Drives and Motors for Warehouse Shuttle Systems

If you operate a business that has a high volume of inventory and frequent order processing, you have the ideal setup for a warehouse shuttle system.

In a warehouse shuttle system, shuttle vehicles move vertically and horizontally along racking to pick up and deliver items. Their destination is usually a designated storage location, which is determined by the center control system.

Main Components of a Warehouse Shuttle System

Warehouse shuttle systems are composed of a variety of components that function together to accomplish a single mission: retrieving a specific item.

Here are the main components of a warehouse shuttle system, ranging from the shuttle itself to the brain of the machine:

• Shuttle – The shuttle is an autonomous robotic vehicle that moves vertically and horizontally within the racking system. It transports items to and from storage locations reliably. For precise movement, tools such as sensors, cameras, and other navigation components are added.
• Racking system – Racking systems sit under the rail and shuttle itself, helping the warehouse shuttle system achieve effective movement. They provide the foundation that moves objects in and out of their storage locations. These racking systems handle a lot of traffic, so they are made out of a material like metal which is resistant to rust.
• Storage – The type of storage in a shuttle system will depend on the size of the warehouse, desired throughput, and goals for maintenance. These storage options can really impact the efficiency of the overall system, so be sure to choose one that aligns with your business’s demands.
• Loading/unloading stations – Loading and unloading stations are equipped with conveyor systems or other mechanisms to transfer items between the shuttle and the station.
• Control system – The control system is also known as the brain of the warehouse shuttle system. It has hardware and software components that manage the shuttle and tell it where to go, what to retrieve, what the inventory count is, and more.

Advantages of Using a Warehouse Shuttle System

Warehouse shuttle systems are a great investment for many reasons. With their accuracy, efficiency and other benefits, you will see how these systems can grow with your facility to make operations easier.

Here are the advantages of installing a warehouse shuttle system in your facility:

• Efficiency – Achieving rapid and precise item retrieval, warehouse shuttle systems reduce the time it takes to fulfill orders. This increases the productivity of your operations.
  
• Accuracy – Shuttle systems are programmed to select the right item in the correct quantity, time after time. This limits the risk of error that comes with manual picking.
• Real-time inventory tracking – Since these machines can be programmed to select the right product in the right quantity, they are also capable of tracking inventory in real time. This helps businesses make informed decisions about reordering stock.
  
• Safety – Warehouse shuttle systems reduce the risk of accidents and employee injuries that are possible when human labor is involved.
• Scalability – If your company is growing, warehouse shuttle systems can grow with it and accommodate larger orders. Scalability is possible when you add more shuttles and racking units for retrieval.
• Reduced cost of labor – Since warehouse shuttle systems are automated, they handle retrieval tasks with significantly less human labor. Companies can then use these employees in other areas that need assistance.
• Better use of space – Using the vertical storage in your facility optimizes the use of floor space. This means that you can store more in a space that might need the floor for other purposes.

FAQs on Warehouse Shuttle Systems

What industries benefit most from warehouse shuttle systems?

What safety measures do warehouse shuttle systems have?

Warehouse shuttle systems prioritize safety in your facility with features like collision detection sensors, emergency stop buttons, and obstacle avoidance. These features prevent accidents, protecting both inventory and human resources in your facility.

What maintenance measures can I expect to perform on warehouse shuttle systems?

Practicing regular maintenance can help your warehouse shuttle system consistently run smoothly. Be sure to check sensors to enhance safety, stay ahead on software updates, and address any mechanical issues that come up.

Can warehouse shuttle systems be integrated with existing software?

Many warehouse shuttle systems can be integrated with existing warehouse management software. This can help your facility by streamlining inventory control, order processing, and other logistics.

Can I expand a warehouse shuttle system?

As your business grows, you might be tempted to find ways to expand your warehouse shuttle system. Thankfully, these systems are scalable and can accept additional shuttle vehicles and racking systems. Just be sure to adjust the control software so that the system knows about the additional inventory.

Choose Demag for Warehouse Shuttle System Parts

At Demag, we provide motors that perform a wide variety of drive tasks reliably and effectively, and for decades our team has been utilizing our comprehensive portfolio of solutions to meet the demands of our customers. We value reliability, dedication, innovation, and safety, and you will see these qualities demonstrated in the creation of each and every one of our components, including our drives and motors.

When selecting the proper motor for your warehouse shuttle system, consider the load capacity, speed, positioning accuracy, power, and environmental conditions to make the best choice. Our selection of motors offers high drive efficiency and unique brake systems, which create the perfect combination of movement and stoppage.

Some of our motor options include:

• Demag KBA motor – This motor is ideal for precise positioning applications, making it the best option for warehouse shuttle systems. The precision possible from the high brake torque helps make it an excellent choice for a variety of systems as well.

• Demag Z motor – This cylindrical motor has a strong motor output up to 45 kW and is versatile enough to be used in a variety of applications. There are many different sizes available and it features inverter-fed drives for travel applications, line-fed travel, and continuous operation abilities.

In addition to our drives and motors, we also have over 12,000 spare parts that are ready to be shipped or collected directly from our distribution center. This means you can explore options for your warehouse shuttle system when you need spare parts that are accessible and reliable.

Contact Us with Any Questions You Have

If you already operate a warehouse shuttle system or are looking to install one, be sure to see how Demag can help supply you with the components you need to keep it running smoothly.

Contact us today with any questions. We’ll be happy to assist you.