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Movu Orchestrates Dynamic Warehouse Robotics

Posted on by David Priestman

stow Group, a global market leader in the development, manufacture and implementation of advanced warehouse solutions and automated storage systems, is putting its new Movu Robotics brand in the spotlight at LogiMAT 2024.

On booth 3B67 (in hall 3) Movu will feature a dynamic technology showcase of its state-of-the art robotics sub-systems. This ensemble of seamlessly integrated solutions will demonstrate how automation and robotics is not only accessible but is possible in all kinds of warehouses, so that no warehouse is left behind.

For the first time ever, Movu will be presenting an end-to-end material flow live at LogiMAT and demonstrating how Movu’s automated subsystems can work together as a fully integrated solution.

The flow starts with the Movu escala, an innovative Shuttle solution which provides dense automated storage and retrieval for bins. Robot carriers move bins in all three dimensions within escala, every point of which is connected by a sophisticated rail track. The robots move along the rails in two dimensions throughout a level of the system and they can move between levels via ramps, in a similar way to a car driving to the next level of a multi-storey car park. This eliminates the need for maintenance-intensive conveyors, lifts, service aisle access and sequencers.

The bins are automatically delivered from inside the escala to a goods-to-person workstation, where the seamlessly integrated Movu eligo picking arm robot automatically piece-picks from a bin to place individual items into mixed SKU bins on a pallet placed on a Movu ifollow Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR).

Combining advanced software with intelligent grippers and machine learning, eligo, the latest member of the Movu product family, ensures reliable and high-performing throughput. The intelligent grippers ensure an accuracy greater than 99% and reduces the number of manual ‘touches’ required for order fulfilment or replenishment. Able to achieve 600 picks per hour, depending on the specific implementation, eligo can pick goods up to 2 kg and with dimensions of 1 cm minimum to a maximum of 30 cm. Being completely product agnostic gives it the flexibility to handle changing product mixes.

When the pallet is ready, the ifollow AMR transports it autonomously to the Movu atlas pallet shuttle sub-system. ifollow’s slimline design allows it to fit where other mobile robots will not and they can operate in cold stores, working in temperatures down to -25°C, moving to an ambient environment without any condensation. A customisable top lifter allows a variety of tasks to be performed and this versatile mobile robot can also support collaborative order picking operations.

The pallet carried on the ifollow is received at the highly efficient Movu atlas pallet shuttle sub-system, which is based on stow racking. Here, an atlas shuttle, which is a self-powered pallet carrier, moves it to a storage location. The atlas sub-system provides a high density, multi-pallet position deep Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), which can also work in coldstores. With no need for lift truck aisles, storage capacity is maximised, and manual handling is replaced leading to a reduction in both personnel risk and picking errors.

Visitors will be able to see how Movu software coordinates and monitors the shuttles and mobile robots, ensuring a smooth flow of materials with realtime visibility of the system.

This unique performance demonstrates how Movu goes beyond a single robotics product to offer cutting-edge sub-systems in a symphony of seamlessly integrated solutions, which is not a futuristic concept but a practical, accessible reality. Movu’s goal is to upgrade the world´s warehouses through the power of easier automation. This creates a democratisation of automation to ensure that – irrespective of its size, shape, or use – no warehouse is left behind.

Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics commented: “We are proud to present for first time ever an integrated end-to-end showcase with all Movu solutions. Following our brand launch in September last year, we are excited to see at LogiMAT all our products coming together in one place. Visitors will experience live our interpretation of ‘Easier Automation’ and how it helps to increase efficiency and improve profitability. Our experts will also be on hand to discuss how our solutions, which have improved efficiency for customers in a variety of sectors, can serve your requirements.”

Workwear Specialist Chooses Daifuku Miniload System

Posted on by David Priestman

Portwest, a fast-growing online workwear company, has appointed global materials handling specialist Daifuku to design and install an automated storage system (AS/RS) at its distribution centre in Barnsley UK.

Due to go live by summer 2024, the warehouse automation system is expected to more than double handling capacity, thereby enabling Portwest to meet anticipated demand for its products, which include high viz jackets, PPE kit and safety gloves.

