AutoStore Innovates With Latest Warehouse Automation Solutions

Online stores typically keep inventory on premises and pick from it to fill orders as they are placed. The inventory needs to be maintained and tracked and the orders that are picked must be verified to ensure accuracy. These processes can be labor intensive, and with labor shortages rising, it is becoming harder to find people to fill these jobs. AutoStore, a global supplier of fulfillment solutions, has recently launched new products and enhanced its existing software suite to help fulfillment centers meet increasing demands.

AutoStore’s VersaPort warehouse workstations can be set up as a single port (pictured above) or as two interlinked ports. Image used courtesy of AutoStore

VersaPort Warehouse Workstation

Filling orders require operators to pick items from a series of bins and place the items in a box. Some fulfillment centers use indicator lights and sensors to determine if the operator has picked the correct item the correct number of times. These stations are often custom-built and require custom programming. AutoStore’s VersaPort warehouse workstation is a turnkey bin-picking solution that is flexible to match virtually any warehouse requirement. 

The VersaPort will interface with warehouse management software and can adapt to different setups. If your application is fairly small, the VersaPort can work in a single application. Up to 10 VersaPort stations can be situated next to one another for larger applications. Two VersaPorts can be interlinked for enhanced cycle time.

Because the VersaPort can accept different bins and different objects inside the bins, warehouses can easily scale and only send items required for a particular order to the VersaPort. The remaining items would then go back into inventory. The VersaPort uses industry-standard safety switches on its hatch to prevent pinch hazards, and an HMI is included to show operator prompts, SKU weight, and error messages.

The CarouselAI picking items from an inventory solution and placing them into an order bin. Image used courtesy of AutoStore

CarouselAI Robotic Picking

Picking parts out of a bin and placing them into a box is a repetitive task, and companies today are having a hard time filling these positions. AutoStore’s CarouselAI is an AI-powered automated robot solution that picks components out of an inventory bin and places them into a box for shipping. CarouselAI operates around the clock and uses AI to maximize efficiency.

With AI, the robotic picking solution learns from its mistakes and provides accurate and efficient stock keeping unit (SKU) coverage. The CarouselAI robot uses an automatic interchangeable vacuum gripping system capable of picking a variety of different shaped parts. Because CarouselAI is an isolated cell, multiple CarouselAIs can be installed in tandem and work together to fulfill orders.

The Pio ASRS is now offered beyond its original P100 size, meaning large and growing businesses can utilize the system. Image used courtesy of Pio

Modular Warehouse Automation

AutoStore’s Pio warehouse automation solution is a fully automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) for ecommerce businesses. AutoStore has expanded Pio to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. The company now offers the P200, P400, and P600 ASRS and enables growing businesses to scale up to larger Pio sizes as needed.

AutoStore has also updated its Essentials Software Package. The software suite enables customers to utilize advanced routing algorithms, view real-time analytics, and offer intuitive reporting. These features allow businesses to continue improving and increase automated warehouse efficiency.

Featured image used courtesy of AutoStore