Austria-headquartered freight forwarder cargo-partner is implementing the cutting-edge AutoStore system at its iLogistics Center near Austria’s Vienna International Airport.
Part of Nippon Express Holdings Inc Group, cargo-partner is automating processes at its iLogistics Center in Vienna through the introduction of the AutoStore system.
The large-scale project was carried out in collaboration with Fraunhofer, a European research organization. Together, they selected an ideal partner to optimize logistics operations and effectively address the growing demand for advanced warehouse solutions. While the system is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025, several initial milestones have already been reached, including structural modifications last fall to accommodate the AutoStore installation.
The AutoStore® system, provided by HÖRMANN Intralogistics, offers numerous benefits, including enhanced flexibility, scalability, and significantly improved efficiency.
Its compact design maximizes storage space, eliminating gaps between stacked bins and reducing the floor area needed. Furthermore, AutoStore optimizes bin capacity by allowing multiple products to be stored in a single bin, making the most of the mezzanine space at the iLogistics Center Vienna.
Goods handling has also become more efficient, shifting from a “man-to-goods” approach to “goods-to-man.” Robots now deliver items directly to workers, speeding up the processing time. Rather than replacing the existing workforce, the new system augments and supports it. Additionally, ergonomic workstations reduce physical strain, enhancing overall team capacity.
The AutoStore® system is installed on the mezzanine level of the existing warehouse hall. Spanning 500 m², its aluminum grid structure measures 15.4 m × 22.6 m × 6.5 m and can store up to 14,680 containers, with the potential to expand to 21,030 across 16 levels.
The setup includes seven robots, charging stations, and five workstation modules (three “Carousel” and two “Swingport”) connected to the ground floor via a “BinLift”. Frames for future expansion have already been built. The flow of goods is managed by HÖRMANN’s HiLIS warehouse management system, customized to meet cargo-partner’s specific requirements.
Although the full system launch is set for mid-2025, the first milestones have been achieved. At the end of January, the AutoStore system was successfully activated, and super-user training sessions were held.
During these one-day sessions, select cargo-partner employees learned about the AutoStore system and its impact on their work. These trained employees will then pass on their knowledge to their colleagues, ensuring the entire team is ready for the upcoming changes.