Based on proven technology adopted by brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, Netto, UNIQLO and Honda, Daifuku’s planned AS/RS solution will facilitate the fulfilment of full carton orders and also replenish the linked goods-to-person system, which is also being introduced at the Barnsley location.

Currently in development, the AS/RS system comprises four high bay aisles serviced by four automated twin-fork mini-load cranes. High density racking will create more than 76,000 unique locations within the upgraded facility, significantly improving the efficiency of the 15,000 sqm warehouse.

Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest explained why they selected Daifuku as their automation partner: “The introduction of this mini-load system is a major step forward for our UK operation, which is faced with a huge opportunity to increase sales throughput without moving to new warehouse premises. This will be achieved by embracing tried and tested automation technology, which will further improve service levels, enabling us to support our online customers in even more ways.”

Russell Hutchinson, UK sales manager at Daifuku, added: “This is a key project for us as it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the e-commerce sector in the UK and its adoption of leading-edge automation to remain competitive.

“We are also pleased to have secured this project despite tough competition from other warehouse automation suppliers. We pride ourselves on the highest quality machinery and technology, which is matched by our open, honest and transparent approach to our customers.”

Portwest employs approximately 5,500 people across 130 countries. Headquartered in Ireland, the company was established in 1904 and remains a family-owned business which is currently managed by the third generation of the Hughes family. A global company, Portwest has already introduced Daifuku automation technology into one of its warehouse operations in Spain.

Movu Robotics Opens HQ and Experience Centre

Posted on by David Priestman

Movu Robotics, supplier for designing, developing, and implementing innovative and easier warehouse automation solutions, announces the opening of its new headquarters located in Lokeren, in the East Flanders province of Belgium.

Under a single roof, the facility houses engineering, R&D and production departments. It also features a state of the art of Experience Centre – one of the biggest in Europe where Movu Robotics’ latest technologies can be demonstrated live in operation to customers and partners. Logistics Business was given a tour on Monday.

As an independent business unit within the stow Group with different requirements to the stow Racking brand, Movu Robotics requires its own premises to produce its growing range of increasingly popular shuttles and robots. Movu’s new headquarters provides the room to support the continued and future significant growth in the robotics and automation business unit.

Lokeren is an ideal location: not too far from stow Group’s headquarters and conveniently situated between Ghent and Antwerp, which gives good access to a pool of skills required by the business, which is important given the number of people Movu will continue to hire going forward. The building itself combines a rare set of characteristics: it has large office area, covering approximately 5000 square metres, combined with a 10,000 square metre surface for logistics and manufacturing operations.

In addition, the building has an area of approximately 2500 square metres where it has a high ceiling, which provides the ideal space for the Experience Centre. which provides the ideal space for the Experience Centre. At 100m long, 25 metres wide and 20m high the Experience Centre is bigger than many actual warehouses, providing the ideal venue for Movu Robotics to present its product portfolio technologies: Movu atlas pallet shuttles, Movu escala bin shuttles, Movu ifollow AMRs and the new picking arm robot Movu eligo are all showcased in action, in a real life warehouse setting.

Visitors to the Experience Centre can see a 20m high Movu atlas pallet shuttle rack with lifts, has shuttles transporting pallets operating inside. There are Movu ifollow AMRs picking up pallets from
the racks and transporting them to different locations. AMRs can also be seen supporting picking from racking. There is a huge Movu escala bin shuttle warehouse containing 1000 bins with shuttles
operating inside. The Movu escala also demonstrates the Movu eligo picking robot application as well as conventional pick stations. A special attention is also devoted to the Movu software. Visitors can get deep insights into the self developed Movu Warehouse Execution System that is formed by three pillars: Movu ops for managing all operations, Movu tower for checking the available resources and selecting the most suitable shuttle or AMR and Movu pilot that ensures the execution of the order at the level of the individual shuttle or AMRs.

The Experience Centre has integrated everything possible into the demonstration rack, including a tunnel under the rack, a stairway around the vertical lift, a mezzanine with a picking area. There are also many software screens around the centre demonstrating the controlling software and how visibility of what is going on in a warehouse can be provided from a distance.

