AutoStore™

We use the solution in the area of order picking for customer orders in the automotive aftermarket. The core challenges we are addressing are long throughput times and inefficient use of floor space. Through the implementation, we achieve shorter picking times and can make significantly better use of the existing warehouse space.

AutoStore not only looks significantly more modern and 'cooler' than many traditional ASRS solutions, but impresses above all with its modular design. The system can be expanded at any time without having to initiate a new warehouse project – additional robots or ports can simply be integrated to increase throughput. At the same time, maintenance requirements remain very low, making the solution particularly attractive in the long term.

Compact storage in a small footprint, allowing more items to be accommodated in an organized and structured manner. The transition to goods-to-person eliminates travel time, enabling consistently higher throughput performance. At the same time, picking error rates decrease, as only the bin containing the correct goods is presented.

One potential challenge lies in incorrectly loaded bins, as this can lead to system disruptions and process interruptions. Although visual aids are in place as verification mechanisms, human error cannot be entirely ruled out.

An integrated pick-by-light solution that prevents mispicks in subdivided bins. In addition, an integrated scale would be beneficial, automatically verifying via weight whether the correct number of products has been picked.

The AutoStore system is a key success factor for us in modern warehouse logistics. Its space-saving, modular, and scalable design allows us to make optimal use of our floor space while being well-prepared for future growth. The goods-to-person principle increases efficiency and ergonomics, while the closed structure reliably protects our products from UV light and dust. With an availability of 99.9% and the ability to carry out all maintenance and repairs in-house, the system is extremely reliable and easy to operate. Only in the spare parts business is there still potential for optimization. Overall, AutoStore has accelerated our processes, improved quality, and elevated our logistics to a new level of performance.

In terms of hardware reliability, we see no noteworthy challenges whatsoever. The AutoStore system runs extremely stable and is very easy to manage in day-to-day operations. Thanks to its well-thought-out design and robust components, we achieve an impressive system availability of 99.9%. Maintenance and repairs are carried out entirely in-house, giving us maximum flexibility and independence. Our maintenance teams are excellently trained, enabling any faults to be resolved quickly and efficiently. The only point of criticism is the spare parts business: here we still see room for improvement in terms of delivery times and pricing. The procurement of certain components could, in some cases, be faster and more transparent. Nevertheless, the advantages clearly outweigh this – overall, the system convinces with its reliability, ease of operation, and minimal downtime.

AI-based storage. Clustering of products ... Various bin heights in one stack, accessible via a single port. Grid height up to 10 meters. Camera-based port control + error detection. Single-Double-Grid to be continued for existing users.

The AutoStore system offers a wide range of specific advantages for our logistics operations that significantly improve our workflows. The extremely space-efficient storage allows us to accommodate a very high variety of items in a small footprint, making optimal use of our available space. The modular and scalable design also enables us to respond flexibly to future requirements – whether through growth, changing assortments, or new process demands. As a goods-to-person system, AutoStore brings the required bins directly to the picker. This eliminates long walking distances, increases productivity, and allows employees to work ergonomically and with greater focus. A further advantage is the closed structure of the system: our products are protected from UV light, dust, and dirt inside the AutoStore, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive materials. Overall, the system has accelerated our processes and increased space efficiency.

In our logistics operations, the AutoStore system is the centerpiece of modern warehouse organization. We use it for the efficient and space-saving storage of thousands of small parts. The compact cube structure allows us to make optimal use of our floor space and achieve very high storage density. Particularly impressive is the performance – short access times, high throughput speed, and reliable bin ejection ensure smooth operations throughout the entire material flow. Our processes have been deliberately built around the AutoStore, resulting in a perfectly coordinated interplay between people, technology, and IT. Both consolidation and picking benefit from the high system availability and precision. AutoStore makes a significant contribution to raising efficiency, ergonomics, and process reliability in our logistics to a new level – a clear asset for our overall warehouse concept.

Storage of finished goods for picking customer orders as well as loose components for internal kitting. We were able to resolve the need for an external warehouse through denser storage and the use of temporary staff to cover order peaks.

The implementation allowed us to significantly reduce demand peaks for temporary staff. The ability to transmit orders before staff begin their shifts enables optimal work preparation and considerably shortens order throughput times. The flexible design also allows easy adaptation to existing building structures.

Compared to the previous way of working ('person to goods'), we achieved an enormous performance improvement in the picking process. For the items stored in AutoStore, the increase is around 400%. In addition, the denser storage enables significant savings in warehouse volume and, at the time of installation, freed us from the need for an external warehouse.

Runs very stably overall. The challenge lies in detecting errors early (e.g. battery life at charging stations) and responding in a timely manner.

Not only detection of overweight items (over 30 kg), but also an integrated scale would be helpful. Height-adjustable ports for employees would likewise be desirable.

Currently one of the best solutions for our small parts area

The system is extremely reliable – it stands out for its low maintenance requirements and can be flexibly expanded as needed.

We currently have no open wishes.

The system impresses with short throughput times, a low risk of downtime, and an extremely space-saving design.

We use the system for storing our small parts.

We currently use AutoStore to store our entire product range – and of course for order picking as well. We have complemented AutoStore with automatic carton erectors connected to the ports via a conveyor system. After picking, everything continues seamlessly: closing, labelling and sorting of packages is also fully automated, with no manual intervention required.

AutoStore is truly excellent when the right conditions are in place – such as a suitable bin size, not-too-heavy items, and sufficient lead time. The system's resilience is genuinely impressive – it simply keeps running. Interfaces are not an issue for straightforward applications. With more complex requirements, however, you quickly see which integrators and software vendors truly know their stuff.

AutoStore is extremely space-efficient while allowing us to achieve high throughput at the same time. What particularly won us over is the flexibility in terms of processes. We can implement a variety of picking concepts – from simple pick & pack directly at the port through to multi-stage workflows where picking and packing run as separate steps.

Maintenance requirements are low compared to other systems. The system runs reliably and does not require specialist personnel (although I do recommend support from technicians, particularly for preventive maintenance). A major advantage is scalability: as volumes increase, we can add additional robots or ports with minimal effort.

New possibilities for movement on the grid. The new vehicle does not solve all challenges (e.g. with low ceilings). A port with an integrated scale, especially useful for processes involving weight verification. New port models, e.g. the Fusion Port, should in future also be offered for single/double grids. This would greatly increase flexibility for existing installations.