In today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape, efficiency is paramount for businesses striving to meet rapidly evolving consumer demands. AutoStore, a leader in automated fulfilment solutions, has recently launched a suite of technological advancements aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and safety within the order fulfilment sector. These innovations include the Multi-Temperature Solution, an expanded 18-Level Grid, a new Motorised Service Vehicle, and significant upgrades to the cube control software.
Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, highlighted the company’s commitment to regular product announcements that focus on delivering practical solutions to the challenges faced by their clients. “This autumn, our new products directly address the challenges our customers face, while providing them with new tools to improve operational efficiency,” said Vikse.
One of the most noteworthy introductions is the Multi-Temperature Solution, designed to manage different temperature zones within a single AutoStore cube. This product is tailored specifically for businesses handling both frozen and chilled products. The Multi-Temperature Solution can operate at temperatures ranging from -25°C in frozen zones to +6°C in cooled areas. This feature not only helps maintain the integrity of the goods but also provides a more comfortable working environment for staff, potentially increasing picking speed and improving operator safety. Currently, two installations are already underway: one at Haugaland Storhusholdning, supported by StrongPoint, and the second planned for La Réserve des Saveurs in collaboration with Swisslog, with availability projected for the first quarter of 2025.
Another vital enhancement is the expansion of the AutoStore Grid from 16 to 18 levels for 330 mm bins, and from 24 to 26 levels for 220 mm bins. This expanded grid configuration results in an increase of up to 12.5% in storage density. As a consequence, fulfilment centres can reduce their grid floor space by approximately 11% while maintaining the accuracy, flexibility, and modularity that AutoStore is known for. This advancement is set to streamline operations significantly and is available for new installation projects moving forward.
Safety in the warehouse is another critical area that AutoStore is addressing with the introduction of the Motorised Service Vehicle. This vehicle is designed to facilitate easier and safer maintenance operations on the top of the AutoStore Grid. By enhancing routine maintenance processes, this initiative not only ensures system reliability but also prioritizes worker safety. Like the Multi-Temperature Solution, the Motorised Service Vehicle will also be available for order starting in the first quarter of 2025.
Improvements have also been made to AutoStore’s cube control software, which now empowers super users to proactively monitor and address issues. This allows for a transition from unplanned stoppages to scheduled maintenance, ultimately enhancing system uptime and performance. Furthermore, the Unify Analytics platform has been refined to provide more comprehensive oversight of operations, adding another layer of reliability to the system.
Parth Joshi, CPO at AutoStore, remarked on the company’s continuous efforts to lead in automated fulfilment, stating, “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.”
These developments are in line with AutoStore’s strategy to maintain a competitive edge in a challenging market. The company’s roadmap includes unveiling further innovations during its Capital Markets Day event in Manchester, indicating a commitment to ongoing improvement and responsiveness to customer feedback.
As e-commerce continues to grow, finding solutions that enhance efficiency and safety will be crucial for businesses in the fulfilment sector. AutoStore’s new technologies serve as an important step toward addressing these needs while ensuring that businesses can adapt to the complexities of modern supply chain demands.
In conclusion, the integration of these advanced technologies is expected to revolutionize the order fulfilment landscape, providing timely and effective solutions to operational hurdles. As AutoStore continues to innovate, retailers and fulfilment centers can look forward to a future characterized by improved efficiency and heightened safety standards.
