AutoStore unveils multi-temperature solution for warehouse grids

AutoStore has introduced new grid capabilities aimed at enhancing efficiency and operational conditions in warehouse settings.

Among the innovations unveiled is the Multi-Temperature Solution, which is designed for both frozen and chilled environments, offering multiple temperature zones within a single AutoStore cube. This setup allows for chilled and frozen food to be stored together and delivered to a chilled area for worker safety and efficiency.

In addition to the Multi-Temperature Solution, the company has announced several new features to bolster its order-fulfilment technology. The expanded 18-Level Grid will increase storage density, while the new Motorised Service Vehicle is aimed at improving safety during maintenance tasks. Updates to the cube control software have also been introduced.

Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, stated, "AutoStore is shifting to a regular cadence of product announcements, focusing on innovation and execution to better serve our customers. This autumn, our new products directly address the challenges our customers face, while providing them with new tools to improve operational efficiency."

The Multi-Temperature Solution is highlighted as being particularly beneficial for grocery operations. By eliminating the need for workers to pick items in extreme sub-zero temperatures, the new system creates a safer working environment and increases efficiency with frozen inventory.

Parth Joshi, CPO of AutoStore, elaborated on the significance of the new solution, saying, "We continue to lead in automated fulfilment, innovating technology to tackle complex operational challenges. 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."

The Multi-Temperature Solution allows for a temperature range from -25°C in frozen sections to +6°C in cooled areas. Two installations are already underway: one at Haugaland Storhusholdning in Norway, and another at La Réserve des Saveurs, facilitated by Swisslog. The solution will be available for order starting Q1 2025.

The expanded 18-Level Grid is designed to increase the vertical reach of the AutoStore Grid, with the height extending from 16 to 18 levels for the 330 mm bins, and from 24 to 26 levels for the 220 mm bins. This change increases storage density by up to 12.5% and allows a reduction of Grid floor space by up to 11%, according to AutoStore. This feature is available for all new Grid installations.

To enhance worker safety, the Motorised Service Vehicle was introduced, which facilitates easier manoeuvring on top of the Grid during routine maintenance tasks. Expected to improve system reliability for large customers, this vehicle will also be available from Q1 2025.

Software enhancements include updates to the cube control system, allowing 'super users' to address issues during breaks or off-hours, turning unplanned stops into planned interventions. The Unify Analytics platform has also seen improvements for more comprehensive system oversight.

Joshi further commented on the future direction of the company, stating, "It's been one quarter since I joined AutoStore, and we're now moving towards an exciting Product 2.0 strategy. Our goal is to solve more complex problems for our customers through robust technology and a strong feedback loop. With approximately 70,000 Robots in our fleet and growing, the future is bright."

These announcements reflect AutoStore's continued focus on innovating within the realm of automated fulfilment solutions, catering to the evolving needs of various industries, particularly the grocery sector.