Manitou Acquires Sitia Robotics Division

Manitou Group has acquired the robotics division of Sitia, maker of the Trektor autonomous tractor (above). The acquisition does not include the tractor, which will continue to be marketed by Sitia.

The move is part of Manitou’s innovation strategy of securing acknowledged proficiencies in this domain, according to the company. The acquisition includes a team of seven individuals—including doctoral candidates and engineers, each possessing considerable expertise in the development of robotics—which will integrate into Manitou Group's R&D teams. This acquisition also includes the intellectual property of Sitia’s robotics division.

Manitou will establish a new “Manitou Group Robotics” division. 

“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,” said Julien Waechter, VP of R&D at Manitou Group, in a statement. “Through this acquisition, we shall enrich our capabilities with a team of recognized experts, benefit from proven technological building blocks, coupled with Manitou Group’s established know-how.”