The expansive footprint of the Experience Centre provides room for three versions of every Movu Robotics system in its product portfolio o ne providing a permanent demonstration set up to be
available anytime ; a second set up for R&D purposes, which allows Movu to test new generations of products, or to test customer products for specific set ups; a third installation is for testing all products after assembly, before shipping to the end customer site.

In addition to customer visits there will be industry groups visits and workshops in the Experience Centre, which will act as a live and dynamic demonstration of what is possible now and, through
examining trends and market direction, how the needs of tomorrow can be answered.

Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics, commented: “The new Movu Robotics headquarters in Lokeren is a centre of excellence, bringing together sales, R&D, manufacturing and one of Europe’s largest materials handling Experience Centres to provide a concentration of knowledge and expertise around robotics and automation. Creating a close connection between research, production and customer visits to the Experience Centre enhances Movu’s interaction with customers and provides the company with rapid market feedback to fuel our continued innovation and growth path.”

Installation of Systems at Weiss Technik

Posted on by David Priestman

Dematic has completed the installation at two Weiss Technik sites of stand-alone AutoStore™ systems and the commissioning phases have also recently been completed. The system at the German headquarters of the market leader for environmental simulation equipment in Lindenstruth, Hesse, completed commissioning in Q1 of this year. The energy-efficient systems are controlled and operated with SAP WM Go warehouse management software, which Dematic has integrated with existing ERP systems.

Weiss Technik is a member of the Schunk Group, which is a leading supplier of products made from high-tech materials, such as carbon, technical ceramics, and sintered metal as well as machines and systems, including environmental simulation and air conditioning to ultrasonic welding and optical machines.

Niko Hoffmann, project engineer at Weiss Technik, says a critical factor in the decision to work with Dematic was that the solution is scalable and can be expanded without major restrictions, even during operation. Additional bin locations can be easily implemented via grid extensions and more robots can also be integrated quickly.

“Our decision to go with Dematic was based on a long-term perspective. With its global network of engineering professionals and many years of experience in warehouse solutions, it was important to select a reliable partner with the highest quality standards and expertise,” explains Hoffmann.

At the Lindenstruth site, nine robots transport as well as store and retrieve approximately 13,400 bins. The bins can also be divided into further compartments to hold additional items. The robots travel on the surface of the structure, accessing bins with requested goods as needed. They then transport the bins to the picking workstations. The compact unit-load picking AutoStore™ systems have a high storage density and automate both production supply and spare parts dispatch at Weiss Technik.

At the other location in Balingen in Baden-Württemberg, Dematic has installed an AutoStore™ system with approximately 6,300 bins and nine robots as well. A roller conveyor connects the picking workstations with the respective production areas to eliminate unnecessary walking and secondary activities by employees. In addition, there is no need to refill goods, which results in additional time savings. “As a result, the systems should lead to significantly higher picking performance with a lower error rate,” says Hoffman. Multiple stabilisation towers ensure smooth operation in one of the highest seismic zones in Germany. The towers have been installed together with the AutoStore™ system with the grid fixed to them. Dematic has taken on the role of general contractor.

Energy efficiency was also a factor. Notes Winnie Ahrens, sales director DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) “Because of its extremely compact storage and its low energy consumption, the AutoStore™ concept is environmentally friendly and thus fits perfectly with Weiss Technik’s sustainability approach.”

Energy is recovered when the robots brake and when the bins are lowered. Since no lighting is required and the AutoStore™ space requirements are low with less building space to maintain, Weiss Technik benefits from further energy savings.

“Despite the severely impacted global supply chains that every business relies on, we managed to complete the dual order for Weiss Technik on time and on budget, which is outstanding given today’s challenges,” says Ahrens.

Collaboration with Dematic is anticipated to be strengthened, says Hoffman. A framework agreement has already been signed with the Schunk Group, the holding company for Weiss Technik, for additional solutions featuring AutoStore™ systems. “We look forward to future cooperation with the Schunk Group and Weiss Technik,” says Ahrens.”

