Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. Acquires Robotics & Drives

Automated Industrial Robotics Acquires Owens Design

August 20, 2025

Industrial Services

Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR) has acquired Owens Design, a Fremont, California-based industrial automation firm, in a transaction funded by an Ares Management private equity fund alongside an equity roll by Owens Design leadership. The acquisition—bringing Owens Design's ~100 employees and 60,000 sq. ft. facility into the AIR platform—strengthens AIR's engineering capabilities and presence in the semiconductor, medical products and renewable energy end markets.

Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR) Acquires KAON Automation

January 9, 2026

Industrial Services

Automated Industrial Robotics Inc. (AIR), a PE-backed industrial automation platform supported by Ares private equity funds, has acquired KAON Automation, an Ireland-based provider of bespoke automation systems for medical and life sciences manufacturers. The deal expands AIR’s capabilities in precision assembly, aseptic high-speed filling and end-of-line automation while strengthening its footprint in Ireland and the broader medical/life sciences end markets.

The Krones Group Acquires R+D Automation

December 18, 2023

Manufacturing

The Krones Group acquired R+D Automation (formerly R+D Custom Automation) in 2022, bringing the Wisconsin-based specialist in life‑sciences automation into Krones’ global portfolio. R+D is rebranded as R+D Automation and is leveraging Krones’ international footprint and resources to expand installations, service and sales in the medical, pharmaceutical and biotech markets.

Advanced Industrial Devices Acquires R.S. Integrators

February 4, 2024

Industrial Services

Advanced Industrial Devices (AID), a portfolio company of Black Bay Energy Capital, has acquired R.S. Integrators (RSI), a Pineville, North Carolina-based designer and manufacturer of industrial motor control panels and power distribution equipment. The add-on acquisition expands AID’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities and strengthens its presence in the southeastern U.S. water utility, wastewater and industrial dewatering markets.

EssilorLuxottica Acquires Automation & Robotics (A&R)

August 4, 2025

Manufacturing

EssilorLuxottica has acquired Automation & Robotics (A&R), a Belgium-based designer and manufacturer of automated systems and optical metrology solutions for ophthalmic lens quality control. The bolt-on purchase advances EssilorLuxottica's vertical integration and strengthens its industrial solutions platform to support digital transformation and higher-quality ophthalmic manufacturing.

Ondas Holdings Acquires American Robotics, Inc.

May 17, 2021

Aerospace & Defense

Ondas Holdings Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire American Robotics, a developer of fully-automated commercial drone systems, for approximately $70.6 million in a mix of cash and equity. The acquisition will integrate American Robotics' Scout autonomous drone system and FAA BVLOS approvals with Ondas' FullMAX industrial wireless platform to expand automated data collection and AI analytics for industrial customers such as utilities, agriculture and oil & gas.