June 17, 2013 – The Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America acquired all outstanding shares of Agile Planet. Agile Planet is a developer of intelligent robotics software and hardware products engineered to dramatically improve the efficiency and functionality of industrial robots. Agile Planet is currently providing key unified robot/motion control software products used in Yaskawa Motoman’s MLX Robot Gateway platform, as well as robot controllers with capabilities needed for teach-less programming. With the acquisition of Agile Planet, Yaskawa is furthering its plan to increase global development resources to strengthen its leadership position in the advancement of “next generation” automation solutions.
Masahiro Ogawa, CEO and Chairman of Yaskawa America, Inc. stated, “Agile Planet is an ideal fit for our organization. Their expertise in motion and robotics will benefit both our Robotics Division and our Drives and Motion Division, helping to drive further synergies in our Yaskawa product offerings and creating new technologically advanced automation offerings.” Steve Barhorst, President and COO of Yaskawa Motoman, added, "This acquisition is exciting for us. Adding Agile Planet to our organization continues Yaskawa’s focus of increasing local development capabilities in order to better address global development needs which often vary by geographical market.
Agile Planet’s team and products enhance our vision of providing seamless solutions for our customers and channel partners." Chetan Kapoor, PhD, President of Agile Planet contributed, "We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to become part of the Yaskawa organization. We believe our technology and deep expertise in motion and robotics, combined with Yaskawa's engineering strength and global reach, will enable us to create outstanding solutions for new robotics applications and markets." Founded in 1989, the Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. is a leading robotics company in the Americas.
With over 270,000 Motoman robots installed globally, Yaskawa provides automation products and solutions for virtually every industry and robotic application; including arc welding, assembly, coating, dispensing, material handling, material cutting, material removal, packaging, palletizing and spot welding.