Symbotic has agreed to acquire Walmart’s Advanced Systems and Robotics business as part of a deal that will see the tech company develop pickup and fulfillment automation for the retailer, including at the store level.
Associated with the development program, Walmart will pay Symbotic $520 million, including $230 million at the deal closing.
Symbotic has aided Walmart in automating its supply chain since 2017 and is currently deploying its software and robotics platform across all 42 of Walmart’s regional distribution centers in the United States, the tech company pointed out. Symbotic’s expertise and technology platform will advance the APDs in their function across the Walmart delivery system as a natural extension of work accomplished already, according to the tech company. As such Walmart will be able to use its stores to fulfill e-commerce orders through pickup and delivery more efficiently, economically, and accurately, Symbiotic stated, adding that. Walmart’s store-fulfilled deliveries grew almost 50% year-over-year, surpassing a $2.5 billion monthly run rate during its quarter ended October 31, 2024.
“We’re excited about what this means for our customers, ” said Greg Cathey, Walmart senior vice president of transformation and innovation, as part of the deal announcement. “We anticipate the synergy between Symbotic’s expertise and our nearly decade-long relationship in innovating the supply chain technologies to elevate customer service and rapidly advance our in-store Accelerated Pickup and Delivery capabilities.”
