AutoStore™
Maximize efficiency with AutoStore: space-saving, high-density goods-to-person storage system
Meeting customer demands has never been more challenging — the right automation can be the key to not just meeting those demands but exceeding them. AutoStore powered by Dematic is an ultra-high-density storage and buffering system for goods-to-person piece picking that flexes with customer demands so your supply chain is always ready.
Is an AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system right for your operation?
AutoStore is highly efficient in saving time, space, resources, and energy. Specific features include:
- Handle a high number of SKUs (many thousands vs hundreds)
- Handle split case items
- Handle small piece sizes, small cases
- Handle small order size (1−12 lines per order)
- Best suited for low to mid-range velocity SKUs
- Ideal for high-value merchandise (the system is very secure)
- Fits in limited facility space
- Provides high storage density
- Fits in oddly shaped facility spaces
- Accommodates volume increases and SKU growth
- Can be modified during ongoing operations
- Provides a reusable asset (ability to relocate system to new site if needed)
AutoStore systems are often used for order preparation in distribution centers, but they can also be found in retail, industrial, and other environments as well. Specific applications include:
- Internet retailers
- General merchandise retailers and wholesalers
- Sporting goods
- Grocery
- Electronic component distribution
- Industrial supplies
- Aftermarket parts
- Apparel
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceutical
- Personal care
AutoStore system components and benefits
AutoStore optimizes storage density to maximum capacity, allowing four times the inventory in the same space compared to conventional storage systems — and twice that of other automated systems.
Two AutoStore systems to choose from, depending on your throughput requirements
AutoStore has two system types — Red Line and Black Line. AutoStore’s modular design allow them to be integrated if needed.
Red Line is the award-winning flagship modules for most users and applications. It is extremely versatile and reliable, designed for low-to-mid throughput systems.
The Red Line features the R5 Robot with its canopy design, opportunity charging, precision driving with track-sensors that recalibrate for every cell, and wireless control.
The Red Line features three types of workstations:
- The CarouselPort, a tri-armed high-speed port designed to operate in harmony with the robots to ensure it is always full of ready bins.
- The ConveyorPort, a simple conveyor belt to move the bins to the operators.
- The SwingPort, a rotating arm that presents one bin to the operator, while a second bin is positioned waiting on the opposite end of the arm.
New innovations for AutoStore
Multi-temperature solution
The Multi-Temperature Solution allows multiple temperature zones within a single AutoStore cube. It is designed for frozen and chilled environments with a temperature range of -25°C (-14°F) in the frozen section to +6°C (+42.8°F) in the cooled areas. The picking of frozen products occurs at the workstations in the chilled area to eliminate picking of items within extreme frozen temperatures, thus creating a better working environment for operators. This solution provides increased speed and efficiency for frozen inventory.
Expanded 18-level grid
The vertical reach of the AutoStore grid can now be extended, increasing height from 16 to 18 levels with 330 mm bins, and 24 to 26 levels with 220 mm bins. This expansion increases storage density by up to 12.5%. Additionally, adding two more levels allows fulfillment centers to reduce grid floor space by up to 11%, without sacrificing accuracy, flexibility, or modularity.
Motorized service vehicle
This safety tool provides an easier way to maneuver on top of the grid when performing routine maintenance tasks. This ensures even greater system reliability while prioritizing worker safety.
Enhancements cube control software
Users can now proactively address issues during breaks or off-hours, turning unplanned stops into planned interventions. Additionally, the software platform has been improved to provide even more comprehensive system oversight.
What criteria should you use when evaluating an automation partner?
It is critical to select the right supplier - one that will be a trusted partner throughout the entire process.
As a company that’s led innovation in Supply Chain for more than 200 years, Dematic provides the widest range of solutions and the expertise to build the solution you need for complete control and visibility over your operation.
Our solutions are tailored to your business challenges. Using standardized sub-systems and industry-leading insight and expertise, Dematic provides world-class integrated hardware, software, and support to help you empower people, optimize space, drive growth and improve efficiency.
With Dematic, you can grow your business to compete locally, retain customer loyalty, and deliver with speed and accuracy on a global scale.
AutoStore Robotic Storage and Fulfillment in Action