News 2026
Reference Siemens Rastatt
AutoStore system with fully automatic small load carrier goods receipt
When established production processes meet modern warehouse technology: At Siemens Rastatt, HÖRMANN Intralogistics has developed a pioneering solution that stores small load carriers fully automatically in an AutoStore system for the first time. An innovation that overcomes system boundaries and sets new standards in intralogistics.
The concept
Combining decades-old production structures with new technology
Siemens Rastatt was faced with a complex challenge: the over 30-year-old automated small parts warehouse (Miniload system) had to be replaced, but production had been working with established small load carriers (SLCs) in four different types for decades. Although AutoStore is a state-of-the-art storage technology that offers maximum efficiency, it is a closed system - the containers of which must never leave the grid.
Conventional solutions would have meant either complex manual repacking processes from SLCs to AutoStore containers with high personnel costs and the risk of errors, or a complete conversion of the established production processes. Neither of these was an option for Siemens.
The solution in detail
Fully automated bin-in-bin technology with maximum precision
The AutoStore core system with 23,000 bin capacity and eight Red Line robots forms the basis of the solution. Six conveyor ports ensure an efficient material flow with 100 retrievals per hour for production and 60 for customer order picking.
The heart of the innovation is the specially developed robot cell: a KUKA robot with MechMind 3D vision technology recognizes four different KLT types and positions them in AutoStore containers with millimetre precision. The 3D camera automatically compensates for tolerances and ensures error-free placement.
The fully automated process sequence: AGILOX driverless transport vehicles deliver the KLTs pallet by pallet. The robot cell removes them precisely and feeds up to 55 SLCs per hour into the AutoStore grid. Integrated barcode readers and weight checks check every container - non-compliant ones are automatically ejected.
The INXPECT radar security system with multi-level airlocks, light grids and roller shutters ensures 24/7 operation without personnel. The reverse process - the removal of empty SLCs - is also fully automated.
Objectives and challenges of the project:
- Fully automated integration of four different types of small load carriers into the AutoStore system
- Replacement of the 30-year-old miniload warehouse without interrupting operations
- Continued high level of relief for warehouse personnel
- Maintaining the proven production processes with established small load carriers
- Realization of personnel-free 24/7Automated operation
- Seamless SAP EWM integration for consistent material flow control
- Highest precision with different container sizes and weights
Facts & Figures
| AutoStore system | SLC robotic picking cell |
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"We were looking to integrate our well-established system with standardized SLCs and AGV connection with the new AutoStore system. HÖRMANN proved to be the ideal partner with the necessary interface expertise for robotics and software integration."
Jonas Wilhelm
Project Manager Logistics, Siemens Rastatt
About Siemens Rastatt
Siemens AG is a global technology group with a focus on industry, infrastructure, mobility and healthcare. At its Rastatt site, Siemens develops and produces innovative solutions for automation technology (with a focus on valves) and relies on state-of-the-art logistics concepts.
Reference film
Fully automated AutoStore system with SLC picking robot cell at Siemens
Contact us
Are you already an AutoStore user or about to take the step towards automation? Feel free to contact our project planning experts without obligation. We will analyze your requirements for full automation with picking robots and Autostore and give you an initial price point.
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Warehouse logistics reconnected – How integrated systems reliably control material flowu vernetzt - Wie integrierte Systeme den Materialfluss zuverlässig steuern
Networked warehouse logistics is the key to stable material flows. Integrated systems connect storage areas, replace isolated solutions and create transparency at all interfaces. Clear processes and overarching control ensure that technology, IT and manual processes interact smoothly – for reliable throughput and significantly higher performance!
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Warehouse logistics reconnected
How integrated systems reliably control material flow
Find out why isolated solutions slow down warehouses and what steps pave the way to future-proof, networked warehouse logistics.
Topics & tools:
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- Isolated systems – the invisible brakes in the warehouse
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Our Multi-Solution Warehouse Projects
Modernization of the existing warehouse with an AutoStore® system
BLG Handelslogistics: Modern AutoStore® and container conveyor technology at the Ochtrup site
BLG Handelslogistik GmbH & Co. KG, is installing a new AutoStore® system and container conveyor technology for the storage and transportation of clothing and accessories at its site in Ochtrup. HÖRMANN Intralogistics has modernized the entire system in an existing warehouse and achieved great efficiency. Performance remains stable even with high loads and strongly fluctuating throughput requirements.
The concept
BLG Handelslogistik GmbH & Co. KG, is building a new AutoStore® system and container conveyor technology for the storage and transportation of clothing and accessories at its site in Ochtrup. The entire system will be installed in an existing warehouse with a clear height of 11,500 mm up to the interfering contour on the ceiling. All Carouselports on the AutoStore® system are equipped so that goods can be received or picked at any time.
