AutoStore Holdings Ltd. is a logistics robotics company with its roots and operational hub in Nedre Vats, Norway. Its specialty is replacing traditional warehouse aisles with a compact grid containing stacked bins. Robots move across the top of this structure to retrieve bins and deliver them to workstations. This approach aims to make better use of available space and reduce operator travel during order picking.
An innovation born in western Norway
The AutoStore concept was developed within Jakob Hatteland’s industrial operations, initially to address constraints on storing electronic components. The company traces its founding to 1996. The principle is to make use of the volume occupied by aisles, rather than simply speed up movement within a conventional warehouse. This cube storage approach has remained at the heart of its technological identity.
Following its first commercial deployments, AutoStore expanded its international presence through partners specializing in warehouse automation. Its listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange in 2021 marked a new stage in its development. Despite this international expansion, its Norwegian roots remain a defining element of its history and design activities.
A complete system, deployed with integrators
The offering combines a grid, storage bins, electric robots, input and output stations, and control software. When a required bin is beneath other bins, the robots move those covering it to gain access. The software coordinates tasks and movements to supply the stations where items are received, picked or returned to storage.
This architecture is aimed particularly at e-commerce, retail and distribution, logistics providers, and manufacturers handling large numbers of small or medium-sized stock-keeping units. Its modularity allows the grid and number of robots to be adapted to a site’s needs, subject to building and workflow constraints. However, it is not equally suitable for all products: dimensions, weight and storage conditions must be taken into account.
Integrators play a central role in designing installations, connecting them to IT systems and maintaining them. AutoStore thus provides a technology platform that fits into a broader logistics chain, alongside conveyors, warehouse management software and other automated equipment. The website autostoresystem.com presents its solutions and partner ecosystem.
What’s next?
The next phase hinges on balancing density, throughput and overall operating costs. For AutoStore, key challenges include improving software, ensuring system availability and broadening applications. In a market where several robotic architectures coexist, its ability to demonstrate a return on investment suited to each warehouse will remain decisive. Automating item handling at workstations also represents a possible extension of its role in order picking.