Workstations

• Are the Ports interchangeable?

  Yes. We work to ensure all AutoStore modules can work on existing or new systems. The only exception to this is the 425 mm Bin, which can only be accessed and moved by the R5+ and R5+ Pro Robots due to height limitations of the other models.  

• Is it possible to install port frames for the RelayPort to prepare for future extensions?

  It is not possible because the RelayPort frame is the actual Tab module, which contains a lot of electronics not possible to mount later on-site. It must arrive from Poland pre-assembled.

  To install a RelayPort, it is necessary to remove all columns in the area. Pre-cutting columns will not save much time with the installation of the Port. In general, installing a RelayPort is a relatively simple process.

• How safe are the Ports to operate?

  All Port designs are made with operator safety in mind and are risk evaluated and different safety features are implemented to suit the specific need. For example, the VersaPort, FusionPort, FusionPort Staging, SwingPort, and RelayPort have safety hatches around the Bin openings which will only open once Bins are ready for picking and close before Bins move.

   

  CarouselPort and FlexBinsPort are equipped with a sensitive safety cover with sensors that detect physical contact. If the cover is pushed or triggered during operation, Port pauses so the operator interaction can be completed safely.

• What is the Bin Lift and how does it work?

  The Bin Lift is a vertical lift for AutoStore Bins.

  With the Bin Lift, the customer can either place the Port and operator on a different floor level than the Grid (G2P), or connect Grids located on two different floors (G2G). This lets customers optimize the use of different floor level spaces efficiently and extend Bin reachability.  

  G2P: Works in combination with the SwingPort to provide an extension to the Grid. It allows order picking to happen from a different floor than the Grid and enables flexibility in the existing space design.

  G2G: Connects two Grids on different floors, enabling the flow of Bins between the Grids. It allows customers with multi-level warehouses to optimize their use of space and extend Bin reachability.

  The AutoStore Grid-to-Grid Port Manager ensures a smooth transfer of Bins between two separate Grids, however the customer’s warehouse management system (WMS) is responsible for maintaining and balancing Bins between two Grids.

  Currently, the Bin Lift 2.0 is available in the EU, United States, Canada, and Japan.

  We are working on adding more countries with the applicable product approvals.

  Note that it may take longer in some countries to get approval..

• When should I consider a FlexBinsPort instead of other AutoStore workstations?

  FlexBinsPort should be proposed when:
  

  • Solution design includes multiple Bin sizes.

  • Workflows regularly involve co-mingling Bins of different sizes,
    requiring access to multiple Bin heights at the same workstation.
    

  This is typically found in:

  • 3PLs serving multiple clients within a single facility: Multi-tenant operations where product profiles vary by client and change over time, making workflows harder to standardize

  • Apparel, footwear, consumer electronics, home supplies, and
    general merchandise: Mixed-category orders across broad catalogs
    with diverse product dimensions and changing assortments

  • Grocery, food & beverage, and healthcare: Orders with mixed
    item sizes, combining case-level SKUs and single items

  • Electronic equipment, automotive, and machinery: Components,
    parts, and tools with significantly different dimensions that are
    frequently picked or consolidated together
    

• Can an existing AutoStore customer install FlexBinsPort?

  Yes.

  However, to get the most value from FlexBinsPort, the system should be configured to multiple Bin heights/types (FlexBins).

• When should I consider a FlexBinsPort instead of other AutoStore workstations?

  Solution design includes multiple Bin sizes.

  Workflows regularly involve co-mingling Bins of different sizes, requiring access to multiple Bin heights at the same workstation.

   

  This is typically found in:

   

  3PLs serving multiple clients within a single facility: Multi-tenant operations where product profiles vary by client and change over time, making workflows harder to standardize Apparel, footwear, consumer electronics, home supplies, and

  general merchandise: Mixed-category orders across broad catalogs with diverse product dimensions and changing assortments Grocery, food & beverage, and healthcare: Orders with mixed

  item sizes, combining case-level SKUs and single items Electronic equipment, automotive, and machinery: Components,

  parts, and tools with significantly different dimensions that are frequently picked or consolidated together

   

• Can an existing AutoStore customer install FlexBinsPort?

  Yes. However, to get the most value from FlexBinsPort, the system should be configured to multiple Bin heights/types (FlexBins).