The Robot Builders

We often consider that robots are the futuristic alternative to people. The fact that Robots have the potential to be stronger, faster, and more efficient than people has inspired the imagination of sci-fi writers and ordinary people the world over. But what we often neglect to discuss when we consider the super-human capabilities of robots, is the very human reality of the people that make them. Without these people the mind-bending technological leaps that they enable would be impossible.

So, who are the people behind the machines?

More than 400 people contribute to the production of AutoStore Robots. This diverse workforce is based in a 16,000m² (172,000 sq) assembly and warehouse facility in Koszalin, Poland. The staff here work tirelessly to provide state-of-the-art automation technology as part of expert teams that focus on specific elements of the production process. They work together to assemble the range of robots and workstations that we offer to our customers. Currently, this includes the very latest AutoStore product – the R5 Pro. The R5 Pro was launched in October 2023 and boasts enhanced productivity and faster charging to optimize it for the very largest of fulfillment operations.

The team responsible for building the R5 Pro and other robots in the AutoStore product line can produce up to 100 robots per day. From this small corner of Poland, these Robots are then shipped all over the globe to support some of the world’s biggest brands. As such, the people of Koszalin have a unique role in the delivery of technology that saves time, money, and space for our customers. They play a key part in improving the fulfillment experience of people the world over and contribute to a future where the environmental impact of the logistics industry is minimized.

The production Fore(wo)man and her experienced crew

Anna Lisztwan is one of this skilled group of people. She is a Production Manager or Fore(wo)man of AutoStore’s production facility in Koszalin. After starting at an entry level on the production line itself, she has progressed in her career to manage 16 Team Leaders with responsibility for all those working in the production area.

On Anna’s team is Senior Production Worker, Robert Kowalczyk. Robert has been with AutoStore for 12 years and is part of a select group of just under 20 staff who have worked with AutoStore production for over a decade. Throughout this period, they have handled, assembled, and tested products ranging from our early prototypes to the latest R5 Pro.  

Robert has interacted with many of our products over the years and says that “while a lot has changed, equally a lot remains the same”. This is testament to the guiding design principles of our products – to champion simplicity and scalability. Our products themselves are still heavily based on the initial innovations of founders who sought to champion robotics and modular storage solutions to minimize air stored within warehouses. Today our research and development teams take those principles and continue to innovate as they work towards future products.

It’s a family affair

With the assembly facility and warehouse offering a significant employment opportunity for the local area, it is perhaps unsurprising that amongst the team you can find that a passion for robotics runs in the family.

Kamila Burska and Aleksandra Burska are twin sisters who work together on the assembly lines in Koszalin. Aleksandra joined the company first and after finding herself at home with the AutoStore team, recommended her sister to join too. Kamila joined a few months later and works as part of the production kits team. She says that it’s the people that make AutoStore unique. There are many opportunities to connect with people across the company, and when they do meet, Kamila highlights the positive energy and good fun that can always be felt. Kamila and Aleksandra also have a younger sister who they hope may one day also work at AutoStore, as the Burska family gradually takes over the production floor.

Building careers for the future

It is a great source of pride for AutoStore that people who work with us recommend the company as a positive place to work. We aim to provide a safe and rewarding workplace for our people, wherever they are in the world and whatever their specialist area is. In Poland that has meant the launch of a new career development program that will offer those interested the chance to boost their skills and progress to new positions within the company.

The Legendary Program is a multi-step program that enables AutoStore production employees to develop their skills in a range of topics from quality assurance to lean working. They will work with experienced instructors to build competencies that will help them progress in their careers within and beyond AutoStore. Ensuring our employees have opportunities to grow and develop is crucial, as we can only make extraordinary robots with extraordinary people.