Walmart invests billions in robotic forklifts: game-changing automation

Walmart, the world's largest retail chain, is about to invest up to $200 million in autonomous forklifts. The move is part of a broader strategy to automate more warehouse operations.

According to sources familiar with the plan, Walmart $WMT is focused on buying hundreds of these trucks from Fox Robotics and has already invested $25 million in the Austin-based startup.

Why autonomous forklifts?

Walmart intends to use autonomous forklifts to transport pallets of merchandise in its distribution centers that supply its stores. This initiative is expected to be phased in over several years, and its success depends on Walmart's satisfaction with the performance of the so-called "FoxBots."

According to Walmart, automation is a crucial step to increase profitability and competitiveness, especially against giants such as Amazon. Analysts estimate that investments in automation and artificial intelligence could bring Walmart as much as $20 billion in earnings before interest and taxes by fiscal…