Dematic Brings Multishuttle FD to Australia

Image Credit: Dematic

Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation, is set to exhibit the Dematic Multishuttle® FD System in Australia. The Multishuttle FD System is a high-density shuttle-based storage system designed to help businesses double storage capacity while reducing the risk of over-investing in warehouse automation.

Dematic will showcase the Multishuttle FD for the first time at CeMAT Australia 2026 (23-25 June), where attendees can see up close how the system supports flexible, high-density storage and scalable automation strategies.

Purpose-built for low to medium throughput applications, the Multishuttle FD addresses the growing challenge of adopting automation in a way that balances cost, flexibility, and future growth. As supply chains become more complex and inventory profiles diversify, businesses are under increasing pressure to improve storage capacity, productivity, and operational efficiency without committing to large, upfront infrastructure investments.

“Across Australia, businesses are under increasing pressure to do more within the same footprint, as rising industrial real estate costs make expansion less viable,” said David Rubie, ANZ Sales Director, Integrated Systems and Mobile Automation at Dematic. “At the same time, many are hesitant to over-invest in automation before they fully understand an uncertain future demand. The challenge is finding solutions that deliver performance today while remaining flexible enough to scale over time.

Image Credit: Dematic

“By combining streamlined engineering with modular scalability, the Multishuttle FD System enables businesses to start with the capacity they need today and expand over time as demand evolves. This approach provides a more flexible pathway into automation, particularly for businesses looking to maximise existing warehouse space while deferring unnecessary capital expenditure.”

The Multishuttle FD System supports case, carton, and tote storage across a wide range of industries, including general merchandise, apparel, spare parts, healthcare, and food and beverage, as well as wholesale and third-party logistics environments. It is particularly suited to operations managing slower-moving inventory, complex SKU profiles, or space-constrained facilities where increasing storage density is a priority.

A key differentiator of the Multishuttle FD is its ability to double storage density within the same footprint in facilities up to 24 m high. With double-deep or potentially triple-deep storage configuration, the system enables   efficient use of vertical space, substantially increasing the number of storage locations available, helping unlock greater capacity within facilities without requiring additional real estate.

“The Multishuttle FD System has been developed to remove traditional barriers to automation,” said Rubie. “It provides a right-sized entry point, allowing customers to scale in line with their business rather than over-investing upfront, while still achieving meaningful gains in storage capacity and operational efficiency.”

The system also integrates seamlessly with Dematic’s broader automation portfolio, including goods-to-person (GTP) solutions, autonomous mobile robots, and advanced software platforms. This enables businesses to design cohesive, future-ready operations that can adapt to changing inventory profiles, order volumes, and fulfilment strategies over time, while maintaining a single, connected technology environment.

The Multishuttle FD System is built on a locally produced Colby rack-supported design, combining shuttle and lift technology within a rail-based system integrated directly into the warehouse structure. A lightweight mast enables efficient vertical and horizontal movement, accommodating a wide range of facility heights while maintaining high operational performance.

The system’s simplified infrastructure reduces the need for complex components typically associated with traditional automated storage systems, reinforced by a single power source concept that helps lower maintenance requirements and improves overall energy efficiency.

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