In this episode of Interlinks I’m joined by Clemens Schoeller, VP of Global Consulting and Business Development at AutoStore — a global pioneer in modular, cube-based warehouse automation systems, with over 1,600 systems deployed in 60+ countries.

We explore:

• Clemens’ personal journey through engineering, consulting, and automation leadership
• How AutoStore balances its identity between software intelligence and hardware performance
• The impact of labor shortages, real estate pressures, and customer service demands on logistics
• Emerging models like robotics-as-a-service, flexible system scaling, and AI-driven predictive picking
• The role of integrators and the importance of early cross-functional alignment in implementation success

This conversation reveals how demographic shifts, societal expectations, and rapid technological advancement are pushing companies toward more modular, adaptive automation. From labour retention challenges to the rise of speculative AI-driven order fulfillment, it’s clear: resilient operations now require systems that are not only efficient but responsive, scalable, and integrated. Leaders must move beyond cost optimization and embrace automation as a strategic enabler of agility and business continuity.

📲 Find me on LinkedIn or join the conversation on Reddit r/InterlinksPodcast. If your business is facing challenges with automation — strategically or tactically — reach out. I’m always open to a conversation about how I can help you bridge global complexity and local execution.

Why Modular Automation is Gaining Ground

• Labour scarcity, retention risks, and negative job perception in logistics
• Urban real estate constraints demand higher density, smaller-footprint systems
• Evolving SLAs and customer expectations call for faster, more precise fulfillment

AutoStore’s Market Position

• Straddles hardware (robotics, bins) and software (routing algorithms, uptime AI)
• Operates via global partner integrator network — never sells directly to end users
• Offers an agnostic consultancy layer for complex, multi-tech projects

Shift from Efficiency to Resilience

• From ROI based on labour replacement to ROI based on volatility response
• Demand for “breathing” systems that flex with throughput changes
• Increased use of vehicle-based robotics, AMRs, and modular capacity scaling

Financial Innovation in Automation Adoption

• Growing interest in leasing, RaaS (Robotics-as-a-Service), and asset-light models
• Questions of asset resale, residual value, and upgrade pathways becoming central

Pitfalls and Best Practices in Implementation

• Avoid siloed decisions — logistics must engage IT, security, and finance early
• IT is now often a gatekeeper in automation decisions (security, integration)
• Use external consultants where internal capability is thin

AI and the Future of Fulfillment

• Predictive picking based on weather, seasonality, and demand AI
• Enhanced inventory positioning and dynamic slotting
• Greater integration between order systems and robotic workflows

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