Dutch startup specialising in navigation tech for mobile robotics Accerion acquired by Germany’s SICK

On Monday, Waldkirch, Germany-based SICK, an international provider of sensor-based automation solutions, announced the acquisition of the Dutch technology company Accerion.

As of January 16, 2025, the entire product lineup and the Accerion team, including technology and sales experts, have fully transitioned to SICK.

Product development for the new SICK subsidiary, “SICK Accerion B.V.,” will continue at its current location in Venlo, Netherlands.

With the acquisition of the tech startup Accerion, customers will benefit from a complete solution portfolio of positioning solutions from SICK.

Accerion: AI-based image processing

Based out of Venlo, Accerion was founded in 2015 by Willem-Jan Lamers. The company specialises in AI-based image processing with a focus on positioning technologies for mobile robots.

With the software-driven positioning solution “Triton”, the Dutch company introduced the world’s first industrialised, infrastructure-free localisation solution for floor structures based on camera technology for mobile robots.

Since 2021, SICK has been partnering with Accerion to support industrial customers worldwide in the precise localization, positioning, and navigation of mobile robots.

Vincent Burg, CEO of Accerion, says, “With our dedicated team, we built Triton, a cutting-edge localization solution, entirely from the ground up. Today, Triton delivers high-performance localization for thousands of robots around the globe. Our close collaboration with SICK has shown how perfectly our products and cultures complement one another. We are thrilled to officially join the SICK family, where we can leverage this synergy to scale localisation solutions worldwide.”

SICK: Provider of sensor-based solutions

Founded in 1946 by Dr. Erwin Sick, SICK is a top provider of sensor-based solutions for the industrial sector. 

With 60 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe.

 SICK has more than 12,000 employees worldwide and generated a group revenue of €2.3B in the 2023 fiscal year.

“We are very pleased to welcome the Accerion team to SICK and to further strengthen our software portfolio for autonomous mobile robots for the future,” says Dr. Niels Syassen, Executive Board Member for Technology & Digitalisation at SICK.

“The market for sensor solutions for autonomous mobile robots offers enormous growth potential, as the demands on industrial companies for an efficient supply chain in terms of throughput, availability, flexibility, and safety are steadily increasing. To best support customers worldwide in their automation projects, we are further developing our sensor solutions and investing in new technologies,” adds Dr. Niels Syassen.