Belgian retailer Colruyt Group has formed a strategic partnership with materials handling specialist KION to accelerate the development and commercial rollout of autonomous warehouse robots.

As part of the agreement, Colruyt Group has sold a 70 per cent stake in its self-driving pallet truck research and development activities to KION. The retailer will retain a 30 per cent stake, while KION will become its preferred global partner for bringing the technology to market.

The companies will also establish a new research and development centre, the KION Automation Center Antwerp, which will focus on developing and industrialising next-generation supply chain robotics.

The partnership builds on work that began in 2023, when Colruyt Group and KION brand STILL introduced a self-driving pallet truck developed jointly by the two companies. The self-driving vehicles (SDVs) have operated in two Colruyt distribution centres for the past two years.

Colruyt Group developed the software for the autonomous vehicles, while STILL supplied and integrated the hardware.

"The SDVs make work in our distribution centres significantly easier," said Koen De Vos, director of supply chain at Colruyt Lowest Prices. "They navigate safely around people and obstacles and locate every pallet with remarkable precision, thanks to advanced technology. This allows our employees to focus on more complex tasks and processes that require specialised knowledge and skills."

The retailer said its innovation team is now developing robotics software that combines artificial intelligence and computer vision to support future autonomous logistics operations.

Colruyt Group said the transaction is expected to deliver a positive impact of around €20 million on its consolidated income statement during its 2026/27 financial year. The retailer will continue to participate in future developments through its remaining 30 per cent stake in the business.

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