Agile Robots, a provider of AI-powered automation solutions, has announced the acquisition of the remaining shares of Idealworks. Agile Robots had already invested in the BMW spin-off in 2023.
The BMW Group spun off Idealworks in 2020. Since then, the startup has developed a robotics ecosystem with three core products: the Any Fleet automation platform, the Iw Sim simulation software, and the Iw Hub autonomous mobile robot. Today, over 850 Iw Hubs are in use worldwide in BMW Group production facilities. In addition to the automotive sector, Idealworks now also serves customers in manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing.
Agile Robots was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The company has built a reputation with software and hardware products in the robotics field and has already integrated numerous companies such as Audeering or Franka Emika as part of its expansion.
Idealworks to enter new countries and industries
Michael Alexander Schneider, CEO of Idealworks, on the next steps:
“This is an important milestone for Idealworks. With Agile Robots as a technology partner and access to a strong corporate group, we have the resources to further scale our robotics ecosystem, expand into new industries, drive international expansion, and continue our trusted collaboration with BMW Group to advance their robotics activities.”
The complete acquisition is intended to strengthen the market position of both companies in industrial automation. Together, the firms aim to make production processes more intelligent, faster, and more efficient. They rely on the combination of AI-powered robotics and automation technologies.
