The SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards, created to recognise the innovators transforming the global supply chain landscape through technology, honoured OPEX for its new multi-temperature zone, multi-deep cold storage solution for automated warehouse fulfillment systems, enabled through a strategic technology partnership with cold chain commerce innovator Peltier.

The collaboration enables OPEX to offer sophisticated cold storage capabilities within its industry-leading Perfect Pick and Infinity automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) by offering the Peltier Tote as an additional option, facilitating the seamless storage and fulfillment of ambient, refrigerated and frozen products within a single ASRS.

“Adding the Peltier Tote to OPEX Perfect Pick and Infinity delivers an advanced solution that breaks the traditional paradigm,” said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director, SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards. “Traditional systems don’t allow all three temperature zones to co-exist in the same system without the need to zone and segment one inventory type from another using specialised HVAC zones and heat barriers, or requiring installation in a dedicated area. By integrating Peltier’s tote technology into the existing framework of Perfect Pick and Infinity, OPEX is providing a flexible, scalable, efficient, and cost-effective solution without organizations having to substantially modify core systems. We’re proud to award OPEX with our ASRS Innovation of the Year!”

With the Peltier Tote option, customers in the grocery, pharmaceutical and life sciences markets can now store and retrieve chilled and frozen products in an ambient warehouse environment. The actively cooled, AI-enabled totes are designed with individually controlled temperature setpoints and IoT connectivity, allowing real-time monitoring and management of storage conditions. Power is provided to each tote while in multi-deep storage, and temperatures are maintained during transport by OPEX iBOT® robotic vehicles, ensuring cold chain integrity.

“Introducing the Peltier Tote option in our ASRS solutions solves a critical need expressed by customers in need of multi-temperature capabilities, but unwilling to take on the costly infrastructure and complex system changes that traditional solutions require,” said Monty McVaugh, Head of Product, Warehouse Automation, OPEX. “It’s an exciting new approach to cold storage, and we’re thrilled to receive such prestigious recognition from SupplyTech Breakthrough.”

The SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program, now in its fifth year, evaluates and recognises standout technology companies, products and services in the supply chain technology and logistics industry around the globe. The program conducts a comprehensive analysis of the companies, technologies and solutions redefining how supply chain businesses operate, engage partners and drive growth.

For more than 50 years, OPEX has offered customised technology solutions that enable clients around the world to improve workflow, reduce costs and drive efficiencies in infrastructure. The company’s impressive portfolio of more than 350 patents underscores its dedication to lead industry trends and continuously reimagine automation technology that transforms how business is conducted.