Wixom, Michigan – October 8, 2025 – ISD – Integrated Systems Design announces the launch of URBX Automated Storage and Retrieval System, a cube-based robotic ASRS that fundamentally changes how distribution centers, warehouses and manufacturer operations handle high-density storage and fast fulfillment.
The URBX Cube Robotics ASRS system addresses three critical pain points facing warehouse operators: insufficient floor space, unsustainable labor costs, and insufficient production capacity to meet e-commerce and omni-channel delivery demands.
“Traditional ASRS systems require aisles for cranes or forklifts,” says Bob Jones, ISD senior analyst and consultant. “This automated cube system eliminates that waste.” “You’re storing inventory in what was previously empty air. That’s important when you’re paying $15 per square foot.”
summary: ISD’s new URBX Cube robotic ASRS system uses AI-driven robots to navigate the storage network structure, moving vertically and horizontally to store and retrieve bags without any prior mining or sequencing. The system reaches heights of up to 125 feet, handles payloads up to 100 pounds and delivers up to 500 bags or boxes per hour per robot.
The floor space problem is getting worse
Distribution centers and warehouses face a major obstacle, which is the lack of sufficient space. Adding square footage increases inefficiencies and wastes valuable time. Industrial real estate prices continue to rise. Building new facilities takes 18 to 24 months and requires capital expenditures that strain budgets.
At the same time, inventory requirements increase. SKU proliferation forces warehouses to stock more items in more variations. E-commerce returns add to your storage requirements. Safety stock levels rise to protect against supply chain disruptions.
The math doesn’t work. You need 40% more storage capacity but can’t expand your footprint. Traditional solutions—racking configurations, mezzanines, and off-site storage—do not solve the fundamental problem.
“We saw operations inventory in trailers parked in place,” Romine explains. “This is not a storage strategy. This is desperation. You cannot efficiently pick from a trailer 200 yards from your filling stations. I have seen a facility that permanently parks trailers at non-essential dock doors and keeps the doors open and uses them for storage. This creates hazards, congestion and simply points to a much larger problem…lack of floor space.”
How URBX Cube Robotics ASRS changes the equation
The new automated ASRS system ISD URBX Cube works on different principles than the traditional one Crane and walkway And other Cube automated storage systems.
Instead of using cranes that move through fixed aisles, autonomous robots traverse a 3D grid structure. They climb vertically and move horizontally without dedicated travel corridors. Each bot accesses any storage location within the network. The system stores bags in a dense cube arrangement, eliminating the wasted aisle space required by a traditional ASRS system.
Storage density improvements are significant. The cube robotic system typically achieves 3-4 times the storage capacity of traditional racking in the same space. The system reaches heights of up to 125 feet, taking advantage of the vertical space most facilities leave empty.
Each robot handles up to 100 pounds and completes up to 500 presentations per hour. This means 1,000 transactions every hour when accounting for storage and retrieval.
Multiple robots operate simultaneously within the same network architecture, increasing throughput based on demand.
“Think of it as a 3-D chess game,” notes Ed Romaine, vice president of marketing and business development at ISD. “Robots know where every bag or bag is. AI-driven software is constantly optimizing their routes. They stock popular SKUs in accessible locations and move slow movements to deeper locations – automatically, continuously, without human intervention.”
Technical specifications that interest you
System capabilities meet real operational requirements:
Storage performance
• Handles cases and/or hand luggage
• Maximum height: 125 feet
• Load Capacity: Up to 100 lbs per bag
• Bag or case handling rate: 500 per hour per robot
• Transaction rate: 1000 store/retrieve cycles per robot per hour
• Bag and Case Dimensions: Accommodates 6″ to 24″ containers for maximum flexibility
Integration capabilities
• Compatible with standard transportation systems
• Interfaces with warehouse management software (WMS), warehouse control systems (WCS) and/or warehouse execution systems (WES)
• Integrates with existing pick-to-light and goods-to-person transfer techniques
• Integrates with pallets and outbound shipping systems
Operational features
• Machine learning algorithms improve robot tasks and guidance
• AI-based network technology maximizes productivity
• Vision systems detect dimensions, anomalies and barcodes
• Redundant robot fleet ensures continuous operation
System engineering
• Modular design allows for phased implementation
• Scalable configuration grows with business requirements
• Fault-tolerant operation continues during individual robot maintenance
• Remote monitoring allows for predictive maintenance
Real world applications
The Cube automated ASRS system serves many industries facing storage and productivity challenges. E-commerce operations benefit from fast order fulfillment speeds and high inventory visibility. The system handles the selection of partitioned instances efficiently, a critical requirement for direct-to-consumer implementation.
Case handling applications allow organizations to cost-effectively store, sequence, cache, organize and retrieve cases without any human intervention.
Retail distribution centers use technology to process multi-channel orders. The same system fulfills store replenishment orders and individual customer shipments without reconfiguration.
