In 2005, the concept of robotic warehouse automation was still considered by many to be a futuristic ambition. But at Element Logic, we saw something different, we saw potential.

A Perfect Match from the Start 

After a coincidental meeting with the inventor of AutoStore, we set out to find a pioneering partner – someone with the courage, vision, and operational demands to take a leap of faith into the unknown. We found that brave partner in Elotec.

Founded in 1992 in Oppdal, Norway, Elotec was already a company defined by innovation. Specializing in advanced safety solutions for harsh environments – such as their renowned aspirating smoke detector – their operations demanded speed, precision, and reliability. Their picking operations could not afford error, and their growing product range required a smarter approach to warehousing. 

As Element Logic explored AutoStore’s potential, Elotec’s founder, Jan Kleven, was on his own search. “I was looking for a system that could give me control and speed,” he recalls. “I told my team that if nothing could improve our delivery, I would rather wait 10 years. But then everything changed.” 

I told my team that if nothing could improve our delivery, I would rather wait 10 years. But then everything changed

Jan Kleven – Founder & CEO Elotec

Designed by Element Logic. First in the World. Running Since 2005. 

By 2005, Elotec became the first company in the world to commercially install an AutoStore system, a project designed and delivered by Element Logic. It was a defining moment – not just for Element Logic and Elotec, but for the future of warehousing. 

Back then, the system was modest compared to today’s standards: 

• 164 m² grid 

• 5 robots 

• Nearly 6,000 bins 

• 3 ports 

But what stood out was not the size, it was the result. From day one, AutoStore brought new levels of accuracy and efficiency to Elotec’s operation. “We have had years and years without problems,” Kleven says. “It is a system – and a partnership – that delivered exactly what we needed.” 

Internally, the change took some time. “There was skepticism,” Kleven admits. “So, I promised my team that if the system did not prove itself in two years, I would bring in a bulldozer and clear it out myself.” Two years later, the robots were still working – and so was the trust. “I asked the team if I should bulldoze it. They told me no. That is when I knew the system had won their hearts.” 

A System That Lasts – and Evolves 

Twenty years later, Elotec’s AutoStore system is still running on the original grid and bins. In 2019, Element Logic upgraded the robots, ports, and software to bring the system in line with new capabilities – without disrupting operations.

The system has seen three generations of software and still achieves uptime levels of around 99.6%. 

AutoStore evolves with your needs. Even after two decades, Elotec’s system performs like the new ones we are delivering today.

Lasse Vik, Technical Engineer – Element Logic 

“It is one of the beautiful things about AutoStore,” says Lasse Vik, Technical Engineer at Element Logic. “It evolves with your needs. Even after two decades, Elotec’s system performs like the new ones we are delivering today.” 

For Elotec’s Logistics Manager Roger Furnes, that dependability matters: “We have barely had any downtime since powering it on in 2005.” 

More Than a System – A Partnership Built on Trust 

This anniversary is more than a technological milestone – it is a celebration of vision, bravery, and a relationship built on trust. 

“Elotec was the perfect first customer,” says Håvard Hallås, Group Chief Commercial Officer of Element Logic. “They were willing to take a risk and commit to a solution that had not been tested at scale. That kind of courage shaped our journey at Element Logic – and AutoStore’s path globally.” 

Synnøve Matre, Vice President of Cube Success at AutoStore, agrees: “I was impressed by how bold Elotec was. The technology was new and not fully matured, but when it worked – it worked safely and efficiently.” 

Elotec were willing to take a risk and commit to a solution that had not been tested at scale. That kind of courage shaped our journey at Element Logic.

Håvard Hallås, Group Chief Commercial Officer – Element Logic 

The Legacy Lives On 

Today, warehouse automation is no longer a question of if, but how. As Element Logic celebrates its own 40-year anniversary this year, the story of Elotec reminds us of what made it all possible: people and partnerships brave enough to lead the way. 

At Element Logic, we remain committed to optimizing warehouse performance by maximizing our customers’ success through solutions that are proven, flexible, and reliable. 

We are grateful for Elotec’s trust and collaboration over the past 20 years. Together, we did not just implement a system – we sparked a global movement in warehouse automation. 

And the robots are still running.