Visual Components acquires Delfoi’s robotics division

Visual Components, the developer of 3D simulation software, has acquired the robotics division of Delfoi, a pioneer company in robot offline programming (OLP) software solutions worldwide.

This gives the Finnish organisation the foundation to expand globally by complementing its existing simulation tools for production systems and virtual commissioning with OLP capabilities.

OLP capabilities will give manufacturers the opportunity to program robots on the factory floor, alongside Visual Components’ existing product offering of layout design, feasibility and validation of control logics, robot programs and processes. This functionality will essentially make a one-stop-shop for digital transformation of production systems a reality and will enable manufacturers to benefit from significantly reduced levels of downtime and save time and improve the accuracy of robotic programming processes.

These capabilities will help to meet the growing demand for effective utilisation of robotics in the manufacturing environment, alongside the increased use of simulation and virtual commissioning. As Industry 5.0 grows in importance, which places focus on upskilling humans in the workforce, this development allows professionals to train across a number of disciplines with just one solution.

Manufacturers will also save on costs and enable more sustainable practices with use of one tool to complete both robotic programming and simulation projects. Delfoi brings a wealth of experience in robotic applications such as cutting, welding and surface processes, helping to bring improved solutions to manufacturers and system integrators.

“This acquisition is a natural next step in a long working relationship with Delfoi, with the business having utilised our simulation software for over ten years. It’s fantastic to now be joining forces with another Finnish company to meet the demand from manufacturers to effectively utilise robots on the factory floor as Industry 5.0 grows in importance. Our customers now benefit from a solution that covers the entire production system lifecycle,” said Mikko Urho (pictured), CEO at Visual Components.

Following year-on-year turnover growth of 45% and a 25% increase in employee numbers, the organisation expects to have over 100 employees by the end of the year with the acquisition. This growth of employees expected to continue in 2023. Visual Components is also looking to further invest in development, sales and marketing to continue its upward growth trajectory as the Delfoi robotics team is integrated into the organisation’s Finland-based headquarters.

In terms of targeted regions for future expansion, the organisation is aiming to grow its presence in the U.S. and the APAC region, specifically China, Japan and South Korea, having already established a comprehensive customer base in European countries such as the UK and Germany.