Manitou Group has announced it will establish Manitou Group Robotics having just completed the acquisition of the robotics division of French engineering company Sitia.

The French materials handling equipment manufacturer says the acquisition is in line with its strategic roadmap, presented in April, which states robotics is being positioned as a “foundational element” of Manitou’s innovation strategy.

As well as having a dedicated robotics division, Sitia is also the developer of Trektor, an autonomous tractor.

Manitou Group VP of R&D, Julien Waechter, says the acquisition follows a nearly decade-long partnership between Manitou and Sitia and the development of “cutting-edge robotic activity” by Sitia.

“Through this acquisition, we shall enrich our capabilities with a team of recognised experts,”Waechter adds. “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."