Neither AutoStore nor shuttle AS/RS is the right choice for every warehouse. AutoStore is worth evaluating when dense storage, an irregular floorplan and incremental scaling matter most. Shuttle systems may fit tall buildings with predictable, high-volume tote, case, sequencing or buffering workflows. The better choice depends on a site-specific design tested against your inventory, peak workload, building constraints, integration needs and lifecycle costs—not a headline throughput or density claim.
How the two systems work
AutoStore: robots working over a bin grid
AutoStore stores products in bins stacked within a cube-shaped grid. Robots travel on top of the grid, retrieve bins and bring them to workstations called ports. If the needed bin is below other bins, robots first move the bins above it—a process often called bin digging. Products must fit the system’s bins.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
AutoStore says its grid can be configured around obstacles such as corners and pillars, and reports that about 60% of its systems are installed in brownfield facilities. That is a vendor-reported figure, with no year stated on its FAQ page; it is not a guarantee that a particular existing building can accommodate a proposed design.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Shuttle AS/RS: vehicles operating in storage aisles
Shuttle AS/RS describes a family of designs, not one standard configuration. Vehicles run on rails through fixed storage aisles and move totes or other loads to lifts, conveyors or workstations. Systems can be designed for goods-to-person picking, replenishment, buffering, sequencing, mixed loads, full-case fulfillment or break-pack work.
#1 Best Overall
- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
- PREMIUM SERIES SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH KIT - 3 Sheet Model with a moderate difficulty level. Once assembled, dimensions are 3.54 W x 4.13 L x 6.70 H inches. 1:342 Scale.
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions
- HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all.
Honeywell describes its own shuttle solution for cases, trays and totes, with a stated load range up to 140 lb. That figure applies to Honeywell’s described system; it should not be treated as a general limit for shuttle AS/RS. See Honeywell’s AS/RS overview and Element Logic’s 2025 comparison.
Compare the systems against your operation
| Decision factor | AutoStore | Shuttle AS/RS |
|---|---|---|
| Building geometry | A dense grid may work around some obstacles and irregular floorplans, subject to a site-specific design. | Aisles and lifts shape the layout; multiple levels can make use of a tall building. |
| Space use | There are no fixed storage aisles inside the grid. Element Logic claims AutoStore can provide up to four times the density of shuttle systems, but this is an integrator’s comparison, not a universal result. Validate how each bidder defines density for your building. | Aisles and pre-zones can reduce storage density, while vertical height can be useful. |
| Throughput | Capacity depends on the complete design, including robots, ports, grid area, software and how often bins must be moved to reach the requested inventory. | High throughput per aisle may suit parallel flows. Lift capacity and aisle count can constrain the overall system. |
| Inventory and loads | Inventory has to fit the selected bin dimensions. Check product dimensions and weight alongside SKU velocity and replenishment patterns. | Load formats vary by system. Honeywell’s described solution supports cases, trays and totes up to 140 lb; that is not a category-wide specification. |
| Scaling and variability | AutoStore says robots, ports, bins and grid can be added, including during normal operation. Confirm what expansion means for the proposed installation. | Adding aisles, shuttles or lifts may involve infrastructure changes or downtime. Aisle-based parallelism may suit steady, high-volume flows. |
| Maintenance and recovery | AutoStore says its high-throughput product has no single point of failure. Ask bidders to document redundancy and recovery for the specific design. | Access to an aisle can be constrained during maintenance. Ask about spare vehicles, lifts, access and recovery procedures. |
| Software and integration | AutoStore documents standard APIs for WMS communication. Establish which system owns warehouse execution, controls and each interface. | Honeywell describes integration with its Momentum WES and other business systems. Confirm interfaces and responsibilities for the project being proposed. |
The density comparison above comes from Element Logic, an integrator, and the available comparison is not an independent, consistently defined benchmark. The same caution applies to vendor performance claims generally. Ask bidders to define the system boundary and use the same assumptions. A rate should say whether it counts bin presentations, picks, orders or cases per hour, and disclose assumptions about shifts, uptime, ports, staffing, order mix and replenishment.
Rank #2
- Replica of the tile structure
- Detailed cockpit
- Cockpit canopy optionally removable
- 2 crew figures
- Opening cargo bay doors
What to bring to a design session
Provide each vendor and integrator with the same operating profile. These questions help turn a broad technology comparison into a proposal you can assess:
- What are the required average and peak rates? How are those translated into bin presentations, picks, orders and cases per hour?
