Accenture, in collaboration with Mujin, has launched a new venture, Accenture Alpha Automation, to advance robotics and automation in manufacturing and logistics. With a majority ownership of 70% by Accenture and 30% by Mujin, the partnership aims to leverage Mujin’s expertise in industrial robotics and Accenture’s digital engineering prowess under its Industry X umbrella. The Tokyo-based operation, which commenced on January 15, 2024, will provide a suite of services including consulting, design, and system integration.
Accenture Expands into Robotics Integration
Accenture, traditionally a strategy and consulting enterprise, has recently broadened its scope by acquiring firms specializing in robotics integration. A notable acquisition was that of Pollux in early 2021, marking Accenture’s initial foray into industrial robotics and automation. Pollux, with over 1,000 projects and more than 150 collaborative robots deployed in Brazil, catered to major pharmaceutical and automotive clients. In 2022, Accenture further expanded its capabilities by purchasing Eclipse Automation, which provides customized automation solutions across various industrial sectors.
Strategic Advantage for Mujin in Robotics Partnership
Mujin, a prominent robotics company in Japan, gains a significant endorsement through the partnership with Accenture. Japan, known for its high robot density and technological innovation, provides a robust environment for such a venture. Mujin CEO Issei Takino emphasizes the company’s commitment to making industrial robots more intelligent and user-friendly, thereby enhancing productivity and creating value. Mujin’s proprietary technology, including their MujinController, aims to facilitate autonomous robot operation through machine intelligence and digital twinning. The company has also secured substantial funding and is set to showcase its TruckBot system at an upcoming industry expo.