February 2025 industry news: robotics, acquisitions and the two Pats

In this episode of Control Intelligence, managing editor Anna Townshend shares machine builder and system integrator news highlights from the month of February.

Transcript

Honoring machine builders

We’ll start today with our machine builder news, and today it’s about the two Pats. Yes, Patrick Boland and Patrick McCluskey, co-founders of ANCA, have been honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia. Over five decades, their leadership has driven innovations in CNC tool and cutter grinding machines, significantly impacting industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. Known collectively as “the two Pats,” their commitment to research and development continues to set new standards in precision manufacturing. The awards also coincide with ANCA’s 50th anniversary and the co-founders’ 75th birthdays. Congratulations to both Pats and all there is to celebrate for Anca.

Robotics reports

1. According to VDMA Robotics + Automation, which represents machinery and equipment manufacturers in Europe, Germany's robotics and automation industry is facing a significant decline, with a projected 9% drop in total turnover for 2025, bringing it below $15 billion. This downturn is attributed to structural issues, including over-reliance on the domestic automotive sector and competitiveness challenges. While domestic orders decreased by 16% in 2024, exports to the eurozone saw a 44% increase, indicating potential growth opportunities abroad.

VDMA has also issued a call to action, highlighting that Europe's industries are losing global competitiveness, particularly in automation. The organization points out that China's robot density has doubled over four years to 470 robots per 10,000 workers, surpassing the European Union's 219. To address this, the Robotics Action Plan for Europe recommends mobilizing more venture capital for startups, establishing a competition roadmap, and focusing on scaling innovations to market. They emphasize the urgency of these measures to enhance Europe's competitiveness and resilience.

2. On a more positive note for robotics, a recent report by ABI Research projects that revenue from collaborative robots, or cobots, will surge from $970 million in 2023 to $7.2 billion by 2030. Key drivers include enhanced safety features, reduced costs, and increased accessibility, making cobots attractive to small and medium-sized enterprises. The report highlights the synergy between cobots and artificial intelligence, enabling the automation of tasks traditionally performed by humans. The automotive sector is expected to lead in cobot adoption, with significant growth anticipated in North America and China.

3. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has released the "World Robotics R&D Programs 2025" report, analyzing global investment strategies in robotics across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, 13 countries in total. The report highlights significant funding initiatives, such as the United States' $53 billion Artemis project for lunar and Mars missions, China's $25 million "14th Five-Year Plan" focusing on robotics innovation, Japan's $440 million "Moonshot Research and Development Program," Korea's $128 million "4th Basic Plan on Intelligent Robots," and the European Union's $100 billion "Horizon Europe" program. These investments reflect a global commitment to advancing robotics technology and its applications across various industries.

Standards update

A3 announced a significant update to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 10218, the global standard for industrial robot safety. This marks its first major revision to the standard since 2011. This comprehensive overhaul addresses evolving automation technologies and workplace safety requirements. Key updates include clarified functional safety requirements and integrated safety guidelines for collaborative robot applications (consolidating the previously separate ISO/TS 15066 standard). The new standard also addresses new robot classifications with corresponding safety testing methodologies and the introduction of cybersecurity considerations pertinent to industrial robot safety. These revisions aim to provide clearer guidelines, facilitating compliance for manufacturers and system integrators, and ensuring that innovation in automation aligns with enhanced worker safety.

Awards

At Hannover Messe, Maple Advanced Robotics (MARI) received the prestigious Robotics Award for its Autonomous Adaptable Robotics Systems (AARS). This AI-driven platform enables rapid, code-free programming through advanced 3D scanning and automatic robot path generation. Its intuitive graphical flowchart interface eliminates the need for coding and CAD files, while features that compensate for deviations ensure consistent quality. The judges noted that MARI's solution addresses the challenge of constant reprogramming in high-mix production. The award includes exhibition space this year at Hannover Messe's Application Park, a presentation slot at the Robotics Forum, and an interview in the Robotics Podcast.

Memberships

1. Saudi Aramco has elevated its involvement with the Open Group, a vendor-neutral technology standards organization. Saudi Aramco became a platinum member of the organization, granting it a leadership role and representation on the governing board. Since joining in 2016, Saudi Aramco has actively participated in initiatives like the Open Process Automation Forum and the OSDU Forum, focusing on developing open standards and interoperable technologies. This enhanced partnership aims to foster collaboration in creating technology standards that support digital transformation across industries. The Open Group platinum membership is designed for organizations that want to influence and lead the direction of key global industry standards and certifications across the globe.

