Successful handover + new reference clip: AutoStore® system with small load carrier picking robot at Siemens Rastatt

HÖRMANN Intralogistics has implemented a pioneering AutoStore® system with a small load carrier (SLCs) picking robot cell for Siemens AG in Rastatt. This world first fully automates small load carrier goods receiving and makes AutoStore® compatible with established production environments for the first time.

The system at a glance: The core is an AutoStore® single-double grid with approx. 23,000 containers, 8 Red Line robots and 6 conveyor ports. The goods issue capacity is up to 100 retrievals per hour for production. The integrated robot cell with KUKA robot and MechMind 3D vision recognizes four different types of small load carriers and places them precisely in AutoStore® containers. With 55 storage operations per hour and INXPECT radar safety, the system runs fully automatically around the clock.

Breakthrough for closed systems: The challenge: AutoStore® bins are not allowed to leave the grid, but Siemens has been working with established SLCs for decades. The innovative "bin-in-bin" robot cell eliminates time-consuming manual repacking and replaces the over 30-year-old automated small parts warehouse.

"Our well-established system with established small load carriers and AGV connection had to be seamlessly integrated into the new AutoStore solution. HÖRMANN was the ideal partner with the necessary interface expertise for robotics and software integration," confirms Jonas Wilhelm, Logistics Project Manager at Siemens. Sebastian Behrens from HÖRMANN adds: "The SLC gripping concept and system integration were particularly challenging. We are delighted that we were able to implement this pioneering concept together with the Siemens project team and thus ensure even more efficient processes."

Detailed information on the project: AutoStore KLT picking robot Siemens | HÖRMANN Intralogistics |

The system was successfully handed over in November 2025. In the new reference clip, we follow the project team from valve production to AGVs to the tried-and-tested AutoStore system and the warehouse team's new colleague, SLC picking robot "Stephan":