n NEWS September 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 6 Siemens merges four automation businesses p The Government has announced that agri-tech businesses can now apply for part of a £20m funding pot to develop robots and other technologies for planting, tending and harvesting crops. The successful bidders will collaborate with researchers and farmers to develop the next generation of farm automation and robotic technologies. p Neura Robotics is buying Bosch Rexroth’s Active Shuttle AGV (automated guided vehicle) business for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will expand Neura Mobile Robots’ autonomous intralogistics portfolio and help Neura to build an open AI ecosystem. Neura plans to enhance the Active Shuttle technology with AI capabilities and interfaces. Neura has also acquired Adlatus Robotics, which makes autonomous cleaning robots. p The UK’s automation trade body, Automate UK, is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to draw up the first official guidance on how to use collaborative robots (cobots) safely alongside humans. Their aim is to support the safe and responsible adoption of robots in the workplace, providing businesses with clarity on regulatory requirements and helping to increase their uptake. p The Liverpool robotics integrator, CNC Robotics, has closed after failing to attract investment to secure its long-term viability. The company, founded by Jason Barker in 2010, was a pioneer in the use of industrial robots as an alternative to traditional machine tools. The company announced its closure “with deep sadness” adding that “for 16 years, CNC Robotics has been our passion, our livelihood and, for many of us, a significant part of our lives”. In its 16 years, the company completed more than 150 projects in 12 countries. p TE Connectivity is buying the industrial power management and filtering specialist Astrodyne TDI for around $1.4bn. The acquisition, which brings annual sales worth more than $250m, is expected to close this year. p Rockwell Automation has announced a service that will deliver continuous, realtime monitoring of operational technology (OT) environments to help protect them against cyber-threats. The Security Monitoring and Response service will integrate with existing architectures to help industrial organisations to stay ahead of cyber-threats and to build resilient operations. p Electro-Wind has delivered 54 bespoke IP65-rated 28V DC trailer transformers, designed and manufactured at its plant in Stoke-on-Trent. Each transformer has a heavy-duty steel enclosure, finished with a durable outdoor-grade paint, and all were delivered within eight weeks NEWS BRIEFS THE US AIR QUALITY specialist Madison Air Solutions is buying ebm-papst, the German manufacturer of high-performance airflow technologies and a pioneer in EC (electronically commutated) fans and motors, for $5.4bn. The acquisition will nearly double Madison Air's addressable market, while vertically integrating differentiated air flow technologies, and growing its commercial and services opportunities. The three families that currently own ebmpapst see Madison as the ideal partner for its continued growth. “With Madison,” they say, “ebm‑papst gains a new, long-term-oriented owner with strong innovative capabilities and operational scaling expertise to accelerate growth. In turn, the partnership gives Madison access to differentiated air flow technology and highly attractive markets, particularly in Europe, enabling the company to further scale its business outside North America.” ebm-papst’s headquarters, r&d and manufacturing operations will stay in Mulfingen, Germany. Madison Air says it intends to strengthen ebm‑papst and its more than 13,000 employees – including around 5,800 in Germany – and“stands ready to make additional investments”. ebm-papst, founded in 1963, has more than 250 million fans installed worldwide. It is expected to generate revenues of around $2.8bn and an adjusted EBITDA of some $343m in 2026. Last year, ebm-papst sold its Industrial Drive Technology (IDT) division to Siemens. Madison Air supplies air quality systems for commercial and residential use. Its brands include Addison, AprilAire, Big Ass Fans, Broan-NuTone, Nortek Air Solutions and Reznor. It employs more than 9,000 people and achieved sales worth $3.5bn in 2025. Madison generates most of its business in the US, and will gain access to European markets via the ebm‑papst acquisition. Madison Air buys German fan-maker ebm-papst for $5.4bn SIEMENS IS COMBINING its four automation businesses – Factory Automation, Motion Control, Process Automation and Customer Services – into a single Automation organisation from 1 October. Rainer Brehm, currently COO and CTO of Siemens Digital Industries automation business, has been appointed president of the new Automation operation, and will report to Siemens board member and CEO of its Digital Industries division, Cedrik Neike. The changes are designed to advance Siemens’ One Tech Company strategy, and to strengthen its automation business to help customers build more flexible, productive and resilient production systems. “The future of industry lies at the intersection of automation, software and AI, enabling faster innovation, greater scalability and more tailored customer solutions,” says Neike. “That is exactly why we are creating the Automation unit. “I am pleased that Rainer Brehm will lead this new organisation,” he adds. “He understands the technologies, markets and customer needs and has been deeply committed to automation throughout his career. Together with our strong team, he will further develop and strengthen this business.” Commenting on his future responsibilities, Brehm says: “Artificial intelligence is transforming industry. This makes a strong automation partner more important than ever. I look forward to working with our teams around the world to further strengthen Siemens’ leadership in automation. Together, we aim to shape the next phase of industry and advance AI-enabled autonomous production, helping our customers become more flexible, productive and competitive.” In his current role, Brehm has been driving the strategic development of Siemens’ automation portfolio, including technologies such as software-defined automation and industrial AI. He previously served as CEO of Siemens’ Factory Automation business. Brehm: shaping the next phase of industry
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=