Cube storage systems are ASRS solutions in which robots move on top of a grid to retrieve bins and deliver them to picking stations. Brightpick instead uses mobile robots that navigate warehouse aisles and work with standard shelving and totes, making the system easier to install and scale.

Brightpick could be a strong alternative to cube storage in cases such as: brownfield facilities where heavy retrofits are undesirable, projects requiring rapid installation, operations with a flat volume distribution across SKUs, warehouses with changing inventory profiles, businesses that value flexibility, operations that need easily scalable throughput, and companies targeting maximum labor reduction.

By comparison, cube storage is well suited for businesses prioritizing storage density with stable inventory and production profiles and limited need for future scaling.

It depends on your priorities. Brightpick is well suited for fast-growing companies that value flexibility, quick scalability, and minimal labor. Cube storage systems are often better suited for companies that primarily prioritize storage density and have stable, mature operations.

Brightpick can be installed in most warehouses within weeks, with a typical on-site installation time of 2-4 weeks from delivery to go-live. Cube storage installations generally take longer due to more extensive retrofits and construction. Actual timelines depend on site conditions and project scope.

Brightpick does not rely on a fixed grid, so scaling can be as simple as adding robots and shelving. Scaling cube-storage systems typically requires grid extensions, additional ports, and supporting infrastructure such as conveyors.

Unlike cube-based systems, Brightpick does not require fixed infrastructure such as grids or conveyors, strict floor flatness, or extensive fire safety modifications.

Brightpick relies on mobile robots and standard shelving, which makes it easier to reconfigure or relocate. Grid-based ASRS can be expanded, yet are generally harder to change or adapt once installed.

Cube-storage systems typically rely on Goods-to-Person stations, so human operators are still needed to complete picks. Unlike cube systems, Brightpick robots can robotically pick items directly in-aisle and use Goods-to-Person stations only when required. This enables higher labor savings and throughput, although actual results depend on SKU and order mix.

Both Brightpick and cube storage systems can reach a maximum height of about 20 feet (6 meters). Cube-based ASRS solutions achieve higher storage density by eliminating aisles and stacking totes, but this also requires digging for totes, which can reduce throughput in certain scenarios.

Both systems support different configurations of Goods-to-Person stations, with throughput typically ranging from 100 to over 500 tote presentations per hour. In addition, Brightpick robots can robotically pick items directly in-aisle, providing additional throughput capacity.

Both Brightpick and cube storage systems are highly reliable. Brightpick is designed without a single point of failure, since its robots operate independently and operators can enter the system without interrupting operations.