Symbotic (NASDAQ:SYM) just pulled off a game-changer, sending its stock surging nearly 20% this morning after locking in a high-stakes deal with Walmart (NYSE:WMT). The AI-driven robotics company is buying Walmart's Advanced Systems and Robotics business for $200 million, with a potential $350 million in performance-based bonuses. But here's the kickerWalmart is also throwing $520 million into the mix to develop an advanced robotics platform. This move could supercharge Symbotic's backlog by over $5 billion and expand its total addressable market by a staggering $300 billion in the U.S.

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The deal puts Symbotic at the heart of Walmart's next-gen supply chain, rolling out AI-powered automation across 400 fulfillment centers. If the tech hits its targets, Walmart will go all-in, integrating Symbotic's system into its rapidly evolving logistics network. This is a massive step forward for usscaling beyond warehouse automation into eCommerce fulfillment, said Symbotic CEO Rick Cohen. Given their deep-rooted partnership since 2017, this acquisition cements Symbotic's role as Walmart's go-to automation partner, with the deal set to close in Q2 2025.

Symbotic, based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, is making big waves in the AI-powered robotics space, transforming how retail giants and wholesalers move inventory. Its cutting-edge tech speeds up supply chains, cuts costs, and maximizes efficiencyexactly what Walmart needs to stay ahead. With this deal, Symbotic just solidified its position in the automation revolution, making it a serious contender for long-term growth in AI and robotics. Investors, take notethis could be just the beginning.