Attabotics Inc. last week launched the Guardian bin, a formed metal bin engineered to help mitigate fire risks without compromising the throughput or performance of automated storage and retrieval systems, or ASRS.
The bin replaces combustible plastics with inert galvanized steel. Attabotics said it designed the bin to contain leaked liquid to limit spills, while supporting the effective distribution of fire-suppression fluid through high-density racking.
“Firefighters respond to nearly four warehouse fires each day in the U.S. On an annual basis, that adds up to more than 1,500 fires and over $300 million in direct property damage,” said Mark Dickinson, senior vice president and general manager at Attabotics. “For supply chains running on tight timelines and low margins, those statistics represent a critical threat. Our goal with the Guardian bin is to support our customers’ strategies to operate safely and efficiently.”
Guardian bins built to enhance fire safety
Fire safety considerations are central to Guardian’s design. When fire-suppression systems are activated, the bin collects and allows water to pool briefly before overflowing downward to adjacent storage locations, supporting effective distribution of suppression fluid throughout the storage structure.
The metal construction provides predictable behavior and maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, which supports broader system-level safety strategies, said Attabotics. The company said it is collaborating with commercial insurance providers toward fire safety certification of the bin for use in ASRS environments.
A purpose-built plastic base maintains low noise levels on high-speed conveyor and interfaces with robotic handling equipment to prevent damage and support long service life, Attabotics added.
The flat-pack design of Guardian enables shipments of up to 2,800 bins in a single container – nearly 10 times the amount that can be shipped with conventional bin designs. This can dramatically improve logistics efficiency and reducing environmental impact, said the company.
Metal construction also enables easy cleaning, helping to limit the impact of spilled or leaked beverages, industrial fluids, personal care products, or other liquids, said Attabotics.
Attabotics continues comeback
Attabotics offers robotic goods-to-person (G2P) cube storage systems. The company said its ASRS offers a space-efficient and high-speed alternative to traditional warehouse fulfillment with a patented structure and robotic shuttles that use both horizontal and vertical space.
In July 2025, Attabotics laid off most of its approximately 200 employees. Later in 2025, it filed for bankruptcy. In February, Attabotics said it will restart operations as part of LaFayette Systems, which acquired it in September.
Earlier this month, the Calgary, Alberta-based company said it was extending manufacturing operations to the U.S. with a site in central Kentucky.