Robotics company Freespace Robotics has entered into a strategic partnership and investment from the Automation Solutions business of Matthews International Corporation. The partnership combines Freespace Robotics’ high-density, dynamic storage cube with Matthews’ software, unlocking advanced warehouse and last-mile operations capabilities.
Freespace develops autonomous robotics solutions for the logistics and warehousing industry, while Matthews develops warehouse automation and execution software.
Together the two companies say they are poised to strengthen core processes and improve KPIs for efficiency, scalability, throughput and cost-effectiveness.
“This partnership bridges the gap between cutting-edge hardware and proven software,” said Matthews SVP Gary Cash. “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,” he added. “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.”
The collaboration will emphasise software interoperability and multi-system integration driven by customer need. Together, the companies aim to address the challenges of fragmented cross-docking operations and meet the specialised needs and workflows in sectors like 3PL, e-commerce, food, beverage, manufacturing and industrials.
“Software innovation has outpaced hardware advancements in warehouse automation,” Freespace CEO Robert J. Szczerba. “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.”
Key benefits of Matthews Automation’s turn-key software suite paired with Freespace Robotics’ AS/RS:
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End-to-end task management: Seamlessly integrates with industry-standard WMS platforms like Manhattan, Oracle, and SAP to handle inventory management, order picking, and replenishment;
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Scalable, modular design: Adapts to diverse facility configurations, 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 demolition, retrofitting, or new builds;
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Cost-effective maintenance: Robotics and components are positioned outside the cube for easy servicing, while domestically sourced parts ensure reliability, availability and resilience;
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Versatile inventory handling: Supports standard and large trays, full cases, and individual each-picks, accommodating loads up to 100 pounds;
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Sustainable operation: Powered by rail systems, eliminating costly and fire-prone battery dependencies while reducing environmental costs, fire risk, and insurance outlays;
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Shipping buffers: Optimises operations with seamless sorting, buffering and sequencing in a single process inside the cube for timed delivery to docks;
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Cross-docking operations: Reduces labour, equipment needs, and operational footprints while improving safety on the floor;
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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, minimising shift time, labour and fuel costs and mid-route rescheduling.
