AutoStore-Lagersystem
Also: AutoStore, AutoStore Grid, AutoStore Bin, Cube-Storage-System, Cube Storage, AutoStore-System, AutoStore Lagersystem
AI-generated
The AutoStore storage system is a fully automated cube storage system in which robots stack, retrieve, and transport plastic bins across a three-dimensional grid structure to stationary picking stations.
Key facts
- AutoStore stacks storage bins three-dimensionally on top of one another without aisles, achieving very high space utilization compared to conventional rack-based warehouses.
- Autonomous robots travel across the top of the grid and transport bins to stationary picking stations following the goods-to-person principle.
- The system is modularly scalable: grids and the number of robots can be incrementally expanded to meet growing requirements.
- AutoStore is a proprietary system, which creates dependency on a single vendor for maintenance, spare parts, and software.
- AutoStore is particularly well-suited for small-parts warehouses with a high SKU count, such as in e-commerce fulfillment or spare parts logistics.
What is the AutoStore storage system?
AutoStore is a fully automated storage system based on the principle of cube storage technology. The system consists of three core components: an aluminum or steel grid, stackable plastic bins, and autonomous robots that travel across the top of the grid. The bins are stacked densely on top of one another without any shelving or aisles, which significantly increases storage density compared to conventional rack-based warehouses. Robots access a bin by temporarily moving overlying bins aside and retrieving the desired bin to the surface, then transporting it to a port opening connected to a stationary picking station. The principle follows the goods-to-person approach: the goods come to the operator, not the other way around.
How does AutoStore work in practice?
The operational process begins with an order from the warehouse management system (WMS) or the operator's inventory management system. AutoStore's control software coordinates which robot retrieves which bin and transports it to which port station. At the port station, the picker removes the required items, confirms the pick digitally, and the robot returns the bin to the grid. Multiple robots operate simultaneously and independently on the same grid, enabling high throughput performance. The system is modular: grids can be expanded in footprint, and the number of robots can be increased incrementally to scale throughput. AutoStore is particularly well-suited for product ranges with a high SKU count, small to medium bin formats, and fluctuating order volumes — for example in e-commerce fulfillment or spare parts logistics.
What matters when making a selection?
Several factors play a role when deciding on an AutoStore system:
- Item profile: Heavy, bulky, or temperature-sensitive goods are not suitable in the standard configuration. The system is designed for bin contents up to a defined weight and volume — specific limits depend on the system generation selected.
- Throughput requirements: The number of robots and ports determines the achievable throughput. A design simulation is recommended before making an investment decision.
- Availability and redundancy: If one robot fails, the rest of the system continues to operate. However, system availability also depends on the control software and network connectivity.
- Scalability: The grid can be expanded spatially, provided the building structure permits it. Ceiling height and floor load capacity must be assessed at an early stage.
- Vendor lock-in: AutoStore is a proprietary system from a single manufacturer. Maintenance, spare parts, and software updates are tied to that manufacturer. This must be taken into account when calculating the total cost of ownership.
Whether AutoStore is more advantageous than alternative systems such as an automated small-parts warehouse (AS/RS) or shuttle systems cannot be answered in general terms — it depends on the throughput profile, item structure, building conditions, and budget.
Related terms
- 3D-Matrix Solution
A 3D matrix solution is a multi-dimensional storage and buffer system that dynamically manages load units in the X, Y, and Z directions, enabling significantly higher space utilization than conventional systems.
- AGV
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) refers to driverless transport vehicles that automatically move goods in warehouses and production environments. They follow predefined or sensor-controlled routes without a human driver.
- AKL
An Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully mechanized storage system for bins, trays, or cartons that automates the goods-to-person process using aisle-captive storage and retrieval machines or shuttles.
- AMR
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is a driverless, self-navigating transport robot that moves goods within a warehouse without any fixed installed infrastructure. It orientates itself independently using sensors and digital maps, and dynamically avoids obstacles.
- Automatiklager
An automated warehouse is a fully or partially automated storage system in which the receipt, retrieval, transport and management of storage units are carried out without manual intervention, using conveyor technology, storage and retrieval machines, and a higher-level control software.
- Automatisches Kleinteilelager (AKL)
The Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully automated storage system for totes, trays and small parts, in which storage and retrieval operations are performed without manual intervention by stacker cranes or shuttle systems.
- Hochregallager
A high-bay warehouse is an automated storage facility with racking from approximately twelve meters in height, where stacker cranes automatically store and retrieve pallets.
- Kommissionierung
Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.