McGill University’s New AutoStore Storing 2 Millions Books
The McGill University Collections Centre is one of the more interesting non-traditional deployments of the AutoStore™ cube-based automated storage and retrieval goods-to-person solution. Instead of supporting high-throughput retail fulfillment, the cube system was designed for ultra-dense archival storage and retrieval of approximately 2.4 million library items inside a climate-controlled preservation facility. Autonomous robots travel across the grid to retrieve storage bins containing books requested through the university library network, demonstrating how AutoStore’s robotic cube storage model can be smartly adapted far beyond conventional warehouse operations.From an automation perspective, the project highlights how cube-based ASRS systems can used as generalized high-density robotic storage infrastructure rather than purely e-commerce fulfillment platforms. The McGill application prioritizes storage density, retrieval accuracy, inventory preservation, and long-term scalability over traditional warehouse KPIs such as picks per hour.
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Two brand-new Kardex Shuttle XP 500 vertical lift modules are available for immediate delivery.
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SoftBank is reportedly selling its remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics to Hyundai Motor Group for US$325 million.
The company had automation. It had robotics. It had government support, customer momentum, press attention, and a massive facility.
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