In a pivotal move for the order fulfilment industry, AutoStore has introduced innovative technological solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency and safety. The announcement includes the launch of several key tools: the Multi-Temperature Solution, an expanded 18-Level Grid, a Motorised Service Vehicle, and significant upgrades to their cube control software. These advancements represent a strategic response to the ongoing challenges faced by businesses in the retail and e-commerce landscape.
Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation through regular product announcements. “AutoStore is shifting to a regular cadence of product announcements, focusing on innovation and execution to better serve our customers,” he stated. His remarks underline the necessity for businesses to adapt to the real-time challenges they encounter in today’s fast-paced environment.
The Multi-Temperature Solution is designed to manage multiple temperature zones within a single AutoStore cube. This solution is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to maintain different environments for perishable goods. It can handle temperatures ranging from -25°C for frozen products to +6°C for chilled items. This capability not only ensures the preservation of product quality but also enhances worker safety and comfort by keeping employees in controlled conditions instead of extreme cold. Two installations of this technology are already underway, with one operating at Haugaland Storhusholdning and another set for La Réserve des Saveurs. This solution is available for order from the first quarter of 2025, reinforcing the urgency for businesses to upgrade their fulfilment systems.
The expanded 18-Level Grid significantly raises the storage capacity of AutoStore systems. By increasing the number of levels—from 16 to 18 for 330 mm bins and from 24 to 26 for 220 mm bins—this innovation can boost storage density by up to 12.5%. For fulfilment centres, this means an opportunity to reduce floor space by as much as 11%, all while maintaining accuracy and flexibility. Such enhancements are particularly crucial as the demand for efficient space utilization grows in the face of increasing e-commerce transactions.
In addition, the introduction of the Motorised Service Vehicle aims to facilitate safer and more efficient maintenance operations. Designed to navigate atop the AutoStore Grid, this vehicle prioritizes worker safety and system reliability, ensuring that fulfilment operations run smoothly without unnecessary downtimes. Like the Multi-Temperature Solution, the Motorised Service Vehicle will be available for order starting in the first quarter of 2025.
Upgrades to AutoStore’s cube control software also demonstrate the company’s forward-thinking approach. The enhancements provide super users with tools to proactively manage system issues, potentially transforming unplanned downtimes into scheduled maintenance. The improved Unify Analytics platform further enhances system oversight, which can lead to better operational reliability. Businesses are increasingly recognizing that data-driven decision-making is vital for optimizing fulfilment processes, and these software improvements contribute directly to that goal.
Parth Joshi, Chief Product Officer at AutoStore, emphasized the significance of these advancements for the automated fulfilment sector. “We continue to lead in automated fulfilment, innovating technology to tackle complex operational challenges,” he noted. The introduction of the Multi-Temperature Solution, in particular, is expected to revolutionize logistics for grocers and open new possibilities for AutoStore’s technology applications.
These innovations are not just incremental upgrades; they are part of AutoStore’s broader strategy to remain a leader in the automated fulfilment market. In a world where e-commerce is witnessing unprecedented growth, companies can no longer afford to lag in operational efficiency. The advancements made by AutoStore represent a clear message: those who wish to thrive in the retail sector must adopt and adapt to new technologies that enhance their capabilities.
As AutoStore prepares to showcase these developments during its upcoming Capital Markets Day event in Manchester, the industry watches closely to see how these innovations will impact not only their own operations but the entire fulfilment landscape. Businesses that recognize the value of investing in advanced technologies are likely to gain a competitive edge, ultimately delivering better services to their customer base.
In conclusion, AutoStore’s latest technological advancements offer a compelling case for the automation of fulfilment processes. With solutions like the Multi-Temperature Solution and the enhanced Grid system, businesses can expect to see substantial improvements in efficiency and safety. As organisations navigate the complexities of modern retail, embracing innovative technologies becomes not just beneficial but essential for long-term success.
