While AutoStore AS is known for its warehouse-based automated storage and retrieval systems, or ASRS, it announced yesterday a residential pilot with OBOS, one of the largest real estate developers in the Nordics. The company said it is the first time its Pio technology is used in a residential environment.
“At OBOS, we explore how technology helps us build smarter and more space-efficient homes,” said Søren Secher, head of OBOS Living Lab. “This pilot tests a new way to approach residential storage, one that can change how space is used in modern housing.”
Oslo, Norway-based OBOS said that it is focused on developing homes and communities for the future and that it has more than 600,000 members.
Pio makes ASRS more accessible
The pilot runs on Pio, which AutoStore said uses its grid and robotic technology in a simplified, user-focused format. It enables high-density storage and fast, on-demand access, according to the Nedre Vats, Norway-based company.
Pio packages AutoStore’s technology into standardized, cost-effective configurations. The company said this approach lowers the barrier to automation and adapts it to new applications beyond fulfillment.
While Pio originally targeted small and midsize businesses, the pilot is exploring how the same approach works in residential buildings.
“Across our portfolio, we see that the Pio software adapts well to this use case,” said Margherita Carrozzo, director of product strategy and operations at AutoStore. “We look forward to collecting feedback from the field to better understand this market opportunity.”
OBOS collaborates to test residential storage
The pilot builds on a close collaboration with OBOS. The company is exploring how smarter storage can reduce space constraints, improve building efficiency, and create more flexible living environments.
Pio is installed at the OBOS Living Lab in the basement of an Oslo residential building. It takes up about 20 sq. m (215 sq. ft.) and consists of 150 bins, taking up two parking spaces.
Five to 10 residents have actively participated in testing the ASRS. The system lets tenants store and retrieve personal belongings through an automated, on-demand system designed for flexibility and ease of use.
“At Pio, we focus on making advanced automation simple and accessible,” said Simen Aarseth, product director at Pio. “This pilot takes proven AutoStore technology into a new setting, giving people better control over their belongings while using space more efficiently.”
What can the ASRS store?
“Really anything you can imagine that can fit our bins — 403 mm wide x 603 mm long by 312 mm high [15.8 x 23.7 x 12.2 in.] — and that they don’t use on a daily basis,” replied Aarseth to Automated Warehouse. “Tools and supplies, seasonal attire — such as winter clothes, shoes, etc. — sports and hiking equipment, and holiday decorations.”
Through Pio, tenants can manage their stored items digitally and retrieve them when needed. The average was about twice per week so far, Aarseth said. The system can deliver up to four times more storage capacity within the same footprint, claimed AutoStore.
How much training did the residents need?
“We’ve developed a dedicated, intuitive app tailored to the core needs of this use case,” Aarseth said. “It’s designed for simplicity, allowing the test users to get up to speed within minutes. Early testing over the first few weeks has shown a surprisingly low rate of user errors. Safety remains our top priority: We rely on the Pick Up Port—certified for public use—as the only hardware users interact with.”
“Even though the app is still in an early testing phase, we already prefer using the Pio system over traditional storage cages,” said a resident participating in the pilot. “The system is very neat.”
As the one-year pilot progresses, AutoStore and OBOS said they plan to explore additional services in residential buildings, including storage of shared equipment, last-mile delivery handling, and peer-to-peer exchanges, all within a secure and automated setup.