Fastpick Live in State-of-the-art DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Vanderlande has delivered its highly-automated FASTPICK solution to VF Corporation (VF), one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies. The goods-to-person (GtP) system, which incorporates innovative ADAPTO shuttle technology, has been installed in VF’s new state-of-the-art distribution centre (DC) in Ontario, California, and went operational this month.

VF selected Vanderlande to supply FASTPICK for the new DC because of the solution’s flexible and scalable design. It’s capable of delivering high-performance sequencing on a relatively small footprint, making it both an efficient and sustainable solution. The collaboration builds on a solid foundation, as the two companies have already successfully executed three warehousing projects in Europe.

The new facility is the largest and most efficient in VF’s global network of 46 DCs. With the capacity to ship 485,000 units per day, the DC provides more efficient services for the company’s own retail stores and wholesale customers, while fulfilling next day e-commerce orders for consumers in California, Nevada, Arizona and southern Utah. Initially the centre will service the Vans® and The North Face® brands, but will be capable of adding more brands from the VF portfolio in the future.

Vanderlande’s end-to-end solution covers all operations from receiving and storage, through to picking, packing and shipping. ADAPTO, Vanderlande’s shuttle-based automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), is central to the operation. The AS/RS supplies orders to the 28 ergonomically designed, height-adjustable GtP workstations, which are capable of handling 10,500 order lines per hour.

“We are proud to introduce VF’s largest and most efficient distribution centre to date,” says Cameron Bailey, VF’s Executive Vice President Global Supply Chain. “Servicing our consumers and customers is our number one focus. This facility allows us to get our products to our consumers faster using technologically advanced equipment, which results in reduced lead times and increased efficiency in meeting consumer demand.”

“We’re delighted to partner with VF to implement our market-leading, future-proof automated warehouse solutions,” says Francisco Moreno Velo, Vanderlande’s President of Warehouse Solutions North America. “FASTPICK’s flexibility will help the company meet customer demand across all sectors – wholesale, retail and e-commerce – while providing an ergonomic working environment for its operators.”

ROCKETSOLUTION to Display Shuttle System at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

The focus of this year’s LogiMAT trade fair appearance by ROCKETSOLUTION is the innovative RSX1 shuttle system. The very robust small parts storage system for loads up to 50kg is characterised by maximum compaction of the storage locations and low susceptibility to faults. It can be flexibly scaled and easily integrated.

With its flagship product RSX1, ROCKETSOLUTION says it continues to be on the road to success. Currently, eight projects are being rolled out in companies from the automotive, retail, industry, fashion and third party logistics sectors. ROCKETSOLUTION can be found in Hall 1 at Stand A35.

Whether it’s a distribution centre, decentralised buffer storage, micro-fulfilment centre in urban areas or for manufacturing automation: the RSX1 shuttle system can be used to automate small parts warehouses to great advantage. It offers maximum compaction with the highest possible system performance. Compared to conventional shuttle systems, the RSX1 reduces the required space by more than half and increases efficiency and profitability in small parts storage. It can store up to 30m high, up to six times more than height-restricted cube systems.

“At the moment, eight systems are being installed or are already in live operation at our customers from different industries. From highly dynamic RSX1 systems as a full expansion to ultra-flexible roaming systems, both variants of our system are installed,” says André Nowinski, Managing Director of ROCKETSOLUTON. The company, which has been active on the market since March 2021, works together with its partners in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. “The number of integration and distribution partners has now grown to nine,” adds Florian Vent, founder and managing director of ROCKETSOLUTION.

With the flexible RSX lifts, up to 1,500 storage and retrieval operations per hour and aisle are possible, depending on the configuration. Thanks to the standard four-deep storage, the system requires significantly less space while maintaining the same performance. The ultra-compact design also allows the usual aisle clearances to be halved. The intelligent container arrangement, space-saving lifter transfers without additional conveyor technology in the racking as well as intelligent maintenance accesses further reduce the unused space in the storage system. The flexible storage depths and the variably installable lifts also make it possible to adapt to difficult structural and spatial conditions.

