Van Meter Levels Up Material Handling with Autonomous Mobile Robots from Otto by Rockwell Automation
- June 25, 2025
- News
Company is Rockwell Automation’s first authorized distributor in the United States
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – (June 25, 2025) – Van Meter Inc., a leading distributor of electrical, automation and mechanical solutions, announced today, it is the first Rockwell Automation authorized distributor of OTTO Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in the United States.
With an estimated 2.1 million unfilled U.S. manufacturing jobs by 2030, AMRs—robotic vehicles that seamlessly navigate their environment without direct driver input or configured scripts—help manufacturers proactively address workforce challenges and improve productivity, by independently, safely and efficiently transporting materials across large facilities.
“Mastering material movement with technology is a difference maker, and we’re confident the OTTO AMR offering will have a significant impact within our customer base,” said George Rovolis, Smart Machines and Robotics Manager at Van Meter. “Consumer packaged goods, warehousing, automotive and food and beverage operations have the greatest opportunity for operational improvement with AMRs.”
OTTO currently powers autonomous material handling for Fortune 500 manufacturing companies. “Instead of workers pushing carts or driving forklifts, OTTO's line of AMRs autonomously delivers materials safely, reliably and efficiently to where they are needed,” said Seth Carlson, Commercial Manager AMR at Rockwell Automation. “The combination of ease-of-use and sophisticated software means they not only deliver value in short order, but also easily scale to a hundred devices.”
As a Rockwell Automation authorized service provider, Van Meter has a track record of success with robotics and Rockwell Automation solutions. In addition to delivering autonomous material handling technology from OTTO, Van Meter has a team of trained robotics experts who can identify robotic opportunities, implement solutions, and provide technical support for manufacturers.
Meet the AMR Dream Team
The industry's most comprehensive fleet of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is capable of any material handling job up to 4,200 lb.
“We want to be the first phone call our customers make when they have a material handling challenge,” said Rovolis. “Even if they’re unsure whether investing in an AMR is the right fit, we can help them evaluate the opportunity and leverage our partnerships with Rockwell and OTTO to find the most effective solution.”
OTTO AMRs represent a continued expansion of Van Meter’s industrial robotics capabilities . In addition to various collaborative and industrial robotics solutions, Van Meter Van has introduced innovative industrial manufacturing technologies such as beRobox robotic palletizing and independent cart technology.