Spacemaker’s journey from a Florida-based innovator to a transatlantic automation leader has culminated in the launch of its UK Innovation Centre—an advanced facility designed to bring next-generation shuttle systems to life for European logistics operators.
Located in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, the Innovation Centre serves as more than a showroom. It is a fully operational demonstration site featuring Spacemaker’s flagship systems, the DualAxis Pro® and QuadAxis Pro®. These semi-automated pallet shuttles are purpose-built for high-density storage environments where throughput, safety, and space optimisation are critical. Each system is on display in live lanes, allowing visitors to see firsthand how they handle real pallet loads using FIFO or LIFO strategies, operate in sub-zero conditions, and interface with Spacemaker’s proprietary software ecosystem.
This includes MGM®, a centralised control platform for managing shuttle fleets; 3DWare®, which provides real-time 3D visualisation; and AnyWare®, a powerful API layer that integrates seamlessly with WMS and ERP systems. The systems are designed to be scalable, redundant, and fast to deploy—backed by Spacemaker’s growing UK-based engineering and technical support team.
Spacemaker’s European entry comes with the full weight of its North American experience. With over 80 installations and more than 800 shuttle units deployed across the U.S., the company has earned a reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance solutions to brands like Nestlé, General Mills, and Lineage Logistics. This experience directly informs the UK approach, ensuring that European projects benefit from time-tested technology and refined commissioning processes.
One of the standout achievements in the UK to date is Spacemaker’s role in delivering the UK’s largest four-way pallet robot system for Yusen Logistics and Logistex, featuring over 80,000 pallet positions. This milestone not only demonstrates the scalability of the technology but also signals market readiness for deeper automation adoption across Europe.
Spacemaker’s DualAxis Pro® in particular is designed for maximum flexibility and minimal footprint. Using an encoder-based control system, the robot maintains operational integrity even if sensors fail. A rugged four-wheel drive ensures torque is evenly distributed, ideal for heavier loads and longer storage lanes. Meanwhile, the handheld remote and mobile app allow operators to control up to 240 shuttles across multiple lanes with ease.
CEO Paul Bates sees the UK investment as a long-term play: “Europe’s logistics networks are evolving quickly—driven by space constraints, cold storage growth, and labour challenges. Our Nuneaton centre lets clients test real systems with real loads. It’s a tangible, immediate way to experience the gains of deep lane automation before committing to full-scale deployment.”
With a base now firmly established on both sides of the Atlantic, Spacemaker is poised to support multinational logistics providers, food distributors, and 3PLs with a unified approach to design, deployment, and support.
As European facilities face increasing pressure to maximise efficiency and footprint, Spacemaker’s proven technology and UK presence offer a compelling path forward, blending global experience with local execution.
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