesses. A long-standing voice for small business, supplier diversity, and women in STEM, she was also a 2025 finalist for the WBEC Metro New York Outstanding Advocate Award. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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