SICK's acquisition of Accerion marks first exit for HighTechXL

Germany's SICK has acquired Accerion, a Dutch tech startup, to strengthen its portfolio of autonomous mobile robots (AMR). Accerion is pioneering AI-based image processing for robot positioning without expensive infrastructure. The global market for AMRs, now worth four billion euros, is growing rapidly. With this strategic move, SICK aims to capitalize on strategic growth opportunities within logistics and manufacturing. According to those involved, integrating Accerion into SICK's division promotes efficiency and automation in industrial sectors. Dr. Niels Syassen of SICK emphasizes the enormous opportunities within sensor technology for robots, while Vincent Burg, CEO of Accerion, praises the cultural synergy between the two companies. “This will make processes in warehouses and factories even faster and more precise, with Accerion's technology at the center of this transformation.”

The acquisition was also a special moment for John Bell, CEO of HighTechXL. It is his venture builder's first “exit”: a startup developed there being acquired. For HighTechXL, this is essential because part of its revenue model is based on exits. Bell: “This is an important step towards Accerion's growth into autonomous mobile robots in the logistics chain. This is exactly why HighTechXL has started and is growing new ventures that aim to solve societal challenges. We realize that impactful innovation is not easy to create, but that does not stop us. On the contrary, as soon as we see an opportunity, we go for it and mobilize entrepreneurs, tech professionals, investors, and our DeepTech ecosystem.”

Accerion device

Strategic strengthening

SICK's acquisition of Accerion is essential in developing autonomous mobile robots. As a technology startup specializing in AI-based image processing, Accerion brings crucial expertise in precision navigation without infrastructure requirements. The company, founded in 2015 by Willem-Jan Lamers, has emerged as a major player in the AMR sector by introducing its groundbreaking 'Triton' system. The timing of this acquisition was strategically chosen, given that the global AMR market is worth around four billion euros with growth rates above 15%. Integrating Accerion's technology into SICK's portfolio strengthens its position in a market predicted to achieve productivity gains of over 40% by 2035.

Technology synergy

Combining SICK's expertise in sensor technology and Accerion's AI-driven positioning solutions creates new opportunities for the logistics industry. Amazon's successful implementation of similar technologies shows the potential: their robotic fleet has already processed over three billion packages and reduced order processing time by 25%. These achievements illustrate the impact AI-driven automation can have. SICK Accerion B.V., as the company is now known, will continue to operate from Venlo, ensuring continuity of innovation. CEO Vincent Burg emphasizes the perfect fit between the products and company cultures, essential for successful technology integration.