Freespace Robotics have announced a strategic partnership and investment from the Automation Solutions business of Matthews International Corporation, a provider of warehouse automation software, controls, and order fulfillment systems.
This partnership combines Freespace Robotics’ groundbreaking high-density, dynamic storage cube together with Matthews’ industry-leading software, unlocking transformative capabilities for warehouse fulfillment and last-mile operations.
Advancing Automation for Warehouse and Last-Mile Operations
Leveraging its longtime expertise in autonomous robotics for material handling and logistics, Freespace Robotics has developed an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that incorporates traditionally external conveyor functions—including sortation, sequencing, each-picking, order buffering, and pre-staging—into a seamless, high-turnover, small-footprint, high-rise end-to-end solution. The system is designed to address the evolving needs of warehousing, e-commerce, 3PL, and last-mile logistics.
By integrating with Matthews Automation’s software suite and dashboard, the solution unifies product information, thereby enabling real-time inventory visibility and the seamless coordination of inbound and outbound material flows, for unmatched versatility across diverse industries and specialized workflows. Together, the two companies are poised to strengthen core processes and improve KPIs for efficiency, scalability, throughput and cost-effectiveness.
Strategic Alignments of Hardware and Software for Scalable Automation
Gary Cash, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Matthews Automation Solutions, highlighted the value of combining advanced hardware and software to improve warehouse operations, noting, “This partnership bridges the gap between cutting-edge hardware and proven software,” said Gary Cash, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Matthews Automation. “Freespace Robotics brings next-generation automated hardware advancements that complement and extend our software’s capabilities to achieve unprecedented order management and task efficiency in warehouse operations. Over the last decade, customers have experimented with automating some or all their logistics and warehouse operations, to varying degrees. Today they are more discerning in their choices and investments. We see Freespace as delivering on the promise of greater versatility and performance with a smart systems approach and the higher ROI customers expect.”
Addressing Industry Challenges Through System Integration
The partnership will focus on software interoperability and multi-system integration, allowing the combined solution to address customer challenges such as complex warehouse workflows and fragmented cross-docking operations in industries such as 3PL, e-commerce, food and beverage, manufacturing, and industrial logistics.
Robert J. Szczerba, CEO of Freespace Robotics, emphasized the importance of aligning software and hardware advancements to improve warehouse automation performance, noting, “Software innovation has outpaced hardware advancements in warehouse automation. Our system closes that gap by delivering unparalleled performance, flexibility and scalability in a more sustainable solution. Matthews’ expertise and proven software enhance our system, enabling us to supercharge automation for the most demanding industries while offering a more attractive total cost of ownership.”
Combined System Capabilities and Operational Benefits
The key benefits of Matthews Automation’s turnkey software suite paired with Freespace Robotics’ AS/RS include:
- End-to-End Task Management – Seamless integration with industry-standard WMS platforms, including Manhattan, Oracle, and SAP to handle inventory management, order picking, and replenishment.
- Modular, Scalable Design – Adaptability to diverse facility configurations, including uneven floors, and unconventional layouts with high-rise options up to 70 feet. The modular rack design enables vertical and horizontal expansion to meet future business requirements, unknown demands and changing product characteristics without requirements for demolition, retrofitting, or new builds.
- Cost-Effective Maintenance and Ease of Service – Robotics and components are positioned outside the cube for easy servicing, while domestically sourced parts ensure reliability, availability and resilience.
- Versatile Inventory Handling – Accommodates standard and large trays, full cases, and individual each-picks, with load capacities of up to 100 pounds.
- Sustainable Operation – Powered by rail systems, eliminating battery dependencies and reducing fire risks, operational costs, and insurance outlays.
- Shipping Buffers – Optimized operations with seamless sorting, buffering and sequencing in a single process inside the cube for timed delivery to docks
- Cross-Docking Operations – Reduced labor, equipment needs, and operational footprints while improving safety on the floor.
- Last-Mile Delivery Potential – A mobile version brings goods directly to drivers in dolly order, eliminating the need to enter the trucks. This offers breakthrough performance for multi-stop delivery operations, minimizing shift time, labor and fuel costs and mid-route rescheduling.
Investment and Industry Presence
As part of this new partnership, Matthews Automation Solutions has joined both U.S. Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) and NFI Industries as corporate investors in Freespace Robotics. Matthews’ expertise in warehouse automation, execution software, and 24/7 system support complements Freespace Robotics’ technology-driven approach, positioning the companies to advance industry standards for efficiency and adaptability.
About Freespace Robotics
Freespace Robotics, a spin-out of venture studio Carnegie Foundry, develops autonomous robotics solutions for logistics and warehousing. The company focuses on high-density, modular storage and retrieval systems, integrating advanced robotics and AI-driven automation to optimize order fulfillment and material movement. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Freespace Robotics designs scalable solutions for industries requiring high-efficiency storage and logistics operations.
About Matthews Automation Solutions
Matthews Automation Solutions provides warehouse automation and execution systems for distribution centers and fulfillment operations. The company’s solutions include warehouse execution software, picking technologies, robotics, and conveyor systems, engineered to enhance workflow efficiency and operational uptime. Matthews Automation Solutions operates as part of Matthews International Corporation (NASDAQ: MATW), with locations in Cincinnati, OH; Waukesha, WI; and Estenfeld, Germany.
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Source/Photo Credit: Matthews Automation Solutions
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