AutoStore Unveils Latest Innovation with the PickUpPort

(Mönchengladbach) AutoStore™ presents its latest innovation: The PickUpPort™ is a publicly accessible port through which customers can shop online and pick up their orders directly from the AutoStore system.

“Helping retailers secure competitive advantages in a constantly changing industry is a key concern for us. With the new PickUpPort, retailers can offer a simple pickup option. Customers can see how robots pick up, organize, and store containers with items. Retailers using this technology provide their customers with even more flexibility and freedom,” says Carlos Fernández, Chief Product Officer at AutoStore.

The PickUpPort is an intuitively operated technology that does not require extensive implementation and training. When a customer selects “In-Store Pickup” for an online order, a controller function prompts the AutoStore robot to deliver the ordered products to a port where a warehouse worker consolidates the order. The container with the ordered products is stored in the AutoStore system. When the customer arrives to pick up their order, a robot brings the container with the correct products to the PickUpPort.

The new technology has been specifically developed to respond to the increasing demand for a more efficient way for customers to receive ordered products. Publicly accessible ports, for example in a retail store, can increase customer traffic and lead to additional purchases. They enable retailers to offer their customers a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.

“We are constantly testing and implementing new technologies. People want more flexibility, and the trend towards online shopping with in-store pickup is quickly becoming an attractive alternative to last-mile delivery. It is simple and fast and can lead to a lower CO2 footprint,” says Fernández.

The technology is designed to be user-friendly. As this is AutoStore’s first publicly accessible port, numerous safety measures were considered during product development. The PickUpPort is equipped with a warning sign, a safety bar, a damper, and stoppers.

“The PickUpPort is safe and easy to use. It is locked while containers are delivered to the port. An LED light signals when the port can be opened. Safety is a top priority at AutoStore,” says Fernández. The PickUpPort is the fifth port module offered by AutoStore and will be available starting November 15.