From Computer Vision to Warehouse Automation: Instock’s Power of Simplicity
The logistics and supply chain sector is evolving, driven by the increasing demand for faster, more efficient, and localized fulfillment. Among the key innovators in this space is Yegor Anchyshkin, co-founder and CEO of Instock, who is building an automated system that challenges traditional ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) technology.
On Episode 95 of the Machine Minds Show, host Greg Toroosian, founder of Samson Rose, speaks with Yegor about his journey from a fascination with early AI to becoming a serial entrepreneur in robotics. They discuss how Instock's unique, simple ASRS architecture is making high-throughput automation accessible to a wider range of businesses and why this shift is critical for the future of urban micro-fulfillment.
A Career Path from Facial Recognition to Fulfillment Robotics
Yegor's career path highlights the value of following curiosity.
In 2003, his interest in AI began before it was a mainstream topic. His first company, Viewdle, was an early pioneer in video indexing and facial recognition, developing a technology that could pinpoint the exact moment a specific person appeared in a video. This early work established a strong foundation in computer vision and data analysis.
A pivotal moment occurred in 2009 when a trip to Tokyo sparked his interest in robotics. This led him to found Zakaz in Ukraine, a company later known as CartFresh in the US. The business was an early form of grocery delivery, and while it provided valuable hands-on experience in logistics, Yegor described the manual operations as a "nightmare." This experience was crucial.
After moving the operation to Boston, Yegor quickly realized that a manual labor model was not financially viable in the US. This insight became a core driver for his next venture, which was founded by a team with 14 years of experience in engineering and operating e-commerce fulfillment. This journey ultimately led him to a role as CTO at Takeoff Technologies, where he shifted his focus to what was truly "economical and what works."
The Instock Difference: Radical Simplicity Meets Scalable Automation
Yegor's time at Takeoff Technologies revealed a significant market gap: existing ASRS solutions were often too complex, expensive, and ill-suited for the small-to-mid-size fulfillment centers needed for urban logistics. This insight led him to found Instock, a company with a mission to create a universal way for autonomous mobile robots to store and move inventory in long-life containers.
What is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)?
An ASRS is a type of warehouse automation technology designed to automatically place and retrieve items from a storage location. These systems typically consist of a network of racks, aisles, and automated machinery like cranes or shuttles, all managed by a computer system to maximize storage density and efficiency.
The integration of such automation is not about replacing human labor, but rather about re-tasking it. By taking over the repetitive and physically demanding work of retrieving products, Instock's system allows human employees to shift their focus to more complex and value-added tasks, such as quality control, packaging, and shipping. This collaborative approach enhances overall productivity and allows the workforce to engage in more skilled roles.
Instock's unique approach offers e-commerce operators improved flexibility, modularity, and a better price point through their Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.
What is Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS)?
Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a business model where a company provides robotics technology to customers on a subscription basis. Instead of a large, upfront capital investment to purchase and maintain the hardware, customers pay a recurring fee, which often includes the hardware, software, maintenance, and support. This model makes advanced automation more accessible and affordable, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
The Instock system is built around several key components:
The In-grid: A static, rack-based grid that is simple to install and easily expandable. This modular design can be set up by general contractors, eliminating the need for expensive, specialized installation teams.
The Autonomous Robots: As the sole moving elements, these lightweight, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are designed to operate with bins on every level of the grid. They navigate between levels using vertical ramps and a lift mechanism, and perform horizontal movement by gripping the bins' wings. These robots are capable of carrying up to 66 lbs (30 kgs) and can operate in temperature-controlled environments as low as 39.2°F (4°C). The robots are designed for easy maintenance and hot-swapping by the customer, drastically reducing the total cost of ownership. The system also adheres to a "No Single Point of Failure" (No-SPOF) principle, ensuring high uptime and reliability.
The Incloud: A cloud-based software that orchestrates all fulfillment operations.
Simulation-First Approach: Before any physical installation, Instock builds a complete virtual model of the customer's warehouse. This allows them to simulate and debug the system, catching potential issues long before they become expensive problems in the field. This approach also allows businesses to evaluate economic benefits before committing.
Yegor believes that this focus on simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness will drive the adoption of ASRS technology. By making automation accessible to a wider range of businesses, Instock aims to transform the entire logistics landscape.
Insights on the Future of Hard Tech
Yegor offered several key insights into the world of hard tech. When building his team, he prioritizes empathy for the customer, grit to handle frequent failures, and a strong foundation in math and physics. He highlighted the unique challenges of hardware development, where real-world variables can quickly derail a project that looks perfect on paper. He humorously shared an anecdote about a project he predicted would take a week but ended up taking six months.
Looking ahead, Yegor is optimistic about the future of robotics, predicting a separation between hardware and intelligence. He foresees a future where hardware becomes more of a standardized commodity, and new companies focus on building the intelligence that makes these robots truly useful.
For aspiring hard tech founders, Yegor’s advice is clear: avoid making "cost reduction" your sole value proposition. Instead, focus on building a deep relationship with your customer and providing unique value. He also stressed the importance of a simulation-first approach, which allows companies to move quickly and avoid the significant slowdown of on-site debugging.
Instock is a prime example of how a strategic blend of technological innovation and customer-centric design can unlock new possibilities, making the warehouse of the future a reality for businesses of all sizes.
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Connect with The Machine Minds Show
To hear the complete, engaging conversation of Greg Toroosian with Yegor Anchy, listen to Episode 95 | Robots Replace Traditional Warehouses | Yegor Anchyshkin here.
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Learn More About Instock’s Approach to Automation
To delve more into the innovative architecture and customer-focused philosophy behind Instock, visit their official website at instock.com.
Explore New Career Opportunities in AI and Robotics with Samson Rose
If you are an exceptional and skilled professional in the high-growth fields of Robotics, AI, or Hard Tech and are seeking a rewarding opportunity, Samson Rose is your trusted partner. We specialize in connecting top-tier talent with the most innovative and forward-thinking organizations that are actively shaping the future of technology across industries like logistics, manufacturing, and more.
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