Belgian supermarket retailer Colruyt Group has partnered with intralogistics specialist KION Group to accelerate the development and commercial rollout of next-generation warehouse robotics, expanding the use of autonomous vehicles in grocery supply chains across Europe. Under the agreement announced on 14 July, Colruyt Group has sold a 70% stake in its research and development activities for self-driving pallet trucks to KION while retaining a 30% share in the business. The companies will establish a dedicated research and development centre in Belgium to advance autonomous supply chain technologies and prepare them for wider deployment across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The partnership builds on several years of collaboration between Colruyt Group’s Smart Innovation team and KION brand STILL. Their jointly developed autonomous pallet trucks have already been operating in two Colruyt distribution centres since 2023, where they transport pallets alongside warehouse employees using artificial intelligence, computer vision and advanced navigation systems. What is warehouse robotics? Warehouse robotics refers to automated machines that assist with logistics tasks such as transporting pallets, moving goods and supporting order fulfilment. Increasingly powered by artificial intelligence and computer vision, these systems are designed to improve warehouse productivity, reduce repetitive manual work and enhance operational safety while working alongside employees. At a glance - Colruyt Group and KION have formed a strategic robotics partnership. - Colruyt sold a 70% stake in its self-driving pallet truck R&D activities. - Colruyt retains a 30% ownership interest. - Autonomous pallet trucks have already been operating in two Colruyt distribution centres. - The new Belgian R&D centre will develop next-generation supply chain robotics. - KION plans to industrialise and scale the technology across EMEA markets. - The transaction is expected to generate approximately €20 million for Colruyt Group during the 2026/27 financial year. Why are Colruyt and KION expanding