Vanderlande displays microshuttle AS/RS

ProMat newcomer Vanderlande Industries (Booth 3514) highlighted their Beewen microshuttle automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).

“The biggest difference between our solution and those of our competitors is that our equipment delivers a 40% reduction in the amount of energy required to operate it,” said Jan Beewen, sales manager.

After arrival at a racking storage level, the microshuttle autonomously travels to a specified destination, places or removes items in the storage position, and returns to the aisle entrance for minimum demands on the racking structure. Operating without a power rail or toothed drive belt, the unit employs a drive motor sensor and markings on the guide rail for accurate positioning.

“When the lift associated with each aisle docks at the appropriate level on the guide rail, the microshuttle moves onto the lifting frame and the charging procedure for its integrated battery pack is initiated,” Beewen said. “The lift transports the shuttle to the conveying level for tote exchange, then sends the shuttle to the next designated level where it leaves with a fully charged battery pack.”

Other features include the ability to add more shuttles for higher capacity, and a rubberized belt that lifts each load container slightly before pulling it from the storage location onto the shuttle. To protect the products, acceleration is kept at moderate levels, although transfer times are minimal, concluded Beewen.

ProMat 2013 is scheduled to be held January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago’s McCormick Place South. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2013 coverage.