HL Robotics enters the autonomous parking robot market with Stanley Robotics' acquisition

Seoul, South Korea - HL Robotics, a subsidiary of HL Holdings (060980. KS), has agreed to acquire Stanley Robotics, a French autonomous parking technology firm. 

The acquisition, announced on October 8, 2024, involves HL Robotics purchasing a 74.1% stake in Stanley Robotics for approximately KRW 32.2 billion (US$23.9 million).

The global autonomous parking robot market is projected to reach $6.7 billion by 2030, with annual growth rates in double digits. 

HL Robotics, established on September 6, 2024, aims to capture a significant portion of this rapidly expanding market through the acquisition.

Stanley Robotics, founded in France, has developed the "Stan" autonomous valet parking robot, which has been in commercial operation since 2018. 

The company first deployed its technology at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport in France. 

Stanley Robotics' system includes a Fleet Management System (FMS) that utilizes digital twin technology, enabling real-time remote control and monitoring.

In September 2023, Stanley Robotics signed a contract for parking robots with Canadian National Railway, one of North America's top three railway logistics companies. 

This marks an essential step in the company's expansion into the North American market.

HL Robotics plans to leverage HL Group's global presence to establish a leading position in the worldwide parking robot market. 

The company's strategy includes diversifying into consumer-oriented robotic solutions beyond parking applications.

The acquisition aligns with the growing trend of automation in parking and logistics sectors across Asia and globally. 

This trend is driven by increasing urban congestion and land scarcity, particularly in major metropolitan areas.