Symbotic Inc, a provider of artificial intelligence-enabled robotics and supply chain automation technology, has acquired cellumation GmbH, a Bremen, Germany-based automation company known for its patented celluveyor sortation technology. The acquisition is expected to expand Symbotic’s automation portfolio, improve warehouse space utilisation and strengthen its presence in Europe.
The celluveyor system uses hundreds of independently controlled, omnidirectional cells to move products in different directions across a single surface. Unlike conventional conveyor systems, which typically move items along fixed routes, the technology uses software to direct products to their required destinations.
Symbotic expects the technology to increase throughput, accommodate a wider variety of products and reduce the space required for sorting operations. It could also simplify the design of robotic cells used for inbound and outbound warehouse activities, freeing up space for additional storage and other operations while potentially lowering equipment costs.
Rick Cohen, Chairman and CEO of Symbotic, said adding cellumation’s technology would help customers improve operating performance, use warehouse space more efficiently and reduce system costs. He added that the acquisition would support the company’s development of artificial intelligence-based automation across supply chains.
The celluveyor is already used in applications serving postal operators, e-commerce businesses and logistics companies worldwide. Its compact design is particularly relevant to facilities where floor space is limited and efficient material handling is essential.
Following the acquisition, cellumation will continue operating under its own name and serving existing customers while pursuing further business opportunities. Its technology will also be incorporated into Symbotic’s automation systems and offered directly to customers and other system integrators.
D.-Ing. Hendrik Thamer, Co-Founder and CEO of cellumation, said joining Symbotic would provide the company with the resources and scale needed to expand its material-flow technology internationally. He said cellumation would continue serving customers across different industries. Thamer and Dr.-Ing. Claudio Uriarte, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, will remain with the company and continue leading its operations.
The transaction follows Symbotic’s acquisitions of ARMS Innovations and Fox Robotics, adding another standalone product to its portfolio. The company said cellumation’s established customer relationships, regional expertise and experience in deploying automation systems would also support its expansion in Europe.
Founded in 2017, cellumation develops modular conveyor systems for intralogistics applications. Its technology uses individually controlled hexagonal conveyor cells with omnidirectional wheels to support flexible material movement. The company employs more than 70 people.
Symbotic provides robotic and software-based warehouse automation systems for retail, wholesale, food and beverage, and medical supply distribution businesses. Its technology combines high-density storage, robotics and machine learning to improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of distribution operations.
