AutoStore, a leading provider of warehouse automation solutions, has unveiled Pio, its innovative Product In/Out warehouse automation system, in North America. Pio represents a plug-and-play version of AutoStore’s renowned automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), specifically tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

As a modular and scalable ASRS product, Pio operates on standard plug-and-play software that seamlessly integrates with popular online retail and shipping platforms. One of its key features is the pay-per-pick model, akin to a robotics-as-a-service approach, where users only invest in product bins and frames, while AutoStore manages the robots, ports, and software.

The fee-per-item-picked structure offers a cost-effective solution, reducing the initial investment required for deployment. This accessibility allows retailers with tighter margins to leverage the benefits of automated storage and distribution systems.

Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, emphasized the democratizing impact of Pio, stating, “We established Pio to make our technology available to smaller businesses. Only 15% of the world’s warehouses are automated, and fulfillment operations at smaller retailers are still largely manual. Pio levels the playing field so that enterprises of all sizes can take advantage of the space and cost efficiencies of automated storage and distribution systems.”

Designed for small to medium-sized retailers across various sectors, including apparel, sporting goods, crafts, and cosmetics, Pio eliminates the need for additional labor or floor space expansion.

Magne Hatteland, VP and Head of Pio, highlighted the system's adaptability and customer-centric approach, stating, “With Pio, you can expand without having to move, enabling users to run their businesses closer to customers. We are already seeing success with Pio systems operating at several high-profile retailers in Europe. Now that the system is available in North America, we are ready to support fast-growing independent retailers here as well.”

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Nedre Vats, Norway, AutoStore has a global presence, with over 1,000 systems deployed in more than 45 countries. The company made its debut on Euronext’s Oslo Stock Exchange in October 2021, achieving a valuation of $12.4 billion at the time. With the launch of Pio in North America, AutoStore aims to empower SMBs with advanced automation technology to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness in the market.