Amazon and Cloostermans to build next-generation warehouse robotics
With the acquisition of Cloostermans, Amazon continues to invest in customized state-of-the-art technology to drive innovation in its workplace and improve the employee experience.
Amazon said Friday it’s acquiring Cloostermans, a company that builds warehouse machinery and robotics.
Cloostermans employees will join Amazon Robotics, Amazon’s division focused on automating aspects of its warehouse operations.
Amazon has acquired Cloostermans, a Belgian company that makes technology used in warehouses, the company announced Friday.
Amazon began working with Cloostermans in 2019, using its technology to help move and stack heavy palettes and goods, as well as package products together for delivery, the retail giant said.
Cloostermans will become part of Amazon Robotics, Amazon’s division focused on automating aspects of its warehouse operations. The unit was formed after Amazon acquired Kiva Systems, a manufacturer of warehouse robots, for $775 million a decade ago.
Amazon continues to launch new machines in warehouses. In June, the company unveiled a package ferrying machine called Proteus, which it referred to as its first fully autonomous mobile robot. It’s also deployed other robots that can help sort and move packages.
In a blog post, Ian Simpson, vice president of Global Robotics at Amazon, said the company is investing in robotics and other technology to make its warehouses safer for employees.
“As we continue to broaden and accelerate the robotics and technology we design, engineer and deploy across our operations, we look forward to welcoming Cloostermans to Amazon and are excited to see what we can build together.”
The prospect of warehouse robotics improving safety has been a topic of debate. An investigation by Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting found Amazon’s warehouses with robots have higher injury rates than facilities without automation.
Founded in 1884, Cloostermans began as a repair shop for textile companies and went on to build industrial machines. As a result of the acquisition, Cloostermans’ team of roughly 200 employees will join Amazon Robotics, Amazon said.
Copy of Amazon Press Release: September 9, 2022
Innovation is central to how we strive to be Earth’s Best Employer, and Amazon continues to invest in technology that helps make work at our operations safer, simpler, and more productive. As we continue building next-generation workplace technology, we are excited to have signed an agreement for Amazon to acquire Cloostermans.
Based in Belgium, Cloostermans designs and manufactures mechatronics solutions, advanced technology that is used in Amazon operations to help move and stack heavy palettes and totes or package products together for customer delivery. Amazon began working with Cloostermans in 2019, and by focusing Cloostermans’s deep experience in engineering, machinery, and robotics, we will more rapidly deploy solutions in our workplace that support employees in their roles and improve safety at work, and also help reduce packaging waste.
“Amazon’s investments in robotics and technology are supporting how we build a better and safer workplace for our employees and deliver for our customers,” said Ian Simpson, vice president of Global Robotics at Amazon. “As we continue to broaden and accelerate the robotics and technology we design, engineer and deploy across our operations, we look forward to welcoming Cloostermans to Amazon and are excited to see what we can build together.”
Cloostermans’s team of approximately 200 employees will be joining Amazon Global Robotics’ growing presence in Europe. Last year, Amazon launched the European Innovation Lab in Italy, which focuses on new ergonomic technologies. Expanding our design and manufacturing capabilities is just one of the many ways Amazon continues to invest in technologies within our operations. We recently announced a series of new robotic technologies, including Proteus, Amazon’s first fully autonomous mobile robot that uses advanced safety, perception, and navigation technology to maneuver around employees without being confined to restricted areas.
“We’re thrilled to be joining the Amazon family and extending the impact we can have at a global scale,” said Frederik Berckmoes-Joos, CEO of Cloostermans. “Amazon has raised the bar for how supply chain technologies can benefit employees and customers, and we’re looking forward to be part of the next chapter of this innovation.”
Since Amazon began introducing robotics into its facilities in 2012, we have deployed more than 520,000 robotic drive units worldwide while also creating over a million new jobs. Automation has led to new roles at our facilities, including jobs such as robotics and mechatronics maintenance technicians as well as flow control specialists. To support career development, we have introduced apprenticeship programs that offer our employees paid training and on-the-job learning that leads to certification, technical skills, and an opportunity for rewarding work.
