AutoStore solution gets robots to improve last-mile delivery

AutoStore has launched its latest innovation, the PickUpPort, a public-facing port that lets customers pick up their online purchases with the help of robots.

Shoppers across Australia and New Zealand can use PickUpPort to shop online and pick up their orders directly from the AutoStore system.

Related: AutoStore bolsters warehouse automation offering with ANZ expansion

“It’s important for us to help retailers stay ahead in an ever-changing industry,” said Carlos Fernández, Chief Product Officer at AutoStore.

“With the new PickUpPort, retailers can offer a hassle-free pick-up option in-store, and customers can see how Robots pick, organise, and store items,” Fernández said.

Once a customer places an order and chooses in-store pickup, a Controller function prompts the AutoStore Robots to pick the Bins that contain the products.

The warehouse operator consolidates the order, which is then stored in the AutoStore system.

When the customer arrives at the store, a robot will bring the Bin holding their correct order items to the PickUpPort for easy collection.

“When retailers adopt this technology, their customers get even more flexibility and freedom,” he said.

Warehouse Robots Meet BOPIS Trend

New shopping habits are sprouting with the growth of e-commerce. For retailers, one of the difficulties is ensuring customers get their products on time, placing an importance on customer experience in last-mile like never before.

This also applies to store experience. According to AutoStore, one of the attractive alternatives to last-mile delivery is the buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) trend.

The cube storage automation company said that its PickUpPort solution streamlines retail operations, negating the need for third-party delivery or courier service to close the last mile.

The technology also streamlines integration solutions that enable smooth processing of orders from retailer to delivery driver and to customer.

“These potential cost savings and efficiencies benefit the retailer, as well as the shopper,” explained Jason Wu, Business Development Manager for AutoStore Australia and New Zealand.

“Customers living or working near the retailer enjoy the benefits of ‘click and collect’ shopping, without the added costs associated with courier or delivery services,” Wu said.

Robots an “Attractive Alternative” to Last-Mile

The new technology is a direct response to the evolving demand for greater efficiency in the way customers receive products.

“An enhanced customer experience is a significant differentiator in a competitive market,” Wu noted.

He said that public-facing ports to stores can drive additional in-store purchases and enable retailers to provide a frictionless omnichannel shopping experience for customers.

“We are constantly piloting and rolling out new technology. People want more flexibility, and the buy-online-pickup-in-store trend is quickly becoming an attractive alternative to ‘last-mile’ delivery, since it’s simple, fast and offers a lower carbon footprint,” Fernández added.

PickUpPort has a user-friendly design, with multiple safety measures considered during product development.

The technology is also equipped with a warning label, safety bar, a damper and stoppers.

“The PickUpPort is safe and easy to use,” Fernández said.

“It’s always locked while waiting for the Bin to arrive at the Port, and a LED lamp signals when it’s ready to be opened. Safety is paramount at AutoStore,” he said.

The PickUpPort is the fifth Port module offered by AutoStore and has been available locally since 15 November 2022.