Modern Materials Handling - November 2012

FOCUS ON Automated storageAutomated verticalsmall parts storageFor secure, space-saving small parts andtool storage, the SPSS vertical storagesystem provides faster, more efficientpicking, storageand inventorymanagementby combiningorganization andprotection withmodular drawerstorage. Eachtray holds up to500 pounds. Features include a choice ofstandard controls or an optional inventorycontrol software package for applicationsrequiring inventory control, communicationto host, connection to peripheralhardware or control of multiple machines.The machine includes a welded lowerbase module and bolted construction inthe upper frame for increased durabilityand shorter installation time. Offered inheights from 12.5 to 40 feet, quick shipmodels come in 18, 24.5 and 31 feetheights. Lauyans & Co., 502-774-2200www.spssonline.com.Robotic, gantry-basedbeverage case pickingA large-scale robotic case and layer pickingsystem for beverage handling accommodateshigh-volume, high-SKU distributiondemands. The system coordinatesautomated storage/retrieval systems,conveyor and multiple robotic gantriesto systematically pick products in singlesor groups. Picks are sent to the dockface in an optimized trailer load or palletizingsequence. Distribution efficiency isenhanced by labor savings and error-freepicking. Compact, the storage spaceunder the gantry ensures higher processingrates per square foot without fixedinfrastructure such as racking or shelving.For traceability, the system providesprecise information on the location of allproducts, as well as the ability to isolateSKUs in the event of a problem or recall.RMT Robotics, 905-643-9700, www.rmtrobotics.com.Laser-pointing pick-to-lightintegrated into VLMCombining a laser-pointing pick-to-lightsystem with a vertical lift module, the newLaserViper system improves order pickingaccuracy and productivity. The pointingsystem is located in the pick window ofthe VLM. It identifies items to be pickedwith a red dot, eliminating miss-picks. Thesystem can pinpoint inventory as smallas a fraction of an inch, allowing itemssuch as vials, fasteners and small boxesof inventory to be located immediately.Because the system eliminates light barsand indicators that operators have to readbefore manually locating a stored item ina tray, it also provides higher tray storagedensity. Sapient Automation, 888-451-9711, www.getsapient.com.High-performance shuttleinterfaces with multiple loadhandling devicesIdeal for highly dynamic storage and bufferapplications, the Stingray shuttle featuresfunctionally separated travel and liftaxes for higher throughput performancethan stacker cranes, enabling capacityand performance scalability. Operatorscan vary the number of shuttles deployed,as well as change the configuration oftote and shuttle lifts. For lower performancerequirement systems, shuttles canchange levels with a shuttle lift. Because itinterfaces with a variety of load handlingdevices, the shuttle handles totes, cartonsand similar load carriers in single ormulti-deep racks. Lightweight constructionoptimizes energy efficiency with highacceleration and speed with reducedpower consumption. For easy maintenance,quick-release fasteners providetool-free access to the shuttle, while maintenanceplatforms are arranged every8 feet for access without disrupting thesystem. TGW Systems, 231-798-4547,www.tgw-group.com.Storage and retrievalsystem handles multiplecontainer sizesTo permit flexible handling of smallerbatch sizes and increased productdiversity, the 2/4-deep storage systeminterfaces with different container sizesfor greater agility in automated smallparts storage facilities with multiple-deepstorage. The system can handle containersmeasuring 23.6 x 15.6 inches (600 x400 millimeters) and 11.8 x 15.8 inches(300 x 400 millimeters) in any combination.Goods can be stored without beingpresorted by storage unit size, and theretrieval machine has flexible accessto each load unit for series formation.Because of the load handling device’s60 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 / Modern Materials Handling mmh.com