Project goals and challenges:
BLG Logistics needed a solution that:
- enables a high storage density on existing space,
- reduces search and travel times,
- automation for growing requirements
- efficient material flow - digitalization and just-in-time delivery
The solution in detail
A compact AutoStore® system was implemented for Christ Packing Systems that is precisely tailored to the spatial and process-related requirements of the site.
The system comprises:
- 48 AutoStore® robots for dynamic storage and retrieval
- 9 ergonomic carousel ports for goods receipt & picking
- 95.500 bins for structured and maximally compacted article organization
- A grid measuring 76.3 × 30.4 × 5.4 m, optimally fitted into the hall environment
In order to minimize the number of outgoing goods workstations and robots, the logistics data provided was analysed and the picking orders were combined using special batch formation algorithms. This makes it possible for a single employee to process up to eight picking orders simultaneously at one Carousel port.
Facts & key figures
| AutoStore® warehouse |
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About BLG Handelslogistik GmbH & Co. KG
BLG Logistics is a logistics service provider that offers customer-oriented solutions in warehouse and distribution logistics.
The location serves customers from the fashion and accessories sectors.
Contact us
Do you recognize yourself in the BLG Logistics story with challenges and possible solutions for your own company? Feel free to contact our project planning experts without obligation. We will give you an assessment of your current and optimized material flow, automation options and an initial target price.
1.000th AutoStore® robot as a milestone at the Ottobeuren site
Christ Packing System: Modernization of small parts logistics with an AutoStore® system
At its Ottobeuren site, Christ Packing Systems GmbH & Co. KG has modernized its small parts logistics with a compact AutoStore® system. The solution implemented by HÖRMANN Intralogistics improves material supply for mechanical engineering and enables efficient, process-reliable organization of all small parts while at the same time providing a high degree of flexibility for future requirements.
The concept
Christ Packing Systems GmbH & Co. KG, based in Ottobeuren, is one of the leading manufacturers of packaging and automation solutions for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The company decided to introduce an AutoStore® system in order to cope with the constantly increasing number of variants and the growing requirements for precise production supply.
The aim was to modernize small parts logistics, stabilize processes and sustainably increase efficiency in the internal material flow with a highly compact, automated solution.
Objectives and challenges of the project:
Christ Packing Systems needed a solution that:
- provide a high storage density in a minimal space,
- provide all small parts quickly and reliably,
- drastically reduce search and travel times,
- increase process reliability and minimize sources of error,
- integrate into the existing building structure,
- and at the same time remain scalable to allow for future growth.
In addition, the system had to be integrated into ongoing operations
without disrupting current production processes.
The solution in detail
A compact AutoStore® system was implemented for Christ Packing Systems that is precisely tailored to the spatial and process-related requirements of the site.
The system comprises:
- 5 AutoStore® robots for dynamic storage and retrieval
- 4 ergonomic conveyor ports for goods receipt & picking
- 4.934 bins for structured and maximally compacted article organization
- A grid with dimensions of 10.70 × 10.00 × 4.76 m, optimally fitted into the hall environment
- An integrated service platform for maintenance and operational accessibility
A special feature of the system is the installation of the golden 1,000th AutoStore® robot, which HÖRMANN Intralogistics has delivered as part of its customer projects. This milestone underlines the importance of the project and the long-term experience in AutoStore integration.
The robots work continuously on the grid, bringing the totes directly to the ports and enabling fast, ergonomic picking. Automatic container management ensures a high level of process reliability and transparency. The system has a modular design and can be expanded at any time if required.
Facts & key figures
| AutoStore® warehouse |
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"We are delighted - the space savings are enormous, the space utilization is absolutely efficient and the speed is impressive."
Daniel Kuhn & Felix Kaufmann
Project Managers in Operations, Christ Packing Systems GmbH & Co. KG
About Christ Packing Systems
Christ Packing Systems develops and manufactures high-quality packaging and automation solutions for customers
in the pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetics, food and non-food industries. With a high level of vertical integration and many years of experience, the company
realizes tailor-made end-of-line packaging systems and supports its customers worldwide
with precise and reliable technology.
Results and benefits
With the AutoStore® system, Christ Packing Systems has a much more compact storage structure that enables a higher number of items to be stored in the same space. Automatic container provision shortens internal processes and reduces manual search and travel times. At the same time, the standardized container organization ensures clearly defined processes and traceable inventory management.
The feedback from Christ Packing Systems clearly reflects the effect of the new solution: thanks to the compact system architecture of Autostore, more usable space is now available, and the higher provisioning speed ensures a stable supply for production. This gives Christ Packing Systems a reliable, easily expandable basis for future requirements.
Contact us
Do you see yourself in the Christ Packing story with challenges and possible solutions for your own business? Feel free to contact our project planning experts without obligation. We will give you an assessment of your current and optimized material flow, automation options and an initial target price.