Brooks Automation has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Precise Automation, a Fremont, Calif.-based developer of collaborative robots and automation subsytems, for about $70 million in cash. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of April 2021 upon satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Chelmsford, Mass.-based Brooks Automation said it expects the deal to immediately add to its earnings. Precise Automation co-founders Brian Carlisle and Bruce Shimano will join Brooks Automation and continue to lead Precise Automation, reporting to Dave Jarzynka, president of the Brooks Semiconductor Solutions Group.

Precise Automation, which generated $17 million in revenue over the last twelve months, said its proprietary technology enables human-robot workflows in a safe and easy-to-use manner, automating processes that could not be addressed practically in the past. The company’s collaborative robots, which include SCARA, 6-axis and Cartesian configurations, are delivered fully assembled and designed for easy system integration by end users and OEM customers.

Precise Automation’s products are used in a variety of end markets including laboratory automation and semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Laboratory automation applications include drug discovery, analytical laboratory, clinical diagnostics, and genomics.

“Precise provides Brooks with a product offering and technology portfolio that is well positioned to take advantage of the exciting growth opportunities in the collaborative robot market,” said Steve Schwartz, President and CEO of Brooks Automation. “Their history of innovation in vision technology, precision motion, integrated controllers and direct drive motors and track record of solving customer challenges in laboratory and semiconductor automation makes Precise a great fit with Brooks.”

Brooks Automation is a worldwide provider of life-science sample-based systems and semiconductor manufacturing product. With over 40 years of experience in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, it said it provides precision vacuum robotics, integrated automation systems, and contamination-control systems to semiconductor chip makers and equipment manufacturers.

Brooks said its life sciences business provides a full suite of reliable cold-chain sample management solutions and genomic services across areas such as drug development, clinical research, and advanced cell therapies. It supplies pharmaceutical, biotech, academic, and healthcare institutions globally.

Editor’s Note: This article was first published by sister publication The Robot Report.