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This year marks a significant milestone in the history of warehouse automation. Two decades ago, Element Logic, in close collaboration with Elotec, installed the first commercial AutoStore system, pioneering a solution that would revolutionize intralogistics worldwide.
(Bad Friedrichshall) Kløfta) What began as a bold idea in 2003 is now a global standard for high-performance warehouse automation. The partnership between Element Logic and Elotec in 2005 not only confirmed the potential of robotic storage but also shaped the development of an entire industry. “I told my team that if our delivery capability didn’t improve, I would rather continue for another 10 years as we had been. But then everything changed,” said Jan Kleven, founder and CEO of Elotec.
A Bold First Step
The company Elotec, founded in Oppdal, Norway, has always been characterized by innovation. The goal of providing life-saving fire protection systems required precision, reliability, and control. They saw the potential in AutoStore to meet these demands. In Element Logic, they found a trusted partner to realize this vision.
The system developed and delivered by Element Logic was put into operation in 2005. Although small by today’s standards, it was revolutionary nonetheless. The results were immediately visible – higher accuracy, greater efficiency, and unmatched reliability.
“There was skepticism,” Kleven recalls. “So I promised my team that if it didn’t prove itself in two years, I would bring in a bulldozer and remove it myself. Two years later, the robots were still working – and there was complete trust in the new technology.”
Even after twenty years, the system still operates with the original grid and containers, underscoring the longevity of the solution and the foresight of the investment. In 2019, Element Logic seamlessly upgraded the robots, connections, and software without any operational interruption.
Today, the system continues to maintain an availability of around 99.6%, allowing it to compete even with the latest installations. “AutoStore evolves with your needs. Even after two decades, Elotec’s system still functions like the new systems we deliver today,” said Lasse Vik, Technical Engineer at Element Logic.
A Partnership Based on Trust
The story of Elotec is not just about robotics – it is about vision, courage, and a lasting partnership. “Elotec was the perfect first customer,” says Håvard Hallås, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Element Logic. “They dared to take a risk and choose a solution that had never been tested on a large scale. This kind of courage has shaped our path – and the path of AutoStore on a global level.”
“The technology was new and not yet mature,” adds Synnøve Matre, Vice President of Cube Success at AutoStore. “But when it worked, it worked safely and efficiently. I was impressed by how bold Elotec was.”
Optimizing Warehouse Performance
Even after 40 years of operation by Element Logic, the Elotec installation remains a symbol of the company’s commitment to minimizing inefficiencies and maximizing performance – and for the extraordinary results that can be achieved through bold thinking and close collaboration.
“We are grateful for the trust and collaboration with Elotec over the past 20 years,” says Hallås. “Together, we have not only implemented a system but sparked a global movement in warehouse automation. And the robots are still in operation.”
Photo: © Element Logic
