AutoStore promises a game changer for grocery retailers as company moves towards Product 2.0 strategy

Automated fulfilment solutions specialist AutoStore has introduced new Grid capabilities: the AutoStore Multi-Temperature Solution, an expanded 18-Level Grid, a Motorised Service Vehicle, and enhancements to its cube control software.

“We are shifting to a regular cadence of product announcements, focusing on innovation and execution to better serve our customers. This fall, our new products directly address the challenges our customers face, while providing them with new tools to improve operational efficiency,” says Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO at AutoStore.

“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,” says Parth Joshi, CPO at AutoStore.

Announcements include:

-       Multi-Temperature Solution. Available to order from Q1 2025, this allows multiple temperature zones within a single AutoStore cube. It is designed for frozen and chilled environments with a temperature range of -25°C in the frozen section to +6°C in the cooled areas.

The picking of frozen products occurs at the Ports in the chilled area to eliminate picking of items within extreme frozen temperatures, thus creating a better working environment for operators. This will allow customers to have a solution that can increase speed and efficiency with their frozen inventory.

Two solutions are underway. The first is fully operational at Haugaland Storhusholdning, a Norwegian food distribution company, installed by StrongPoint. The second is for La Réserve des Saveurs and will be installed by Swisslog.  

-       Expanded 18-level Grid. The vertical reach of the AutoStore Grid is extended, increasing its 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 fulfilment centres to reduce Grid floor space by up to 11%, without sacrificing accuracy, flexibility, or modularity. 

-       Motoriaed Service Vehicle. Available for order from Q1 2025, this safety tool provides an easier way to maneuvre on top of the Grid when performing routine maintenance tasks. This provides greater system reliability for large customers while prioritising worker safety.

“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 ~70,000 robots in our fleet and growing, the future is bright,” says Joshi.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Automated retail is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Retail Technology Show 2025, and Business France, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.