Nowaste Logistics Installed AutoStore AutoCase System
The pilot program automates manual buffer handling for incoming apparel cartons within the logistics warehouse.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Robotics
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Nowaste Logistics became the first company globally to pilot the AutoCase system, a technology supplied by Swisslog that was installed during the summer of 2026. This system automates the processing of apparel cartons arriving from Asia by storing them directly upon receipt.
Why it matters
The system eliminates manual buffer handling for imported apparel, directly addressing the bottleneck of carton processing in international supply chains. This deployment marks a shift toward higher automation for bulk goods receipt within the Nordic region.
The system functions by storing cartons directly within the AutoStore grid upon arrival, allowing them to be retrieved as full cases for shipment or redirected for individual order fulfillment. The implementation is currently undergoing testing to validate handling across various carton sizes and types.
The players
Nowaste Logistics
A logistics firm based in the Nordic region that specializes in high-volume apparel supply chain management.
AutoStore
A manufacturer of modular, robot-driven storage and retrieval systems that utilize high-density cubic warehouse architectures.
Swisslog
A global provider of warehouse automation solutions that integrates robot systems with software and material handling equipment.
The details
The AutoCase system integrates directly with the AutoStore structure—a dense, cubic storage grid where robots move on top to retrieve containers. By enabling the system to manage full cartons, Nowaste Logistics replaces the traditional manual buffer where workers move apparel manually from shipping containers into storage. This automation removes the labor-intensive step of manual carton sorting.
Timeline
Autumn 2025: The AutoCase solution was launched.
Summer 2026: The system was installed at the Nowaste Logistics warehouse.
The Tech Race
This deployment evolves the standard AutoStore grid, which traditionally focused on picking individual units, to handle larger supply chain packaging. It signals a move by automation providers to compete with manual pallet and carton handling systems currently dominant in retail distribution.
Retailers and logistics operators should monitor the system's performance results as the testing phase concludes to determine the potential for wide-scale adoption. Once in full operation, the system will primarily affect apparel supply workflows by streamlining bulk intake processes.
The takeaway
The transition from manual buffering to automated carton processing is a critical milestone for retail logistics efficiency. Watch for the completion of the current testing phase, which will determine the viability of scaling this system across broader apparel supply chains.
Further reading
For more on how high-density storage is shifting distribution, see our coverage of Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Warehouse & Logistics News | Warehouse and Logistics News is the magazine for the UK warehouse and logistics industry.
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