Manitou has acquired the robotics division of French technology and test bench development company Sitia.
The transaction includes all of the intellectual property of Sitia's robotics division, and as part of the deal a team of seven individuals, including doctoral candidates and engineers, who were involved in the development of the autonomous agricultural tractor robot ‘Trektor’, will integrate into Manitou's R&D teams.
The Trektor in action
Sitia develops and produces test benches for laboratories, technical centres and end of line testing, mostly in the automotive, aerospace, rail, agricultural machinery industries. The company established a dedicated robotic innovation department a few years ago, with a focus on tangible innovations, for customers in the industries it serves. It is based in the Nantes region as is Manitou.
Manitou's statement said: “This transaction is fully aligned with the group's strategic roadmap, underscoring its commitment to establishing robotics as a salient pillar of innovation. Sitia's robotic acumen will enable the group to expedite the development of high value added products and services, addressing the evolving needs of customers in the agricultural and semi industrial sectors”
Clément Aubry Tardif of Sitia’s Robotics (L) with Julien Waechter, of Manitou
Vice president of R&D Julien Waechter added: "Sitia has been a partner with whom we have collaborated for nearly a decade, and which has embarked on its transformation towards cutting edge robotic activity. Through this acquisition, we shall enrich our capabilities with a team of recognised experts, benefit from proven technological building blocks, coupled with Manitou's established know how. Our aspiration is to thus fortify our leadership position to continue innovating and to advance further in the development of solutions, thereby meeting the evolving expectations of our customers."
The director of the Sitia robotics division Clément Aubry Tardif added: "We are delighted to dedicate our expertise to the service of a leader in material handling. The team is particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to Manitou's new strategic roadmap."
Comments