A new type of load handling device, which does not push the containers into the racking, ensures that the containers guided in the racking are lifted in and out particularly safely and precisely. This ensures additional process reliability (no “dancing dead”) and reliable system availability.

Due to its design, the RSX1 already works from a container height of 100mm without any loss of space. With identical storage space, it offers up to 100% more storage capacity than conventional shuttle systems. As a result, companies can benefit from reduced operating costs and a better eco-balance when using an RSX1 system.

At LogiMAT, ROCKETSOLUTION Managing Director André Nowinski will be available to discuss the latest developments, innovative projects and the future strategy of the technology manufacturer.

 

Eurotunnel Premium Freight Offering

Posted on by David Priestman

Eurotunnel is launching FIRST, a distinctive new service to better meet the needs of freight customers who are looking for additional time savings and dedicated support on their channel crossings.
FIRST is a subscription-based offering which includes a range of innovative services, including priority access to check-in lanes, boarding lanes and to the Douane/SIVEP customs, plant and animal control centres. Digitisation of the customer journey also allows automatic recognition of truck number plates, guaranteeing a smooth and simplified journey.

The service has been tested over several months and the customer satisfaction rate for users exceed 95%. This new offer will reinforce the attractiveness of Le Shuttle Freight and generate additional demand. In the long term, subscriptions to FIRST could represent up to 10% of the volume of freight traffic.

Cross-channel Freight

Deborah Merrens, Eurotunnel Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This new commercial proposition is an answer to the increasing demand for speed and fluidity from our customers and strengthens Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Freight’s leadership in the cross-Channel market. The success of the test phase already demonstrates the relevance of this new service.”

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Freight claims to be the most convenient, cost-effective and sustainable way to transport goods between the UK and Europe, making it the leading solution for businesses dependent on their supply chain. By crossing the Channel using the Eurotunnel, vehicles emit 12 times less CO2 than if they were to take the same journey by ferry. Logistics companies rely on this service because of its speed and efficiency, enabling them to deliver goods with confidence. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Freight operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with up to one departure every 10 minutes at peak times. In 2022, the annual number of trucks who travelled on board Le Shuttle Freight was 1.45 million.

Polish eGrocer and TGW Deepen Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

By the end of 2023, TGW will have finished building a highly-automated fulfilment centre for Frisco.pl in the Polish capital of Warsaw. This is the second project in a row that the two companies have undertaken together. For the online grocery retailer, this project will lay the foundation for its planned dynamic growth in the coming years in the intensely competitive Polish market.

Frisco.pl is one of the leading eGrocery players in Poland and already supplies over 120,000 customers in Warsaw, Krakow, Poznań, Wrocław Bydgoszcz, Tricity and Silesia region with groceries and non-food items. Their customers enjoy a broad product range, high product and service quality and a delivery window of just one hour. Ordered goods are delivered right to customers’ doorsteps or offices seven days a week.

Online grocery market with high growth rates

Frisco and TGW have been working closely together for several years. Together, the intralogistics partners already implemented one fulfilment centre that has been operating in Warsaw since 2019. “The second automated warehouse will allow us to double our operations in Warsaw while keeping our logistics processes highly efficient,” says Grzegorz Bielecki, COO of Frisco.pl

A shuttle warehouse with 48,000 storage locations will constitute the high-performance heart of the new system, which will also be located in the Polish capital. The shuttle warehouse will allow direct access to each and every item and thus facilitate the shortest possible cycle times. The plans include four aisles for the ambient temperature area and two more for chilled products. Customer orders will be compiled efficiently at ergonomic PickCenter One workstations.

“This is another important step for Frisco.pl as we work towards our ambitious plan of a double digit growth rate in the upcoming years and to maintain the leading position in Warsaw while at the same time we keep the quality of our products and services at the accustomed high level,” emphasises Jacek Palec, CEO of Frisco.pl.

TGW Logistics Group is one of the leading, international suppliers of material handling solutions. For more than 50 years, the Austrian specialist has implemented automated systems for its international customers, including brands from A as in Adidas to Z as in Zalando. As systems integrator, TGW plans, produces and implements complex logistics centres, from mechatronic products and robots to control systems and software.

