Amazon invested in Balyo technology for self-driving forklifts.

Amazon.com acquired minority stake in Balyo, the company owning a technology for self-driving forklifts. Amazon will receive free stock warrants representing up to 29% of Balyo's capital. The full 29% would be exercised if Amazon orders up to $346m of Balyo's enabled products. Warehouse automation is a critical element of Amazon's efforts to cut costs and speed up deliveries. The world's biggest online retailer currently uses robots developed by Kiva Systems, a company it bought for $775m in 2012. "This agreement represents an unprecedented opportunity for Balyo to grow its business and supports the soundness of our investments" Balyo Chief Executive Fabien Bardinet.