Tesco keeps faith with Attabotics after warehouse automation firm is bought by Lafayette Engineering

Tesco is set to move ahead with a single store trial of Attabotics technology despite the Canadian firm recently collapsing into bankruptcy.

In early July, we reported on the spectacular rise and fall of Attabotics. Court filings show that the company recently entered into an asset purchase agreement with Lafayette Systems.

In a LinkedIn post, Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, observed that the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta issued an approval and vesting order for 22nd September, authorising the sale of substantially all assets to Lafayette Systems and vesting title on closing.

“The sale price was not disclosed but is estimated to be around $20 million. When I broke the story that Attabotics was going out of business, I estimated the winning bid would be $30 million or more,” Ladd commented.

“LaFayette Engineering specialises in the design/installation of conveyor controls, high speed sortation, robotics integration, and warehouse automation software/services. They’re considered to be one of the best engineering and automation firms in the US,” he added.

Ladd continued: “Robert Robbins is the CEO and owner of LaFayette Engineering. Bruce Robbins is the President. Robert and Bruce Robbins are respected and highly capable executives. I’m very familiar with their accomplishments, and I have tremendous respect for both individuals and the company. I believe Attabotics is a great fit for LaFayette Engineering.”

There were six bidders vying to acquire Attabotics. The identities have been sealed.

Tesco

Prior to the bankruptcy, Tesco had entered into an agreement with Attabotics that would see the UK retail giant tapping the firm’s micro-fulfillment systems to fulfill online grocery orders.

If a first installation was successful, it had committed to installing the MFCs in potentially 70 Tesco locations, and making Attabotics the preferred automated MFC solution for customers of Transcend, its fulfillment and automation spin out. It’s a move that is likely in line with plans to grow the Whoosh and Marketplace offerings.

According to Ladd, Tesco stepped in post-bankruptcy and offered to co-sign a bid if the Export Development Canada would fund $20 million. The pair couldn’t agree on terms, however. “Sources from Tesco stated to me that they are “confident that the Attabotics system will work and meet their needs.”

Tesco did not respond to our request for comment.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Automation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.