Attabotics Returns with a Clearer Path Forward
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Art Eldred, SVP, Mark Dickinson, SVP and General Manager at Attabotics, and Bruce Robbins, President and Founder of Lafayette Engineering. The conversation centers on Attabotics’ return to the market through a partnership with Lafayette.
Together, they explore what went wrong, what remains strong, and how the technology is evolving. More importantly, they break down how dense storage, rapid access, and flexible deployment models are positioning Attabotics for a more practical and scalable future.
Attabotics’ Strong Technology Survives a Sudden Collapse
Attabotics’ story is not one of failed technology. Instead, it is a reminder of how funding realities can derail even strong solutions. As Eldred explains, “the collapse of this thing was very sudden. It was very abrupt, and it ultimately came down to finances just weren’t there to keep the company going.”
However, the foundation remained intact. Years of investment created a highly refined system. Eldred reinforces this point, noting, “You got something that was really, at the end of the day, very robust, very strong.”
That strength is what drew Lafayette in. With decades of integration experience, Lafayette saw an opportunity to stabilize and execute where others struggled. Robbins highlights a key shift in focus. Instead of endless development cycles, the priority is now execution, delivery, and customer outcomes.
Ultimately, the lesson is clear. Innovation alone is not enough. Success depends on delivering projects efficiently and supporting customers long after installation.
Immediate Access Changes the Rules of Fulfillment
Now, the real story shifts to what makes the technology different. Attabotics has one core advantage: direct access to every SKU. Robbins explains the impact simply. “This is the one technology that gives you dense storage, and you can access any inventory in one move.”
That changes everything. Traditional ASRS systems often require pre-planning, sequencing, or digging through inventory. Attabotics eliminates that delay. Dickinson explains how quickly the system responds, saying “we can be picking… inside of say, 60 seconds.”
This speed matters most in unpredictable environments. Think e-commerce, healthcare, or fast-moving parts distribution. These operations cannot afford delays or rigid workflows.
Eldred provides a powerful analogy to explain the system’s movement. “It’s no different than going up and down an elevator shaft.” Products are accessed vertically and directly, without disruption.
The result is a system that prioritizes efficiency across three key areas
- Storage density maximizing cubic space
- Labor efficiency increases units per hour
- Speed reducing time to first pick
Taken together, these advantages create a meaningful shift in how warehouses think about access and throughput.
Attabotics Takes a New Approach to Deployment and Integration
While the technology remains powerful, the biggest change may be how it is delivered. Previously, Attabotics sold a fully bundled solution. Now, the company offers a far more flexible approach.
Eldred outlines the shift clearly. “We have a storage product… a robotic product… a software product… and a presentation station product.”
This flexibility shows up in two deployment strategies:
- A machine-controlled model where customers maintain control through their WMS
- A full WES-driven model for customers needing more system orchestration
This flexibility matters because no two operations are the same. Dickinson reinforces that mindset, explaining the goal is “to really meet the customer where they are.” In addition, Lafayette’s integration experience plays a critical role. Projects are no longer just about installing technology. They are about solving real operational problems, then exiting cleanly.
Key Takeaways
- Over $100M+ invested in R&D created a robust, production-ready system
- Attabotics can deliver picks in under 60 seconds, with best-case scenarios even faster
- Direct access to every SKU eliminates pre-sorting and digging delays
- Dense storage maximizes cubic space, not just floor space
- Modular deployment allows integration with existing WMS or full WES control
- New metal “Guardian Bin” design reduces fire risk and contains up to ~2 gallons of liquid
Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Guest Information
For more information on Attabotics, click here.
For more information on Lafayette Engineering, click here.
Connect with Art Eldred, Mark Dickinson, and Bruce Robbins on LinkedIn.
For more solutions like Attabotics, check out the podcasts below.
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