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Which AutoStore System Is Right for You?

Explore how AutoStore and Pio deliver cube storage automation for businesses of every size.

Pio Blog Which AutoStore System Is Right for You?

2 Min Read

Written by Pio Team

If you're exploring warehouse automation, you’ve likely come across two standout solutions: AutoStore and Pio.

Both are powered by the same industry-leading cube storage technology, but they’re designed to meet different operational needs. AutoStore is built for businesses of all sizes, while Pio is a warehouse automation solution designed specifically for SMBs and mid-sized businesses.

This guide breaks down how they compare, and how to choose the right fit for your business.

One Brand, Two Solutions

AutoStore is the global pioneer in cube storage automation, with over 1,500 systems installed worldwide. Pio is not a separate company, it’s a product line created by AutoStore to bring the same powerful warehouse automation to small and mid-sized businesses in a compact, plug-and-play system.

Both solutions are part of the same brand and technology ecosystem. The difference lies in how they’re delivered.

Feature	AutoStore	Pio
Target Customer	Small, medium, and large operations	Small to mid-sized businesses
System Design	Fully customized	Standardized products (P100–P600)
Installation Time	Typically 6–24 weeks	As fast as 4–12 days
Pricing Model	CapEx or RaaS	Subscription-based (RaaS)
Integration	Custom integrations	Plug-and-play APIs, iPaaS, no-code tools
Scalability	Unlimited	Up to 10,000 Bins, scalable by design
SLAs	Tailored to customer	Standard with premium options

Fast, Scalable Automation, One Step at a Time

It’s important to understand that AutoStore enables fast go-to-market for businesses of all sizes, from compact, high-efficiency deployments to fully customized, high-throughput systems

Pio is a strategic entry point to this technology. With standardized products like the P100, P200, P400, and P600, Pio reduces permitting and installation complexity while maintaining the performance and reliability AutoStore is known for.

As your business grows, you can move to a larger-sized Pio system (P600 is the largest) or transition to a fully customized AutoStore deployment.

Real-world example: Vakre Vene, a fashion retailer in northern Norway, had their Pio system installed and their team fully trained within a single week. Since then, they’ve tripled fulfillment speed, without disrupting operations.

Available Globally: Pio’s Partner Network Backed by AutoStore

We work with a global network of certified Pio partners, including Bastian Solutions, Reesink Logistic Solutions, Element Logic, Kardex, Strongpoint and THG Fulfil, to bring high-performance automated warehouse solutions to SMBs worldwide.
From layout planning to integration and support, our partners help you implement with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a warehouse automated storage and retrieval system?

A warehouse automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) is a type of automation technology that uses robots to store and retrieve goods within a high-density grid. Both AutoStore and Pio use this cube-based automation system to maximize space and improve picking accuracy.

Is Pio part of AutoStore?

Yes. Pio is created by AutoStore, the global leader in cube storage automation. It uses the same trusted technology, but is a plug-and-play version of the technology.

Can I scale my Pio system as my business grows?

Absolutely. Pio was designed with flexibility in mind. Just like AutoStore, you can add Robots, Bins, and Ports as needed, without major reconfiguration. It’s warehouse automation that grows with your business.