Belga English Supermarket chain Colruyt sells majority stake in self-driving pallet trucks Copy link Yesterday 13:09 Colruyt's innovation team - Smart Innovation - worked for years on the self-driving pallet trucks, known as SDVs. They developed the control system themselves; for production, the group partnered with Kion years ago. In 2023, Colruyt began using the equipment. "Meanwhile, the autonomous Still pallet trucks have been operating trouble-free for two years alongside logistics teams in two distribution centres," it states. Both parties are also collaborating on further development of autonomous pallet trucks for loading and unloading trucks, explains Kim Vancauwenberghe, head of Smart Innovation at Colruyt. Still showcased this innovation at an international logistics fair in March. Kion now intends to broadly commercialise the technology "in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa" and is therefore purchasing a 70 per cent stake in the research and development activities related to self-driving pallet trucks from Colruyt. The retailer will retain a 30 per cent stake, and its innovation team - based in Haasrode and comprising fifteen employees - will "continue to lead both ongoing and future developments". According to Colruyt, Kion is "well positioned" due to its global presence and expertise. The German group "sees strong potential in these innovative solutions, not only in retail but also far beyond, in numerous other sectors," it states. Currently, Vancauwenberghe reports, SDVs have already been sold to companies both domestically and internationally, including the Belgian logistics giant H.Essers. The exact amount paid by Kion has not been disclosed. Colruyt indicates, however, that the deal is expected to contribute 20 million euros to the net profit in the current financial year. At the end of 2024, Kion opened an 'automation centre' in Antwerp, where more than 400 people are employed. This is where the self-driving pallet trucks are