- What are the SKU count, product dimensions and weights, demand distribution, replenishment pattern and share of slow-moving inventory?
- What usable floor area and clear height are available? Where are columns, fire systems, docks, egress routes and structural constraints?
- How will the design perform at peak demand and if SKU counts or order patterns change?
- What is inside the quoted system boundary: storage hardware, robots or shuttles, lifts, conveyors, ports, software, WMS/WES integration, controls, installation and commissioning?
- What maintenance access, recovery procedures, spare parts and lifecycle service coverage are included?
- What expansion would require shutdown, construction or changes to other operations?
- What assumptions drive total cost of ownership, including labor, energy, maintenance, software, downtime, building work and financing?
How to compare proposals fairly
Do not use a single vendor’s headline number as a proxy for the other system’s performance. Request a site-specific simulation and proposals built around the same inventory, order mix, peak workload, operating hours and uptime assumptions. Require bidders to disclose the system boundary, metric definitions and what is included in their price and service plan.
Rank #3
- Highly Detailed Replica: Expertly crafted in 1:200 scale, this Discovery Full Stack model is an authentic replica made out of resin and its design for collectors ages 14+.
- Resin Construction: Crafted from resin with intricate detailing, creating a distinctive collectible model for display.
- Display Stand Included: Comes with a high quality display stand that will elevate your aviation collection.
- Detailed Scale Model: The size of this piece makes it the perfect model to display anywhere. Measures approximately 11 inches long and a wingspan of 4.5 inches.
- Executive Series by Daron: Part of the Executive Series by Daron, featuring highly detailed historical replicas made of resin. Made for both space and military aviation collectors and enthusiasts.
No independent, consistently defined like-for-like cost or throughput figure establishes a universal winner. Without comparable project assumptions, a claimed density advantage or capacity figure cannot establish your return on investment or payback. Compare lifecycle economics using the same treatment of labor, energy, maintenance, software, downtime, building work and financing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose based on the constraints that matter most
AutoStore may be a stronger candidate when
- Dense storage and use of an irregular or brownfield footprint are priorities.
- Your products fit the selected bins.
- You want to evaluate modular additions of robots, ports, bins or grid as needs change.
A shuttle system may be a stronger candidate when
- Your building’s clear height and aisle layout suit a multi-level design.
- You need tote, case or tray handling for high-volume picking, sequencing, buffering or replenishment.
- Your flows are predictable enough to benefit from aisle-based parallel capacity.
These are screening points, not a substitute for engineering. The design, workload and service model can change the outcome. Compare proposals from vendors and integrators that show how the specific system will meet your peak requirements and recover from faults.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This Space Mission toy set includes a Boeing 747 and a space shuttle, offering authentic representations of iconic spacecraft from both past and present.
- Each toy is individually packaged, making it perfect for gifting or collecting.
- Designed to inspire imaginative play, allowing kids to recreate space missions and aircraft journeys.
- Ideal for children ages 3 and up, encouraging both learning and fun through hands-on play.
- Great for space and aviation enthusiasts, helping to foster an interest in science and exploration.
Rank #4
- ICONIC NASA ARTEMIS I ROCKET MODEL KIT - Recreate the historic Artemis I mission with this highly detailed 1:144 scale Space Launch System (SLS)—a must-have for space enthusiasts, collectors, and model builders.
- AUTHENTIC MULTI-STAGE DETAILING - Features twin solid rocket boosters, detailed core stage with external hydrogen lines, separate stage assembly, and four RS‑25 engines for a realistic, true-to-life build.
- IMPRESSIVE 28" DISPLAY CENTERPIECE - Standing nearly 28 inches tall, this model delivers a striking vertical display that commands attention in any room, office, or collection.
- SKILL LEVEL 4 – ADVANCED BUILD EXPERIENCE - Designed for experienced hobbyists ages 12+ seeking a challenging, rewarding project with intricate parts and detailed assembly.
- READY FOR CUSTOM PAINT FINISH - Molded in light gray plastic so you can paint and detail to your exact preferences for a museum-quality appearance. (Paint & glue required, not included.)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