2. At the close of 2024, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) achieved a significant milestone by welcoming its 8,000th member, Norwalt Automation Group, based in Randolph, New Jersey. Machine builder Norwalt has enhanced its machines by integrating EtherCAT technology into its systems and it says EtherCAT's performance and synchronization precision are pivotal for its machines' accuracy and high throughput. This milestone reflects ETG's consistent growth, with more than 400 new members annually for the past decade. The group's membership is globally diverse, comprising 43% from Asia, 42% from Europe, 14% from North America, and 1% from other regions. According to the organization's guidelines, only legal entities such as companies or universities can become members of the ETG, not individuals.

Partnerships and collaborations

1. Radix, Celanese, and Cognite have collaborated to develop JO.AI, a generative AI-powered tool designed for asset-intensive industries. JO.AI combines operational insights with pre-trained AI agents to enhance efficiency and productivity. It leverages Cognite Data Fusion’s data management and AI infrastructure to enable the generative-AI application to carry out operations. This industrial copilot was showcased at the ARC Industry Leadership Forum 2025, highlighting its applications across sectors such as metals, mining, manufacturing, and energy.

2. Pepperl+Fuchs and Rockwell Automation have partnered to enhance the ThinManager software experience. Originally launched by Rockwell Automation more than 25 years ago, the ThinManager device management and content delivery platform are used to centralize thin-client device management. This collaboration introduces ThinManager-ready products, including tablets designed for harsh and hazardous environments, and allows for centralized management and mobile visualization, streamlining operations in industrial settings.

3. Automation component distributor DigiKey has partnered with TraceParts to expand the availability of downloadable computer-aided design (CAD) models for engineers and product developers. This collaboration integrates DigiKey's electronic component catalog with TraceParts' 3D CAD models, aiming to accelerate product design cycles and enhance workflow efficiency. The partnership represents a shared commitment to providing seamless access to design resources and facilitating a more streamlined approach from concept to prototyping.

4. Pepperl+Fuchs' Smart-Ex 03 smartphone, designed for hazardous environments, has received certification for use on T-Mobile's network. This intrinsically safe mobile device allows remote connectivity to machinery. It supports 5G connectivity and operates within a temperature range of -20 °C to +60 °C. It features a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass display, a replaceable battery suitable for 24-hour shifts, and 128 GB of internal memory. The collaboration with T-Mobile ensures that users in hazardous areas can access real-time data and maintain communication, thereby enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

Motion acquisitions

1. Motion has signed an agreement to acquire Maguire Bearing Company, an industrial distributor based in Hawaii. This strategic move aims to expand Motion's presence in the Hawaii and Pacific Rim regions. Maguire Bearing, established in 1955, offers a wide range of repair products including bearings, couplings, v-belts, electric motors, hydraulic components, safety supplies, lubricants and oil seals. The company employs about 30 workers in Hawaii.

2. Motion Industries has also signed an agreement to acquire the assets of California-based Thompson Industrial Supply. Established in 1969, Thompson operates from Rancho Cucamonga and South El Monte, offering products like bearings, motors, hydraulics, and industrial automation components. The acquisition will expand Motion's presence on the U.S. West Coast. Gary Thompson, the majority owner, emphasized the growth opportunities this partnership brings, while Motion's President, James Howe, praised Thompson's reputation and the potential to strengthen its position in the Southern California market.

Vendor news

1. Weidmuller USA is celebrating its 50th anniversary, first establishing its U.S. headquarters in Chesterfield County, Virginia, in 1975. To commemorate this milestone, the company is inaugurating a new 24,000-square-foot engineering and manufacturing facility. This expansion underscores Weidmuller USA's dedication to providing advanced Industry 4.0 products and solutions to a diverse range of sectors, including renewable energy, data centers, and machine design.

2. Alva Industries, a global manufacturer of frameless motors based in Norway, has appointed Oliver Skisland (Skyland) as its new CEO. Skisland brings experience in leading and scaling technology companies, both in startups and established enterprises. He aims to drive innovation in lightweight, high-efficiency electric motor technology and enhance Alva's manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to meet growing demand. Founder Jørgen Selnes will transition to the role of chief strategy officer, focusing on market opportunities and strategic partnerships.

3. Honeywell's board of directors has announced plans to divide the company into three independent, publicly traded entities: Honeywell Automation, Honeywell Aerospace, and Advanced Materials. This strategic move, expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, aims to allow each company to pursue tailored growth strategies and enhance shareholder value. The separation is designed to enable focused innovation and operational efficiency within each specialized sector.

4. Eaton is investing $340 million to establish a new manufacturing facility in Jonesville, South Carolina, dedicated to producing three-phase transformers. This new facility, expected to begin hiring in 2027, aims to meet the rising electrical power demand driven by data centers, grid modernization and industrialization. The project is anticipated to create 700 jobs in Union County. Eaton will collaborate with readySC and regional educational institutions to facilitate hiring and training. This investment is part of Eaton's broader strategy, having allocated more than $1 billion since 2023 to enhance its North American manufacturing capabilities for electrical solutions.