Friday, July 25, 2025
Siemens AG has completed the acquisition of ebm-papst’s industrial drive technology business, a move poised to revolutionise factory automation and digitalisation across industries. With this acquisition, Siemens strengthens its leadership in providing cutting-edge solutions for flexible manufacturing automation, opening new avenues for innovation in the growing sectors of mobile robotics and autonomous transport systems.
This acquisition is a strategic addition to Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio and will be marketed under the name Mechatronic Systems within Siemens. The new technology expands Siemens’ offerings in intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems, including energy-efficient, battery-powered drive solutions. As part of this acquisition, Siemens integrates the mechatronic drive systems into its existing automation portfolio, further solidifying its position as a leading technology provider in the industrial sector.
The newly acquired division boasts a talented workforce of about 650 employees and a robust portfolio. The business specialises in extra-low voltage protection range mechatronic systems, innovative driving systems used in driverless transport systems, and a wide range of applications suitable for modern automated production environments. By integrating this division into its Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, Siemens will be able to offer customers even more versatile automation solutions, enabling the seamless digitalisation and automation of their production processes in smart factories. With demand for flexible manufacturing solutions increasing, the acquisition opens new growth opportunities in intelligent drive solutions, such as battery-powered systems for conveyor and autonomous transport systems, including mobile robots and driverless transport systems (AGVs).
A greater emphasis on battery-powered, intelligent drive solutions
Siemens’ acquisition of ebm-papst’s drive technology business strategically positions the company to lead in the rapidly expanding market of battery-powered drive solutions. These technologies are particularly beneficial for mobile robots, driverless transport systems, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), all of which are becoming integral to supply chain and warehouse automation.
Achim Peltz, CEO of the Motion Control Business Unit at Siemens Digital Industries, highlights the significance of the acquisition: “The new portfolio elements significantly expand and enhance our offerings to customers who want to automate and digitalise their production processes in smart factories. Our integrated mechatronic drive systems offer increased flexibility, productivity, and efficiency in the growing global market for conveyor and autonomous transport systems.”
This portfolio is tailored for intelligent and autonomous systems, enabling businesses to create highly flexible, energy-efficient, and scalable digital factories. The added mechatronic systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with Siemens’ existing controllers and software solutions, offering an extra layer of compatibility with Simatic controllers and the software-based safety solution, Safe Velocity, which is essential for mobile robotics.
Advanced mechatronic systems
The newly integrated portfolio is divided into two main product variants: the Simotics E-1EE1 and Simotics E-1EV1 motors. These brushless internal rotors and outrunners are especially suitable for battery-powered applications such as conveying, storage, and sorting systems in intralogistics. The systems are available in 24V and 48V versions, providing greater flexibility in system design.
Additionally, the Simotics E ArgoDrive steering system has been developed to meet the increased demand for efficient intralogistics solutions. This innovation provides precise omnidirectional control for automated guided vehicles, which is essential in environments that require safe and accurate movement, even with heavy loads. The ArgoDrive system is available in three variants: Light, Standard, and Heavy, ensuring that businesses can find a solution that fits their specific needs.
These intelligent, mechatronic drive systems will play a pivotal role in revolutionising industries, helping companies build smarter factories and enhance productivity through automated transport solutions.
The acquisition supports Siemens’ commitment to sustainability and energy-efficient solutions. The new mechatronic systems align with Siemens’ goal to create flexible, scalable, and secure digital factories that can meet future challenges in automation. The integration of this division will also significantly contribute to Siemens’ sustainability targets by providing systems that optimize energy use in logistics and manufacturing processes.
The business being acquired has three locations: two in Germany (St. Georgen and Lauf an der Pegnitz) and one in Romania (Oradea). Siemens’ global network will help introduce these innovative solutions to new international markets, thus accelerating business growth and supporting ongoing innovation in automation and robotics technology.
In March 2024, the ebm-papst Group announced its intention to sell the Industrial Drive Technology (IDT) division to Siemens, and the deal has now been finalised. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in Siemens’ strategy to become the world leader in digital factory solutions, particularly in the automation and digitalisation sectors.
With its strong portfolio of mechatronic systems, Siemens is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for smart, energy-efficient automation solutions. The addition of Mechatronic Systems to Siemens’ portfolio will further strengthen its presence in key sectors, opening up opportunities for new products, services, and solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern manufacturing environments.
As businesses continue to embrace automation, digitalisation, and robotics, Siemens is committed to providing customers with the tools and technologies they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Read more news on: technology, supply chain, sustainability
Get such updates through the American woodworking industry website: woodandpanel.us
Tags: autonomous transport, battery-powered drive solutions, digitalization, driverless transport systems, ebm-papst, energy-efficient solutions, factory automation, flexible manufacturing automation, industrial drive technology, intralogistics, mechatronic systems, mobile robots, robotics technology, Siemens acquisition, Siemens Xcelerator, smart factories
Comments: