Agile Robots acquires thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering to form new Krause Automation and drive next-generation industrial automation

Agile Robots acquires thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering to form new Krause Automation and drive next-generation industrial automation

(IN BRIEF) thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology has signed an agreement to sell its Automation Engineering business unit to Agile Robots SE as part of its broader strategic repositioning toward growth and capital-market readiness. Automation Engineering, known for bespoke mechanical engineering and complex automation systems, will join forces with Agile Robots, a fast-growing Munich-based robotics and AI innovator. The partnership combines traditional plant engineering with advanced robotic automation and will operate under the new name “Krause Automation.” Both companies aim to accelerate innovation, industrialisation and expansion into wider sectors including intralogistics, electronics and medical technology. A Best and Fair Owner agreement with IG Metall ensures stable working conditions during the integration. The move aligns with thyssenkrupp’s strategy to refocus its Automotive portfolio around Chassis, Components, Aftermarket and Forging while evaluating new ownership models for selected businesses.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 24-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology has taken a major step in its strategic transformation by initiating the sale of its Automation Engineering business unit to Munich-based Agile Robots SE. The agreement, now signed and awaiting regulatory approval, forms part of the Automotive segment’s wider repositioning to sharpen its growth focus and enhance capital-market readiness.

Automation Engineering is recognised globally for its expertise in customised mechanical engineering and complex, product-specific automation solutions. By partnering with Agile Robots — a fast-growing robotics and AI specialist — thyssenkrupp has identified a long-term owner with the technological capability, financial strength and industrial vision needed to advance the business with new products and next-generation automation solutions.

“The sale of Automation Engineering to Agile Robots is a logical step in the strategic repositioning of our segment,” said Dr. Volkmar Dinstuhl, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology. “We are providing Automation Engineering with a reliable perspective while continuing to align our Automotive business toward growth and capital market capability.”

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Agile Robots now employs around 2,500 people and combines robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced system integration to deliver state-of-the-art industrial automation. Its acquisition of Automation Engineering creates a powerful combination of classical plant engineering and cutting-edge robotics expertise, strengthening the ability to industrialise innovative solutions and expand into new sectors beyond automotive, including electronics, intralogistics and medical technology.

Under Agile Robots SE, the acquired business will operate under the name “Krause Automation”, a tribute to the company’s heritage dating back to the founding of Johann A. Krause Maschinenfabrik in Bremen in 1950. As a systems provider, Krause Automation will offer complete, end-to-end automation solutions, spanning intelligent components to full turnkey plants.

Dr. Rolf-Günther Nieberding, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, highlighted the complementary strengths of both companies: “We bring decades of experience in plant engineering and project execution into the dynamic environment of a rapidly growing German technology company. Combining Agile Robots’ innovation in robotics, software and system integration with our expertise will create targeted value for our joint customers and support the strong growth of the Agile Robots Group.”

Agile Robots founder and CEO Dr. Zhaopeng Chen added: “Now is the right time to unite AI, robotics and industrial know-how. With thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, we gain the perfect reinforcement to jointly drive the next industrial revolution – from Germany to the world. We will reposition the company, tap additional market segments and accelerate innovation cycles.”

Ahead of the transaction, Agile Robots, thyssenkrupp and IG Metall concluded a Best and Fair Owner agreement, ensuring strong employee involvement and reliable framework conditions during integration. Ongoing restructuring activities at the Bremen and Chemnitz/Hohenstein-Ernstthal sites will continue as planned and are not impacted by the sale.

The divestment is part of the broader repositioning announced by thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology in July. The segment is structuring its portfolio around four areas — Chassis, Components, Aftermarket and Forging — with the aim of strengthening customer proximity, deploying efficient technologies and expanding service-centric business models. As part of this strategy, various businesses, including Automation Engineering, underwent strategic review, with partnerships and new ownership models evaluated. The agreed sale represents a key milestone in that evolution.

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SOURCE: thyssenkrupp AG