Third-party logistics providers benefit from the flexibility of the system to serve multiple customers from shared facilities. They quickly reconfigure storage allocations as customer requirements change.
Pharmaceutical distributors appreciate the system’s accuracy and inventory control capabilities. This technology provides real-time location tracking and supports first-to-expire (FEFO) picking strategies.
Electronics manufacturers use the system for component storage and processing operations. High-density warehousing accommodates thousands of low-volume SKUs in minimal floor space.
“One auto parts distributor we worked with needed to double its SKU count without expanding its building,” says Romine. “Traditional racking couldn’t do that. The Cube automated system gave them 3.5 times their previous storage capacity in the same space. They canceled a planned facility expansion that would have cost $12 million.”
URBX Cube Robotics ASRS implementation approach
ISD’s OptimalOps-Process framework guides ASRS Robotic Cube implementations from initial evaluation through system validation.
The process begins with a comprehensive data analysis. ISD examines demand profiles, SKU velocity, inventory characteristics, and workflow patterns. This analysis determines the optimal system size and configuration.
The design work takes into account upstream and downstream processes. The Cube ASRS does not operate in isolation, it connects to receiving, picking workstations, packing stations and shipping sorting. ISD designs these integration points for seamless material flow.
Implementation planning addresses operational continuity. Most utilities cannot be turned off to install the system. ISD develops phased deployment strategies that maintain operations during construction and operation.
Training programs prepare employees for new workflows. Technology is changing how workers interact with inventory. Comprehensive training ensures smooth transitions and rapid productivity increases.
“Technology works beautifully — when it’s done right,” Romaine asserts. “Poor integration kills ROI. We’ve seen expensive systems underperform because no one thought about how bags go from receiving to ASRS entry, or how picked orders flow to packing stations. You need integration professionals who understand the entire workflow, not just the equipment.”
ROI Factors for URBX Cube Robotics ASRS
ASRS cube robotic investments typically provide a return on investment through multiple operational improvements:
Labor reduction Manual picking requires workers to travel, search, and retrieve items. The Cube system brings inventory to fixed picking locations. Labor productivity typically improves 3-4 times compared to manual processes.
Optimize space Increasing storage density eliminates expansion requirements. Organizations avoid capital expenditures to build additions or new facilities. Some operations consolidate multiple locations into single automated facilities.
Improve accuracy Automated storage and retrieval eliminates site errors. Vision systems check the contents of the bag. Selection accuracy typically exceeds 99.9%, reducing returns, customer complaints, and return shipping costs.
Production capacity The system scales throughput by adding bots to the network structure. Organizations handle peak volumes without temporary increases in labor or overtime expenses.
View inventory Real-time location tracking provides accurate inventory data. Organizations reduce safety stock requirements and improve inventory turnover processes.
“One e-commerce operation calculated its return after 22 months,” Romine points out. “They eliminated 18 pick locations, gained 12,000 additional platform positions, and improved order accuracy from 98.1% to 99.7%. These are not hypothetical benefits. They are documented results measured six months after implementation.”
Why ISD is your URBX Cube Robotics ASRS integration partner
ISD brings over 60 years of warehouse automation experience to ASRS Robotic Cube applications. The company’s non-OEM approach ensures that customers receive optimal solutions rather than vendor-constrained specifications.
ISD’s expertise extends beyond equipment installation. The company analyzes entire facility operations—from receiving to shipping—and designs integrated solutions that maximize performance across all operations.
The OptimalOps-Process framework provides a systematic methodology for evaluation, design, implementation, and validation. This structured approach reduces risks and speeds up the time needed to reach full productivity.
ISD maintains relationships with leading manufacturers of material handling equipment. This network provides access to proven technologies and ensures long-term support.
“We are integrators who make some products, not manufacturers trying to be integrators,” Romijn concludes. “This difference is important. We recommend Cube robotics if it’s the right solution. We recommend other technologies when they’re a better fit. Your operational success is our success. We’re partners, not vendors.”
For organizations evaluating automated warehousing solutions or seeking to improve existing warehouse operations, ISD offers free consultations to evaluate operational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
About ISD – Integrated Systems Design
ISD is a leading systems integrator specializing in warehouse, distribution and manufacturing operations, as well as an OEM provider of the UltraStore Mid-Load ASRS system. Our OptimalOps-Process™ technology features an 8-step framework designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, accelerate ROI and future-proof operations by optimizing picking, sorting, packing and shipping processes.
At ISD, we prioritize collaboration, working closely with clients to define goals, conduct comprehensive data analyses, and implement strategic planning. This partnership creates high-performance, tailored solutions that align with operational and business KPIs.
Our comprehensive offerings include conveyor systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotics, sortation systems, warehouse software, pallet handling, packaging automation, and order fulfillment technologies.
With over 60 years of experience and a non-OEM approach, ISD delivers custom solutions that maximize ROI and operational effectiveness. For more information, visit www.isddd.com or contact [email protected].
Video link: https://youtu.be/vfHuAcZZpNQ
