ABCO Systems Storage Solutions
Pallet Shuttle Automation & Automated Storage Systems
Pallet Shuttle
The Pallet Shuttle is a high-density storage system where a shuttle, powered by an electric motor, runs along rails inside a storage channel. By replacing forklifts, this solution considerably reduces operating times and enables SKUs to be grouped by channels rather than by entire lanes.
The system follows orders sent by an operator through a Wi-Fi connected tablet. It deposits its load in the first free location in the channel, while compacting the pallets as much as possible. Not having forklift traffic inside the lanes increases storage capacity in terms of depth and decreases the risk of accidents. Damage to the racks is then negligible, operator movements are optimized, and warehouse operations modernized and made more flexible.
An ideal solution for companies handling high volumes of single-SKU pallets, as well as intense loading and unloading activities.
Multiple advanced functionalities easily controlled from a single tablet.
Automated Storage
Technology applied at top operating speeds.
Save space
Store more pallets deep, since channels can stand more than 131 ft high. The maximum verticality is determined by the handling equipment used.
The system works with minimal clearances between levels, which permits high-density storage.
Built-in sensors on the shuttles help position loads intelligently, eliminating empty spaces in the storage lanes. As a result, the effective capacity of the warehouse (which considers goods flowing in and out of the warehouse) reflects its physical capacity.
Save time
Loading and unloading times are reduced, since the operator does not have to move around inside the lanes.
The shuttle can travel at speeds of 295 ft/min when empty, or 148 ft/min when loaded.
Load lifting cycle of just 2 seconds.
With just a single command, the shuttle can progressively fill or empty a whole lane.
Increased productivity
More goods flowing in and out of the warehouse.
Unlike standard drive-in systems, items can be grouped by channels, rather than requiring a full lane. Greater product diversification is the result.
Optimization of operator movements through the product-to-person system, i.e., the load that moves to the operator.
While the Pallet Shuttle carries out a command, the operator collects another pallet, achieving continuous workflows.
Depending on temperature and load conditions, the shuttle can operate up to 10 hours, working at full performance.
The easy-access lithium batteries have fast connections, making them cable-free. So, battery units can be changed quickly without interrupting the operational cycle.
Elimination of errors.
The system is easy to use and maintain.
A single tablet can control up to 18 shuttles.
Inventory function means the system counts how many pallets are stored in a channel.
These benefits, combined with its efficient energy use, lead to immediate cost savings, making the Pallet Shuttle one of the most cost-effective compact storage systems around.
The shuttle has built-in sensors that enable different types of pallets to be detected and handled.
The 4048 and 4840 Pallet Shuttle models work with different pallet sizes and widths. For example, the 4048 model can handle 40 inch deep pallets (and around 48 inch front ways). The 4840 model can handle 48 inch deep GMA pallets.
- All shuttles can operate in LIFO or FIFO mode. The operator simply selects the mode they wish to work with from the tablet
- The shuttle platform is designed to carry pallets that have a 1 inch max. buckling limit.
- Any type of forklift can be used to handle the shuttle.
- Handle up to 3,307 lbs per pallet.
- Install the Easy WMS Interlake Mecalux Warehouse Management System Easy WMS on any compatible operator tablet.
- As a scalable system, it is easy to increase the number of shuttles in operation to match increasing productivity needs.
Thanks to the way that the structure is built, and given that forklifts do not need to drive into the shuttle racks, the risk of accidents is practically non-existent. The metallic bays are not damaged, thus maintenance is kept to a minimum.
A user management feature prevents unauthorized personnel from operating the shuttles.
Both the racking and the shuttles have built-in safety features specifically designed to ensure the Pallet Shuttle system operates correctly: rail end stops, pallet centralizers, position sensors, etc.
Interlake Mecalux Guarantee
Interlake Mecalux designs and manufactures all the individual components of the compact Pallet Shuttle storage system, including the special shuttle rack structure to ensure streamlined shuttle movements. We also manufacture our own shuttles.
This guarantees flawless operations and a perfect fit of all the system’s different components, as well as their quality and compliance with the safety regulations in force in each country.
Thanks to the resources invested in R&D&I, Mecalux’s Pallet Shuttle includes the latest technological innovations, offering optimal performance at a very competitive price. It has innovative features, including remote tablet control, a positioning camera and safety scanner. As one of the fastest systems on the market, it can be adapted to the specific needs of any warehouse, making it even more efficient.
Interlake Mecalux provides a five-year warranty for the Pallet Shuttle rack structure, a one-year warranty on the shuttle’s operations, and six months on the batteries.
About
For quick, repetitive in and out pallet transfers
By definition, a shuttle is a fast means of transport that travels between two fixed points at frequent intervals. Mecalux’s Pallet Shuttle fits this description precisely. However, its journey starts at the front of the racks up to the first available space in the storage channel, and back again (vice versa operation to unload).
Eventually, the evolution of compact storage systems raised important questions. Such as, why not use a motorized shuttle to handle pallets, instead of a forklift that drives into the storage channel? Why not use technology to increase loading and unloading speeds and optimize the effective capacity of a warehouse?
The smart choice was the Pallet Shuttle. Adapted rack structures mean an electric run shuttle can move inside storage lanes along a track, following the commands given by the operator using a WiFi control tablet.
The forklift simply leaves the load on the tracks, and the Pallet Shuttle picks it up and moves it autonomously. Pallets are kept as compact as possible, while each pallet is slotted in its location. Since forklifts do not need to drive into the lanes, handling times are lower, storage capacity is higher and deeper. Additionally, damage to the metal shelves is negligible, operator movements are streamlined and in-warehouse operations modernized.
In other words, the Pallet Shuttle system offers a compact storage solution that reduces operating costs and improves supply chain performance. Intelligent warehousing at its best.
