SICK Enhances AMR Positioning Technology with Strategic Acquisition of Accerion

With Triton, Accerion aims to address the common pain points that come with SLAM navigation. | Source: Accerion

SICK, a leader in sensor-based automation, has acquired Accerion, a Dutch company known for its AI-driven image processing for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This partnership began in 2021, focusing on enhancing the precision of AMRs in localization and navigation.

The move strengthens SICK’s range of positioning technologies. Dr. Niels Syassen, a board member at SICK, highlighted the growing demand for efficient supply chain solutions and expressed excitement about expanding their software capabilities for AMRs.

As of January 16, 2025, all Accerion products and its team have joined SICK, operating under the name SICK Accerion B.V. in Venlo, Netherlands.

SICK operates 60 subsidiaries globally, with a workforce of over 12,000 people and a 2023 revenue of €2.3 billion.

SICK targets AMRs with acquisition

Accerion, founded in 2015, developed the Triton software—a unique localization solution that doesn’t require external infrastructure. It uses mobile robot cameras for accurate floor structure localization.

Vincent Burg, Accerion’s CEO, remarked on the successful collaboration with SICK and the potential for scaling innovative localization solutions worldwide.

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AMRs are driving efficiency in various sectors, including warehousing and logistics. The global AMR market is valued at around four billion euros, with growth rates exceeding 15%. This shows how critical AMRs have become for industrial firms.

Modern sensors enhance navigation, ensuring that AMRs move safely and accurately, especially in crowded spaces where they need to interact with people.

Recent Sensor Acquisitions

The Robot Report has noted several notable acquisitions in the sensor industry lately. In February 2023, Ouster merged with Velodyne, two major lidar providers, bringing together a large customer base and a wealth of patents.

In December 2024, Zebra Technologies announced its plan to acquire the vision unit of Photoneo Brightpick Group. Earlier in 2024, ABB acquired Sevensense, a company focused on AI and 3D vision to improve AMR functionality in dynamic settings.

Furthermore, Intel is preparing to spin off its RealSense business as a standalone company in 2025, aiming to maintain its product offerings and services for customers.