Kardex has released BinInductAI, a vision-based induction station for AutoStore automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) that inspects every bin before it enters the grid. It's designed to improve accuracy and shorten the induction process during installation and go-live.

Operators place a bin in the induction port, and the system uses cameras and AI image analysis to confirm the bin is present, inspect its walls and robot pickup holes for damage, and verify the barcode is readable. Once the barcode checks out, BinInductAI confirms with the AutoStore system that the bin isn't already registered before sending the insertion command, so operators no longer need to scan bins or perform manual pre-checks.

Bin induction is one of the more repetitive, manual steps of an AutoStore installation, and a damaged, dirty, or duplicate bin that slips through can cause disruptions once the system is up and running. By automating the inspection, BinInductAI applies the same quality checks to every bin regardless of who's operating the port, while freeing operators from scanning during an already busy startup phase. Kardex says the system reduces on-site induction time by up to 30%.

BinInductAI joins Kardex's growing lineup of AutoStore add-ons, which also includes the PortScale weighing solution and the Intuitive Picking Assistant.