Pankl Racing Systems Chooses Flexible KNAPP shuttles

As part of the installation of its new production facility at its headquarters in Kapfenberg, Pankl Racing Systems has selected KNAPP’s flexible YLOG-Shuttle system for automation of the small parts warehouse and supply of the workstations. Pankl develops, manufactures and markets engine and drivetrain systems as well as chassis parts for racing cars, luxury vehicles and the aerospace industry. The new manufacturing site for high-performance motorcycle gearboxes, featuring the new automated storage system, is due to begin operation in 2017.

“We opted for the concept from KNAPP because it’s clear that the core components of the system have been carefully thought through and are technically sophisticated,” explained Stefan Zinner, Series Production Manager at Pankl. “Another crucial factor was the extremely productive co-operation during the concept phase. The project engineers and product managers were quick to grasp our unique requirements and went on to develop excellent solutions.”

Scalable shuttle system
The solution from KNAPP consists of an automated YLOG-Shuttle system connected to three workstations. The YLOG-Shuttle technology is scalable in line with company growth and guarantees high availability. Pankl’s extensive range of toothed wheels and shafts will soon be stored across 4,300 storage locations, from where they will be supplied to the assembly workstations according to the goods-to-person principle.

Traceability
KNAPP is supplying ergonomic workstations from its Pick-it-Easy series that are specially adapted to suit Pankl’s requirements. A safety check comprising three separate steps will be carried out to ensure that each part can be traced, if necessary, at a later stage. The individual parts will be supplied to the workstations in the correct sequence, with staff being instructed via pick-to-light technology as to the correct article to pick. The serial number will then be read using image recognition technology, identifying the part removed from the storage tote. In addition, the assembly process will be verified using image pattern recognition technology from KNAPP subsidiary, ivii GmbH.

Pioneering solution
Stefan Zinner has high expectations of the new technology: “For us, the KNAPP system is a pioneering solution, leading the way towards Industry 4.0 and going far beyond the classic requirements of warehouse logistics. It involves value-adding interaction between man and machine. Our staff will carry out assembly tasks that require technical skill and will be supported in these tasks by the image processing system.”