TGW Logistics Group has subsidiaries in Europe, China and the US and more than 4,000 employees worldwide. In the 2020/2021 business year, the company generated a total turnover of 813 million euros.

RSX1 offers maximum storage density for small parts

Posted on by David Priestman

High performance in the smallest space – that is the demand of today’s storage solutions in intralogistics. In 2019 the long-experienced intralogistics professional Florian Vent came up with new shuttle technology that meets this need and founded the tech start-up ROCKETSOLUTION GmbH. The young Munich-based company developed the innovative RSX1 shuttle system.

RSX1 is a small parts storage system which focuses on maximum storage density, enormous robustness and simple integration capability and pushes the limits of existing systems. It takes the next step in the evolution of automated small parts storage. The RSX1 shuttle system stores totes and trays up to 50kg with a flexibly scalable performance up to 1500 storages and retrievals per hour and aisle in the smallest of spaces. It can be used in different industries and fields of application.

Intralogistics is a rapidly growing market worldwide with huge potential to contribute to the sustainable protection of our environment. At the same time the desire for improving profitability grows as well. Thus, achieving higher profits while increasing durability is the challenge. ROCKETSOLUTION wants to solve today’s and future economic and ecological challenges and offers excellent solutions to optimise the intralogistics sector.

The RSX1 technology is distributed and serviced by an international, ever-expanding network of qualified system integrators and distributors. Only six months after the official market launch, seven international partners were already convinced by the ROCKETSOLUTION technology. Including the strategic investor Kardex, a global player in intralogistics for automated storage solutions and material flow systems, which ROCKETSOLUTIONs partnered with in 2020.

Compared to conventional shuttle systems, the RSX1 reduces the required space by more than half and stores almost six times higher than height-restricted cube storage systems.

Next to the utilisation of the warehouse height, intelligent container arrangement and an innovative load handling make the new dimension of space efficiency in the shuttle warehouse possible.

Thereby, the performance remains the same or even increases. Innovative, well thought-out product design as well as high-quality and durable materials and maintenance concepts ensure high availability and reliable process safety.

Another advantage of the RSX1 is the simple integration. Whether at the level of material flow systems and Internet of things (IoT) structures or in building structure and technology. A highly standardised, open PLC interface, cloud integration and low requirements for the base plate enable a quick and easy system installation in almost all current and planned facilities and logistics systems.

The four core components: RS-Rack, RS-Shuttle, RS-Lifts and RS-Software form the innovative RSX1 shuttle system by ROCKETSOLUTION. It is flexibly scalable in size and performance and can be used in different industries and application areas. Whether retail, manufacturing, or service, the RSX1 adapts easily to the respective requirements.

The configurable and expandable racking system RS-Rack with a maximum height of 30m, low floor requirements and its intelligent, space-saving access concept is the basis.

The RS-Shuttles are high-performance shuttle vehicles that travel within this racking system. They can effectively pick up small parts weighing up to 50kg and handle the orders from one or more storage levels, depending on the performance requirements. Due to the low overall height of the shuttle, there is no loss of space from a container height of 100mm. The RS-Shuttles are extremely robust and reduce susceptibility to faults thanks to the innovative load handling device.

The RS-Lifts used can be positioned anywhere in the rack, and the number of lifts can be scaled according to the required system performance. Tote transfers can be completed in the lift shadow, in a way that conserves space and without additional conveyor technology. The system offers high energy efficiency through energy recovery, DC link coupling and power caps.

The system is rounded off with the future-proof RS-Software that comes with a standardised, highly flexible IT interface to external material flow and warehouse management systems covering all sequencing requirements. A modern app-based user interface facilitates handling. IoT data is provided via MQTT.

With the RSX1 technology, ROCKETSOLUTION delivers an efficient storage and retrieval solution for different warehouse sizes and fields of applications. Thus, the micro-fulfilment solution RSX1-Micro is a fully functional complete system especially suitable for urban warehouses or smaller automated systems e.g., within retail shops. The turnkey, standardised fulfilment centre includes conveyor technology and various workstations, material flow control, an integrated warehouse management system.

