Walmart Inc. this week said it plans to add more Symbotic Inc. automation to 25 regional distribution centers. The companies said their expanded agreement will add capabilities to Walmart’s U.S. distribution network.
“At Walmart, we’re focused on bringing more items to more customers and members, faster than ever,” stated Rob Montgomery, executive vice president for Walmart U.S. Supply Chain Operations.
“Our investments in the physical and digital supply chain help us serve them however they choose to shop, whether in stores, at the curbside, or at home,” he added. “Our work with Symbotic over the years, including this expanded agreement, helps us improve service, grow capacity, simplify work for our associates and lower costs.”
Walmart and Symbotic have collaborated since 2017, when Symbotic piloted its technology at a distribution center in Brooksville, Fla. In 2021, the partners began deploying automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and palletizing robots to accelerate the intake process at 25 facilities.
The companies grew that planned number to 42 in 2022. Symbotic spent up to $550 million for Walmart’s Advanced Systems and Robotics business in 2025.
Symbotic moves 2B cases, makes acquisitions
Founded in 2007 as CasePick Systems, Symbotic said it integrates robotic shuttles, high-density storage, and machine learning to enable companies to quickly, accurately, and efficiently move goods. The Wilmington, Mass.-based company serves retail, wholesale, food and beverage, and medical supply businesses.
Symbotic’s portfolio includes the BreakPack each-picking system and the SymMicro micro-fulfillment system for e-commerce. Its proprietary software uses AI to orchestrate and optimize the movement of millions of cases every day. In May, the company marked more than 2 billion cases moved.
This year, Symbotic has acquired autonomous forklift provider Fox Robotics, software maker ARMS Innovations, and sortation firm cellumation. According to Interact Analysis, it is the No. 1 company in warehouse automation market share.
Walmart commits to network expansion
In the expanded agreement, Walmart has initially committed to spending about $6 billion over several years across multiple locations.
“Our partnership with Walmart started with a single product over a decade ago, and now we offer a full end-to-end solution to help power Walmart’s growth across its supply chain for years to come,” said Rick Cohen, chairman and CEO of Symbotic. “This expanded agreement reflects the strength of that collaboration – a partnership defined by trust and shared ambition.”
Walmart said it plans to use Symbotic’s systems to support e-commerce upstream inventory management, increase storage capacity, and improve how products move through its supply chain. The retailer said this will offer customers a broader product assortment, improve speed, and provide more reliable replenishment across its network.
Industry observers have noted that having a single large customer provides capital for growth, but it also comes with high expectations and market risks.