At PACK EXPO last week, Kardex Holding AG debuted its SnapVac automated grid-cleaning robot and the AutoStore 3D Engine simulation tool. The company’s booth also included demonstrations and innovations from its growing product suite.
“We are delighted with the interest shown in our interactive booth,” stated Mitch Hayes, president of Kardex Solutions Americas. “There was a real buzz at our booth, and the highlight was the official public launch of Kardex SnapVac. SnapVac is part of our expanding portfolio of tools and continuous innovation as the fastest-growing AutoStore integrator. And we’re just getting started.”
Zurich-based Kardex said its intralogistics products and services guarantee high availability and low total cost of ownership. As an AutoStore partner, the company offers automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), integrated material handling systems, small parts storage systems, and automated high-bay warehouses.
Kardex Holding AG has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 1989. The group employs about 2,500 people in more than 30 countries, including Americas headquarters in Westbrook, Maine.
Save the date for the 2026 Robotics SummitSnapVac proactively maintains ASRS
Crowds gathered at Kardex’s exhibit to see SnapVac mounted on an AutoStore Red Line robot in a mini AutoStore Grid. The company said it designed the cleaning system to keep the ASRS free from dirt and debris before they become a problem without interrupting operations.
SnapVac can maximize uptime, reduce labor and maintenance costs, improve workplace safety by reducing the need for grid access, and extend the lifespan of robots, asserted Kardex.
“Installed directly on AutoStore R5-series robots with no reconfiguration needed, SnapVac cleans during active operations, delivering consistent coverage across the entire grid with zero system downtime,” it said.
Kardex explained that SnapVac can remove up to 80% of grid debris using a low-profile bristle tube and provide real-time cleaning reports through ServiceConsole integration for visibility and smarter maintenance, explained Kardex. It added that the bagless collection bin is quick and easy to empty.
AutoStore 3D Engine helps users look ahead
AutoStore 3D Engine takes users on advanced virtual tours of a complete ASRS. In Las Vegas, visitors were able go on an immersive virtual exploration of AutoStore’s grid using an intuitive touchscreen display.
The visualization tool demonstrated the simplicity and flexibility of AutoStore’s operating principles and design, said Kardex. It also helped users understand how these principles translate into a wide array of real-world applications.
“Nothing beats seeing AutoStore, and we want people to experience it as early as possible, but it’s not always practical to set up demo grids,” said Hayes. “AutoStore 3D Engine offers the chance to immerse yourself in it, whatever point you are at in your automation journey. Once people see AutoStore, they’re hooked, and it has been great seeing more people have that lightbulb moment.”
Kardex shows strategic enhancements
PACK EXPO 2025 visitors could also complete live picks with the Kardex Intuitive Picking Assistant (IPA), which projected relevant information to guide operators through the picking processes.
The company enhanced it this year with the Optical State Capture feature, which analyzes data to deliver performance tracking and process optimization. Kardex said IPA provides fast, accurate ergonomic picking.
In addition, attendees also could experience first-hand the speed, efficiency and simplicity of the Kardex FulFillX warehouse execution system (WES). Designed to optimize the utilization of AutoStore robots and create a more flexible warehouse environment, FulFillX can increase inventory accuracy and improve operator workflows, said Kardex.
Other Kardex AutoStore innovations included the the Sensor Cleaning Station — to reduce maintenance, enhance system efficiency, and extend robot lifespan — and the StoreX AutoStore cost calculator.
