South Korea’s HL Group is set to acquire a 74.1% stake in Stanley Robotics SAS, the world’s only outdoor self-driving parking robot manufacturer, for 32 billion won ($24 million). The deal, announced Tuesday, marks HL Group’s push into autonomous parking technology as a new growth driver.
HL Robotics, a subsidiary of HL Holdings Corp., will complete the purchase in December, becoming Stanley Robotics’ largest shareholder. The French company’s founders will retain their stakes and continue managing operations.
Founded in 2015, Stanley Robotics pioneered the commercialization of autonomous outdoor parking robots. Its flagship robot, Stan, has been operational at Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport since 2018. The company recently secured a contract with Canadian National Railway Company, signaling its expansion into North America.
The global smart parking market, including robotic systems, is projected to reach $28.25 billion by 2030, growing at 14.74% annually from 2024. This growth is driven by increasing urbanization and demand for sustainable parking solutions.
HL Group, which has been focusing on autonomous and electric vehicle technologies, sees robotics as a key to reinventing its business. The acquisition aligns with Chairman Jung Mong-won’s recent call for new growth drivers.
