AutoStore Introduces Enhanced FusionPort Workstations for Bin Picking

AutoStore AS yesterday announced FusionPort and FusionPort Staging, new bin-handling workstations for integrating different automation. The two workstations reflect the priorities of operational efficiency, operator productivity, and ergonomics, said Nedre Vats, Norway-based company.

"Businesses today need to optimize their picking process if they are to meet evolving customer demands, but in order to achieve this, warehouses must be equipped with the tools that will enable their employees to work productively and safely," said Carlos Fernandez, chief product officer at AutoStore.

"This is why we're excited to offer FusionPort and FusionPort Staging, which will enable businesses to best serve their staff while leveraging the world-class technology that AutoStore is known for," he said.

FusionPort, FusionPort Staging designed for easy picks

AutoStore said it designed FusionPort to maximize employee performance by presenting two tilted order-picking bin openings and visual picking aids. These features are intended reduce repetitive movements as operators manually transfer inventory from one location to another.

FusionPort can also streamline order picking by providing visual cues with a pick-to-light system for easy item identification, said the company. In addition, the system includes an enhanced safety hatch that makes the bins accessible only when the port is ready for picking.

AutoStore claimed that it developed FusionPort Staging based on its understanding of the space constraints that warehouses face by storing inventory in staging areas. The workstation consolidates order picking and staging to a single port, allowing businesses to streamline operations, reduce the space required for staging, and thus save real estate costs, it said.

Similar to the FusionPort, the workstation also features visual picking aids and a safety hatch. FusionPort Staging comes pre-assembled for easy installation and allows organizations to store consolidated orders dust-free, according to AutoStore.

Both workstations feature a compact exterior design for greater flexibility when integrating with other automation. FusionPort Staging offers up to four times more storage capacity for existing warehouse footprints, the company asserted.

FusionPort and FusionPort Staging will be available worldwide on April 12, AutoStore said.

FusionPort has visual aids for ease of use and tilted order-picking bin openings for ergonomics. Source: AutoStore

AutoStore to exhibit at ProMat

At ProMat from March 20 to 23, AutoStore plans to conduct demonstrations of its R5 Robots, the PickUpPort, and the recently announced FusionPort in Booth N7500 in Chicago's McCormick Center. The company is planning more announcements for next week.

Founded in 1996, AutoStore develops order-fulfillment solutions to help businesses improve efficiency with automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). The company said it offers both hardware and software, and its technology is interoperable with other third-party systems.

With its U.S. office in Derry, N.H., AutoStore has facilities in Norway, the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Singapore, as well as production facilities in Koszalin, Poland. It has installed more than 1,150 systems in 49 countries.

AutoStore said its partner network of systems integrators handles distribution, design, installation, and service.

Editor's note: For more about ProMat 2023, visit Robotics 24/7's special coverage page.