The integrated system solution RSX1-Enterprise, however, is a core high performance storage unit for individually planned and holistic intralogistics systems like comprehensive warehouses, distribution centres or buffer storages.

ROCKETSOLUTION’s RSX1 offers flexible storage solutions for all types of industries and applications. The shuttle vehicle’s unique load handling device and ultra-compact design allow for greater lateral bin density, reduced aisle width and quadruple-deep storage. As a result, the required size of the shuttle warehouse can be reduced by half. All RSX1 components such as racking, adaptable lifts and innovative shuttle vehicles reduce unnecessary empty space within the storage system. It also conserves resources and increases efficiency and profitability in small parts storage.

New design for SSI Cuby shuttle system

Posted on by David Priestman

To meet the increasing demands of modern warehousing, SSI Schaefer has optimised and re-designed its proven SSI Cuby shuttle system in both technology and design. The increased travel speed of the improved SSI Cuby now enables even faster storage and retrieval in the compact automatic storage system.

SSI Schaefer says the standardised one-level shuttle is the ideal solution for fully-automatic and highly efficient storage of small load carriers with a load weight of up to 35kg. Thanks to high storage density, availability rate and reliability of the system, the SSI Cuby offers a unique price-performance ratio compared to the overall investment.

Batch sizes of individual products, a particularly wide product range, short order processing times and omnichannel distribution – these are the challenges many companies in industry and trade must face. They therefore search for the optimum logistics solution for these differing parameters. Companies themselves place high demands on the logistics system in question: Low storage location costs, high availability of goods as well as fast and smooth installation of the respective logistics system are essential. All these aspects were taken into consideration with the further development of the SSI Cuby.

Offering a wide range of one-level and multi-level shuttles for large and small load carriers, SSI Schaefer boasts outstanding competence in the development of customised shuttle solutions. The SSI Schaefer shuttle options are suitable for any requirements and numerous systems have been installed successfully.

Using the one-level shuttle SSI Cuby, small loads, with a weight of up to 35kg, can be stored fully automatically and with high density. The product offers high performance as well as reliability and impresses with an excellent price-performance ratio.

New design for 2021

After a re-launch in 2021, the SSI Cuby will be available with a new design and increased travel speeds. The system consists of a rack, at least one lift, one Cuby shuttle per storage level, a shuttle crane at the back, a maintenance platform and the corresponding control system. Offering maximum shuttle performance at an attractive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) was one of the main goals of the development.

Thanks to attractive purchasing and operating costs, SSI Schaefer says its SSI Cuby is one of the most economical shuttle solutions on the market. It has been designed for load with dimensions from 600 x 400mm up to 640 x 440mm. Furthermore, the system can be extended at a later time.

The narrow travel paths of the shuttle vehicle and low height of the levels ensure a compact and space-saving layout of the system. The combination of double-deep storage in the rack and a single-deep shuttle aisle leads to excellent use of space and very high storage density. This also delivers low storage location costs.

According to SSI Schaefer, another benefit of the SSI Cuby is the high system availability and performance capacity. At the front side of the shuttle storage, lifts connect the storage with standardised pre-zones. A conveying system, for example, connects the storage with goods-to-person work stations. Robust and proven components ensure high system availability. Moreover, an SSI Cuby shuttle storage offers excellent accessibility for maintenance and service tasks.

In order to assess the technical performance capacity of the overall system, the achievement rate of the lift is particularly crucial. For this reason, SSI Schaefer uses a double-story load handling device at the lift to retrieve and store load carriers at the same time. Depending on the aisle length, the system is designed for 600 to 800 double cycles per aisle.

To make storage and retrieval processes even faster, the redesign and development of this product has increased the travel speed of the shuttle by a further 60%. The performance rate can be further increased by applying two lifts per rack aisle. Processes within the SSI Cuby storage system are controlled efficiently and transparently by WAMAS logistics software.

The modular design of the SSI Cuby shuttle system is based on a high degree of standardisation of components and IT. SSI Schaefer claims this enables fast implementation of intralogistics projects at very low risk. Customers obtain a scalable and highly efficient automatic warehouse at an attractive price.

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