Stabilus SE, a global supplier of motion control solutions, is expanding its industrial automation business by consolidating technological expertise under the Stabilus4Automation umbrella. The company aims to strengthen its position in the structurally growing automation market while specifically targeting the robotics sector, where it sees significant growth potential.
The global addressable market for end-of-arm tooling, gripping systems and robotic tooling solutions amounts to approximately EUR 3 billion and is expected to continue growing at a double-digit rate in the coming years. This market potential underscores the strategic relevance of the segment for Stabilus, which aims to generate around EUR 500 million in revenue from new, innovative products that deliver above-average margin levels over the long term.
Under Stabilus4Automation, the company is bundling expertise from its Stabilus, ACE, Destaco, Fabreeka, and Hahn Gasfedern brands to offer integrated solutions for automated production processes. According to Stabilus CEO Dr. Michael Buchsner, "Industrial automation is an important growth area for Stabilus. With Stabilus4Automation, we are leveraging synergies within the group to further develop our technology portfolio in a targeted manner and offer integrated solutions for demanding automation applications, which also explicitly includes solutions in robotics."
The company's approach focuses on modular, scalable solutions that can be flexibly integrated into existing production lines. One example is a handling solution developed jointly by Destaco and ACE that combines automation expertise with damping technology, resulting in a powerful end-of-arm tool used as a gripping tool in modern production environments. By integrating ACE's MC series miniature shock absorbers into the EOAT design, the handling of packages is enhanced while improving protection of equipment and goods.
Industrial robotics represents an attractive field of development where Stabilus technologies are increasingly deployed. Components for controlled movement, damping, and vibration reduction are particularly in demand in highly dynamic, automated handling and manufacturing processes. The company is already working with more than 100 partners worldwide in the robotics field and has implemented its own 360-degree drive solution for robot joints in a pilot project.
Jurgen Roland, Head of the business unit Industrial Components, explained the integrated approach: "We view industrial automation as an integrated system of the required movements – from the gripper and vibration isolation to drive solution. In the field of cobots and robots with small payloads, we already offer powerful end-of-arm tools and advanced solutions."
Beyond serving external customers, Stabilus plans to implement selected automation solutions in its own production plants to optimize manufacturing processes and leverage efficiency potential. This practical experience from operational use will be incorporated into further product development, creating a feedback loop between internal implementation and external offerings.
The company's expansion into industrial automation and robotics is driven by broader trends including skilled worker shortages, increasing quality requirements, and the need for more efficient manufacturing processes. For more information about the company, visit group.stabilus.com/de and ir.stabilus.com/de.
Stabilus expects the Automation segment, including robotics, to make a significant contribution to its growth targets. The company's focus on tailor-made, customer-specific solutions that can be precisely aligned with individual applications and performance requirements represents a key differentiating factor in the competitive automation market.
