Since the inception of the first automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) in a European warehouse in 1962, the evolution of warehousing has been marked by technological advancements. Today, the UK stands at the forefront of this transformation, with AS/RS playing a pivotal role in redefining warehouse operations.

The UK's Ascendancy in Warehouse Automation

The UK's warehouse automation market is experiencing unprecedented growth. Projections indicate that by 2033, the market is expected to reach USD 5.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% during ​2025-2033[1]​. As consumer demand for faster delivery and operational efficiency intensifies, warehouse automation, particularly automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), is becoming indispensable across industries.

Strategic Imperatives Driving AS/RS Adoption

Several factors are propelling UK businesses toward AS/RS integration:

Labour Shortages: The UK's logistics sector faces significant labour constraints, exacerbated by Brexit and an aging workforce. Automation mitigates these challenges by reducing dependency on manual labour[2].

Rising Operational Costs: With increasing wage bills and national insurance contributions, retailers are turning to automation to enhance efficiency and control costs.[3]

Space Optimisation: Urban warehousing demands efficient space utilisation. AS/RS solutions enable high-density storage, maximising available space and reducing the need for expansive facilities.

A Wide Range of AS/RS Solutions, Tailored for UK Industries

The versatility of AS/RS technologies allows for tailored solution design, taking specific requirements and parameters of different verticals into account:

Retail & E-commerce: High-density storage systems and mobile robots facilitate rapid order fulfilment, essential for meeting next-day delivery expectations and challenging cut-off times.

Industrial Distribution: Vertical lift modules and unit-load systems manage a diverse range of products, enhancing inventory accuracy and throughput.

Food & Beverage: Temperature-controlled AS/RS solutions ensure product integrity, crucial for perishable goods.

Life Sciences: Precision and compliance are paramount. AS/RS provides secure, traceable storage environments for sensitive materials.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Sustainability

Beyond operational gains, AS/RS contribute to sustainability goals. Energy-efficient systems, such as those employed by AutoStore, consume minimal power, aligning with the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions[4].

Conclusion: Embracing Automation for a Competitive Edge

In an era where agility and efficiency are paramount, AS/RS are a cornerstone of modern warehousing. For UK businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge, investing in automation is not merely an option — it is a strategic necessity. By automating their operations with AS/RS, companies can navigate the complexities of today’s intralogistics landscape, ensuring resilience and sustained growth in the years ahead. Sustainable value from AS/RS automation initiatives is only realised when the solution is tailored to a company’s fulfilment ecosystem. This is where FORTNA can help: we apply a best-fit technology approach — a rigorous, data-driven methodology that that puts each customer’s unique business goals, operational requirements, and growth trajectory first. Rather than promoting a proprietary portfolio, we remain solution independent, designing automation strategies that integrate the right blend of AS/RS technologies from any source, whether shuttle systems, vertical lifts, or autonomous mobile robots.

By fully committing to operational performance and aligning automation with business strategy, FORTNA delivers future-proof warehousing and distribution — built not just for today, but for what comes next.

Article by Mark Pickerill, FORTNA, VP, Solutions Design, International. 

About the author:

Mark Pickerill is VP Solutions Design, at FORTNA International. Based on his day-to-day work implementing solution designs for global clients with his team, he reflects on the key operational factors driving the adoption of AS/RS locally, in the UK - and the lessons learnt from practical implementation.