In context
In early 2023, e-commerce logistics was under pressure to handle surging order volumes and labor shortages. The integration of robotic piece-picking with automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) was a key trend, but no one had yet combined these technologies seamlessly. This installation marked a milestone in warehouse automation.
What was reported
Sweden's largest online pharmacy, Apotea, automated its logistics center in Morgongåva to handle approximately 50,000 orders per day, with plans to double capacity to 100,000. The center features a world-first integration of Element Logic's eOperator piece-picking robots with an AutoStore system, developed in collaboration with RightHand Robotics.
The installation includes 20,000 bins (expandable to 25,000), 30 AutoStore R5 robots, and four carousel ports, three of which are served by eOperator robots. The system is designed to achieve an initial throughput of 800 order lines per hour. eOperator uses machine learning to determine the optimal grasping strategy for each item, enabling 24/7 operation without lighting.
Apotea's CEO Pär Svärdson emphasized the need for flexibility to handle variations in product size and order intake, while Element Logic's CEO Dag-Adler Blakseth noted benefits such as energy savings, reduced noise, and ergonomic improvements. The facility also features one of Sweden's largest solar cell installations, powering the entire AutoStore system.
Why it mattered
This deployment demonstrated the feasibility of integrating robotic piece-picking with high-density storage, potentially setting a template for other e-commerce and retail operations. It highlighted how automation can enable round-the-clock operations, improve efficiency, and support sustainability goals—key considerations for manufacturers and logistics providers seeking to scale.
"eOperator makes it possible to deliver quickly to customers, even at nights, weekends and bank holidays."
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-02-17 · “Swedish online pharmacy Apotea installs ‘world’s first’ piece-picking solution integrated with AutoStore”