Grid storage systems continue to evolve to support automated fulfillment in more markets. AutoStore today announced its Multi-Temperature Solution an expanded 18-level grid, its Motorized Service Vehicle, and enhancements to its cube control sofware.
“AutoStore is shifting to a regular cadence of product announcements, focusing on innovation and execution to better serve our customers,” stated Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore. “This fall, our new products directly address the challenges our customers face, while providing them with new tools to improve operational efficiency.”
Founded in 1996, AutoStore provides automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) to increase efficiency and space utilization for order fulfillment. The Nedre Vats, Norway-based company has deployed about 1,550 systems in 57 countries. All sales are distributed, designed, installed, and serviced by a network of qualified systems integrators it refers to as “partners.”
Multi-Temperature Solution keeps workers from freeze zone
“We continue to lead in automated fulfillment, innovating technology to tackle complex operational challenges,” said Parth Joshi, chief product officer at AutoStore. “Today’s announcements will enhance efficiency, reliability, and speed. We’re particularly proud to introduce the Multi-Temperature Solution, which will be a game-changer for grocers and open new use cases for AutoStore.”
E-grocery could become the largest category of e-commerce by 2026, according to Emarketer.
The Multi-Temperature Solution provides multiple zones within a single ASRS. It is designed for a temperature range of -25°C (-13°F) in the frozen section to +6°C (21.2°F) in the cooled areas.
Frozen products are picked at the Ports in the chilled area, eliminating the need to manually pick in the deep freeze and improving working conditions for human pickers, noted AutoStore. The system will enable customers to increase speed and efficiency in handling frozen inventory, said the company, whose U.S. headquarters are in Salem, N.H.
Two Multi-Temperature Solution installations are already under way. The first is fully operational at Haugaland Storhusholdning, a Norwegian food distribution company, installed by StrongPoint. It followed an 18-month pilot program.
The second is for La Réserve des Saveurs and will be installed by Swisslog. The new system will be available for order starting in the first quarter of 2025.
Expanded Grid reaches new heights
AutoStore has extended the vertical reach of its AutoStore Grid, increasing its height from 16 to 18 levels with 330 mm (12.9 in.) bins, and 24 to 26 levels with 220 mm (8.6 in.) bins. This expansion increases storage density by up to 12.5%, it said.
The addition of two more levels allows fulfillment centers to reduce the floor space occupied by the ASRS by up to 11% without sacrificing accuracy, flexibility, or modularity, said AutoStore. This capability is available to all customers with new Grid installations.
Motorized service vehicle makes maintenance safer
This safety tool provides an easier way to maneuver on top of the Grid when performing routine maintenance tasks, explained AutoStore. “This ensures even greater system reliability for large customers while prioritizing worker safety,” it asserted.
The Motorized Service Vehicle will be available for order from Q1 of 2025.
Grid control software enhancements to come quarterly
Starting with this fall announcement, AutoStore said it plans to enhance its cube control software on a quarterly basis.
“Super users can now proactively address issues during breaks or off-hours, turning unplanned stops into planned interventions,” said the company. “Additionally, the Unify Analytics platform has been improved to provide even more comprehensive system oversight.”
“It’s been one quarter since I joined AutoStore, and we’re now moving towards an exciting Product 2.0 strategy,” said Joshi. “Our goal is to solve more complex problems for our customers through robust technology and a strong feedback loop. With about 70,000 robots in our fleet and growing, the future is bright.”
On Sept. 18, AutoStore will present its strategy and growth agenda at Capital Markets Day in Manchester, U.K.