Automated 4-way pallet shuttle system
S-MATIC Cube
The challenges faced by modern warehousing operations are many and varied. Limited space must be used ever more efficiently to accommodate the increasing number of goods. In addition, throughput and flexibility requirements are growing in order to be able to react quickly to orders and market changes. At the same time, the shortage of skilled workers is making it increasingly difficult to find qualified personnel for warehouse logistics. As a result, more and more companies are turning to automated storage and retrieval systems.
The S-MATIC cube from Linde Material Handling is a particularly compact and efficient solution to these challenges. The automated 4-way pallet shuttle system consists of a rack system and several shuttles that can move in four directions to store and retrieve goods fully automatically. The shuttles can lift both Euro and industrial pallets weighing up to 1.5 metric tons and can achieve a throughput of up to 100 pallets per hour. This combination of high storage density and fast pallet transport ensures peak performance in confined spaces.
Maximum storage performance in a confined space
Thanks to the compact shuttle design with a low height, the shuttles can pass under the pallets. Compared to classic stacker cranes, the goods are stored in channel aisles instead of individual storage locations. This reduces the space between the pallets to a minimum—making optimum use of every inch.
Fully automated storage and retrieval
- Manual or automated vehicles place the goods to be stored on the conveyor belts of the S-MATIC cube.
- Conveyor belts and elevators transport the goods to the level determined by the control software.
- There, the goods are picked up by a 4-way shuttle and transported via the main lanes to their storage location in one of the storage channels .
Advantages at a glance
Compact performance: impressively efficient
The S-MATIC cube allows maximum use of the available warehouse space. The system consists of racking, a pallet conveyor system, elevators, shuttles with 4-way drive, and highly sophisticated control software. Together with the conveyor belts in the system, the shuttles ensure fully automatic storage and retrieval of goods.
The control software determines the most efficient route for each shuttle by independently optimizing the routes, categorizing the stored goods according to importance, or sorting them into appropriate product groups. Sensors on the shuttle read QR codes on the rack system to help it find its way around the shelves. The shuttles are powered by a high-performance lithium-ion battery that enables long operating times and short charging cycles. If necessary, the shuttles independently seek out a charging station within the system, thus ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 operation.
Always and everywhere: for newbuilds and renovations
The S-MATIC cube is suitable for installation in both new and existing buildings. Thanks to its flexible, modular design, it can be optimally adapted to the structural conditions on site. Supports or pillars, as well as special floor plans, can easily be taken into account in the planning. It is also possible to connect the S-MATIC cube to existing conveyor technology.
Always on the move: maximum process reliability
Thanks to the decentralized drive and control concept, the S-MATIC cube continues to work even if one of the shuttles needs to be serviced. Each shuttle can be removed individually from the system for maintenance or repair, ensuring a high level of process reliability as the storage and retrieval process does not have to be permanently interrupted. In addition, Linde MH service technicians are quickly on site thanks to the dense service network and ensure reliable maintenance and repair of the vehicles.
Tailor-made: the right solution for everyone
The S-MATIC cube can be flexibly adapted to individual requirements on site – from the number of shelves and rows, levels and storage channels to the number of shuttles and elevators. All system components are modular and can be expanded as needed. This ensures the optimal solution for every application and every space. Special requests can be easily accommodated. For example, the S-MATIC cube can also be used in cold stores so that goods can be stored at a constant temperature. The result is a 4-way pallet shuttle system that is precisely tailored to individual requirements.
Safety first: a closed system
As a fully automatic, self-contained system, the S-MATIC cube ensures a high level of operational safety. Employees do not have to enter the system and can conveniently control it via the software. Additional safety measures, such as the automatic stop when the door is opened, ensure maximum protection.
