Symbotic to Acquire cellumation

Symbotic announced the acquisition of cellumation GmbH, a Bremen, Germany-based automation company and creator of the patented, software-driven celluveyor sortation technology. The celluveyor consists of hundreds of independently controlled omnidirectional cells; each can move an item in any direction, so the surface does more than transport products — it decides where they should go while moving them. Symbotic expects that replacing traditional conveyor-based sortation with this intelligent surface will deliver higher throughput, handle a wider range of products and use a fraction of the space required by traditional conveyors.

Symbotic says the technology fits its roadmap by simplifying cell architecture, freeing warehouse space for storage and other high-value uses, and potentially reducing capital equipment costs. cellumation will continue operating under its own name, serving existing customers and growing its business, while also being integrated into Symbotic’s systems. The product is to be sold directly to customers and other integrators.

cellumation’s founding team, Hendrik Thamer and Claudio Uriarte, will remain with the company and continue to lead operations. The acquisition is also described as strengthening Symbotic’s presence in Europe through cellumation’s automation deployment track record, customer relationships and local leadership team. The text mentions Symbotic’s recent acquisitions of ARMS Innovations and Fox Robotics.