PITTSBURGH, PA / FRISCO, TX - March 10, 2025 — Freespace Robotics, an innovator in autonomous robotics for material handling and logistics, today announced a strategic manufacturing collaboration with CASI, a leader in industrial automation systems. By leveraging CASI’s decades of industrial expertise and advanced rack infrastructure through CASi-IBOD and conveyor lines, Freespace Robotics will deliver a comprehensive, turn-key AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) that integrates storing, retrieving, sorting and sequencing—all within a single, compact cube that efficiently delivers orders to pick stations or docks.
“We are excited to offer a combination of Freespace Robotics' automated storage, retrieval and cross-docking solution with CASI's industry-leading conveyor technology to create a seamless, end-to-end material processing solution,” said Karl Sanchack, Chief Operating Officer at Freespace Robotics. “Together, we are bringing our customers a flexible, high-efficiency solution that automates key functions across the warehouse process flow while integrating seamlessly into their existing operations. We expect to grow this collaboration over time to include technologies such as the CASi-Intelligent Box Opening Device (IBOD) and the CASi-AutoDecant to robotically place cases into our system trays or customer totes.”
“By combining the strengths of Freespace Robotics' innovative sorting, storage, and sequencing capabilities with US-manufactured CASI solutions, we are providing customers with a transformative tool that not only reduces operational costs but also increases efficiency and flexibility,” said Greg Judkins, CEO of CASI.
Freespace Robotics’ pioneering solution leverages advanced robotics to deliver high-turnover, small-footprint, high-rise AS/RS technology. Its design integrates functions traditionally managed by external conveyors—such as sortation, sequencing, each-picking, order buffering, and pre-staging—into one seamless operation. Combined with CASI’s specialized automaiton and advanced racking, the Freespace solution offers unmatched versatility across diverse industries and workflows, improving KPIs for efficiency, scalability, throughput, and cost-effectiveness.
In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, businesses demand solutions that are not only efficient but also reliable amid economic fluctuations and labor shortages. This collaboration minimizes international trade concerns by using US-based sourcing, including US Steel at the materials core, with some Freespace Robotics solutions ready in as little as 6-8 months from concept to commissioning.
Through this strategic manufacturing collaboration of the Freespace Robotics solution, Freespace Robotics and CASI are setting a new standard in flexible, fast, and reliable outcomes by delivering innovative automation solutions that empower customers to meet today’s dynamic supply chain challenges.
Key benefits of the Freespace Robotics’ solution with CASI:
- End-to-End Task Management: Seamlessly integrates with industry-standard WMS platforms (e.g., Manhattan, Oracle, and SAP) for inventory management, order picking, and replenishment.
- Scalable, Modular Design: Adapts to diverse facility configurations, uneven floors and unconventional layouts-with high-rise options up to 70 feet, enabling vertical and horizontal expansion to meet future business requirements, unknown demands and changing product characteristics without demolition, retrofitting or new builds.
- Cost-Effective Maintenance: External positioning of robotics components facilitates easy servicing, while domestically sourced parts ensure reliability, availability and resilience.
- Versatile Inventory Handling: Supports standard and large trays, full cases and individual each-picks, accommodating loads up to 100 pounds.
- Sustainable Operation: Powered by rail systems, eliminating costly and fire-prone battery dependencies while reducing environmental costs, fire risk and insurance outlays.
- Shipping Buffers: Optimizes operations with seamless sorting, buffering and sequencing in a single process inside the cube for timed delivery to docks
- Cross-Docking Operations: Reduces labor, equipment needs, and operational footprints while improving safety on the floor.
- Last-Mile Delivery Potential: A mobile version delivers goods directly to drivers in dolly order, eliminating the need to enter the trucks- reducing manual labor, fuel consumption and shift time.
Freespace Robotics will also showcase its solutions at the prestigious Startup Pavilion, in booth E11200SP, during ProMat 2025, North America’s largest conference and expo for material handling and logistics professionals. The event is being held March 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
ProMat attendees can find CASI’s latest automation innovations at booth N7933, found in Hall B of McCormick’s North Building. The CASI exhibit showcases the uniquely modular, scalable design of the company’s products, exhibiting the seamless connection of package opening, transportation and sortation solutions.
About Freespace Robotics
Freespace Robotics, a spin-out company of venture studio Carnegie Foundry, is a leading innovator in autonomous robotics solutions for the logistics and warehousing industry. By combining advanced robotics, modular design, and unmatched versatility, Freespace Robotics delivers breakthrough advances that redefine how businesses approach storage, retrieval, order fulfillment and the movement of goods. Based in Pittsburgh, PA and backed by US Steel, NFI Industries and Matthews Automation Solutions, Freespace Robotics thrives at the intersection of industrial innovation and artificial intelligence. To learn more about Freespace Robotics, please visit www.freespacerobotics.com.
Inquiries:
Pilot/Sales/Operations: Karl Sanchack, ksanchack@freespacerobotics.com Investment: Matthew B. Wachter, matt@freespacerobotics.com
About CASI
For more than 20 years, Cornerstone Automation Systems (CASI) has been at the forefront of the warehouse automation industry, delivering industry-focused tools that laid the groundwork for the e-commerce industry. Headquartered in Frisco, TX, CASI has delivered tailored, turnkey, and tested solutions to some of the largest retailers, 3PLs and warehouse operations all around the world, while being recognized by a variety of industry leaders, including receiving the FANUC Top Robotics Integrator and Innovation Award. All CASI solutions are US manufactured and tested in North Texas. To learn more about CASI, visit www.casiusa.com.
Inquiries:
Sales: sales@CASUSA.com