Deal summary
Manitou Group, the world leader in off-road handling, has strategically partnered with Effidence, the robotics solutions provider
- The objective of the partnership was to combine the latest in robotic technologies for warehousing with the strength of a distribution network.
- The partnership between the two French companies resulted in the co-design of autonomous stackers and industrial tractors and brought advantages to both companies, including expertise in the latest robotics technologies to Manitou Group and a strong distribution network to Effidence.
- In addition to Effidence robotic carts, which were distributed by Manitou Group dealers, a range of stackers and industrial tractors expanded the offering of collaborative and autonomous warehousing equipment. The robotic autonomous stackers were co-designed by both partners and assembled by LMH Solutions, a subsidiary of Manitou Group
About Manitou
The Manitou brand was born with the invention of the first all-terrain forklift truck. Since this unique creation, the brand has never stopped evolving and innovating to offer a range of products that meet the needs of all sectors of construction, industry and agriculture. Manitou group is determined to meet the challenges of the times. This is why it continues to develop a large number of innovations capable of improving machine performance, increasing user comfort and reducing the TCO of equipment and its environmental impact. Manitou’s 3 key brands are: Manitou, Gehl and MustangbyManitou.
With 2019 revenues of €2.1 billion, the Manitou Group currently employs 4,600 people in 140 countries.
About Effidence
Effidence is a French company created in 2009. Since then, the company has built a strong expertise in autonomous navigation systems for smart handling vehicles applications. This knowhow is based on a unique capability to analyse the vehicle’s surroundings by merging data processing from different sensors.
A large number of projects have been completed with various types of application including Agriculture, Defence, Construction, Industry and Warehouse logistics. Effidence has delivered its expertise on various types of vehicles, from a few tens of kilograms carts to larger vehicles weighing a few tonnes.
“With EffiBOT, we have shown that robots can be more than just a means of conveying goods. Our autonomous robots are a real gain in productivity for preparation operations and for operators. The company is now interested in disruptive technologies of cooperative robot fleets. In this context, we were looking for a solid partner to extend the range of our robots to logistics flows of pallets or towing heavy and/or bulky loads and we chose Manitou.”
