Beyond Robots: Integrated Automation Reshapes Industrial Future

JACKSONVILLE, FL – November 12, 2025 – The industrial landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven not just by the introduction of advanced robotics, but by the strategic integration of these technologies into seamless, intelligent systems. A new collaboration between Chang Robotics, a leader in autonomous and robotic systems, and OTTO by Rockwell Automation, the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) division of Rockwell Automation, exemplifies this critical shift, promising to accelerate automation across diverse sectors from manufacturing to e-commerce.

This partnership moves beyond the simple deployment of individual robots, focusing instead on delivering holistic automation solutions that address the complex operational demands of modern industry. It underscores a growing realization that while robots provide the muscle, sophisticated systems integration provides the brains and agility necessary for true industrial innovation.

The Imperative of Integrated Automation

For years, manufacturers have invested in individual robotic components, often finding that the true challenge lies in making these disparate systems communicate and collaborate effectively. This is where the expertise of systems integrators like Chang Robotics becomes indispensable. The Jacksonville-based firm, a DBE-certified engineering company, has rapidly carved out a reputation for delivering large-scale, complex robotic deployments. Its portfolio includes concept designs for greenfield facilities, optimization of automation in brownfield operations for major food manufacturers, and spearheading "Factory of the Future" initiatives for consumer products giants.

"Chang Robotics has worked with OTTO on some of the largest AMR deployments in manufacturing," said Ross Barnard, CTO of Chang Robotics, highlighting a pre-existing, successful working relationship. "Together, we build customized solutions that meet our clients’ operational goals with reliability, scalability, and flexibility—especially as volumes shift and operations evolve." This vendor-agnostic approach, evident in previous partnerships with companies like Hai Robotics and Brightpick, ensures that the most suitable technologies are selected and integrated for each unique client challenge. The company's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its venture fund for disruptive technologies and its "Robot Studio" at Jacksonville University, which explores applications like reducing nurse burnout with robotics.

Rockwell's Strategic Play in the AMR Landscape

The partnership also casts a spotlight on Rockwell Automation's aggressive strategy in the industrial automation space. Its acquisition of OTTO Motors in October 2023 was a clear signal of its intent to deepen its footprint in the rapidly expanding AMR market. Rockwell, a global leader with 120 years of experience, is integrating OTTO's proven AMR technology into its broader portfolio of hardware, software, and services, aiming to provide comprehensive smart factory solutions.

OTTO AMRs boast an impressive track record, having accumulated over ten million hours of driving experience in some of the most demanding industrial environments worldwide. This proven reliability was undoubtedly a key factor in Rockwell Automation's strategic decision. By combining OTTO’s robust mobile robotics with Chang Robotics' systems integration prowess, Rockwell Automation is not just selling robots; it's enabling end-to-end solutions that connect operations, enhance productivity, and provide a clear path to digital transformation. This strategic move positions the combined entity as a formidable force in a competitive landscape that includes major players like MiR, Geekplus, and Locus Robotics, emphasizing integrated solutions as a key differentiator.

Tackling the Labor Crisis with Smart Robotics

Perhaps one of the most compelling drivers behind this partnership is the urgent need to address pervasive labor shortages gripping manufacturing and logistics sectors. The U.S. manufacturing industry alone faces a projected shortfall of 1.9 million workers by 2033, with 700,000 unfilled jobs reported in 2023. The logistics industry is similarly challenged, with 37% of organizations experiencing high labor shortages impacting both transportation and warehouse operations.

Automating mundane, repetitive, and often hazardous tasks with AMRs offers a critical lifeline for companies struggling to maintain output. "Our joint solutions will directly address labor shortages, improve safety, and support the industry’s shift toward more agile production systems," stated Dave Levihn, Global Partner Program Manager at OTTO by Rockwell Automation. This isn't about replacing human workers wholesale but augmenting the workforce, freeing employees to focus on higher-value tasks, and fostering upskilling opportunities in areas like robotics maintenance and data analysis. The benefits extend beyond simply filling gaps; AMRs operate 24/7, reducing downtime, minimizing errors, and significantly improving inventory management through real-time data, translating into substantial efficiency gains and cost savings.

A New Era of Flexibility and Scalability

The collaboration’s focus areas underscore a commitment to practical, impactful innovation. Key initiatives include seamless interfaces to flexible manufacturing cells that can be quickly reconfigured for new product lines, intelligent material handling solutions for warehouses and distribution centers, and scalable automation systems designed to fit within existing facilities. This adaptability is crucial in an era of rapidly shifting consumer demands and supply chain volatility.

The ability to reconfigure production lines quickly, optimize material flow in complex warehouses, and implement automation without requiring costly facility overhauls provides a tangible competitive advantage. Brittain Ladd, a global business and automation expert, noted that this partnership "has the potential to accelerate AMR adoption and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in global manufacturing." It represents a pragmatic approach to industrial transformation, offering businesses a pathway to future-proof their operations through reliable, scalable, and flexible robotic systems. The emphasis on tangible ROI and addressing real-world operational challenges aligns perfectly with the needs of industrial leaders seeking actionable insights in a dynamic technological landscape.