Bolloré Logistics announced that it recently signed a partnership agreement with BALYO, a design and development of innovative robotic solutions for material handling trucks, to provide automated pallet movement for its warehouses in the Asia Pacific.

The French firm said the agreement paved the way for an initial order contracted with BAYLO to equip the Blue Hub with a "VNA" robotic truck.

"As part of this collaboration, Bolloré Logistics will host BALYO's Singapore team at its B.Lab innovation center to design value-creating supply chain solutions in a variety of innovative applications, notably in the field of warehouse automation," it added.

Bolloré noted that by combining expertise and resources, Bolloré Logistics will benefit from BALYO's technological know-how, therefore "accelerating its transition to robotics applied to autonomous pallet movement."

It added that discussions are also in progress to acquire a robotic reach truck that will be introduced and put into service at the Bolloré Logistics’ Green Hub.

Following this trial phase, both parties intend to launch short-term studies to determine which Bolloré Logistics sites in APAC can be equipped with BALYO solutions.

"The signing of this partnership with Bolloré Logistics, a world leader in logistics and transportation, is a tremendous growth driver for BALYO. We are delighted to be able to support them in their automation initiative from their lab in Singapore," said Pascal Rialland, CEO and chairman at BALYO.

For his part, Frederic Marcerou, managing director of Bolloré Logistics Singapore said: "We are very pleased to reinforce our collaboration with BALYO. This partnership is a great opportunity for both companies and will foster our mutual commitment to operational excellence. Together, we look forward to accelerating the integration of technologies in the supply chain industry and unlock growth synergies in the APAC region."