AeroBot: Success in all dimensions
KNAPP has long been an industry leader for highly dynamic automated storage and retrieval systems, combining shuttle solutions with robotics and pocket systems, but the new AeroBot system fills a unique niche, bringing ASRS technology to standard building heights. The AeroBot system features end-to-end simplicity, from smart system design to installation and servicing. Standard components make installation simple and startup fast. Thanks to their intelligent lidar technology, the AeroBots navigate through all three dimensions of the entire system independently, without having to rely on lines for navigation. They move lengthwise and crosswise along the floor, even running below the rack system to find the most efficient route. The AeroBots use innovative friction drive technology to move vertically up the racks for unprecedented system scalability.
“The AeroBot system is another milestone in our long line of innovations. As with any other development, the AeroBot is a result of contemporary market drivers and the needs of our customers. Currently, solutions that provide an easier start to automation and are flexible enough to adapt rapidly to market conditions are popular. It’s important to look at these needs on the basis of an overall concept instead of just isolated technologies. This is exactly what our main focus at KNAPP has been in the past years and we now have the broadest portfolio of technologies on the market. The AeroBot system complements our portfolio, and with its compact construction, offers revolutionary storage density as well as terrific cost efficiencies for small and medium-sized applications,” KNAPP CEO Gerald Hofer emphasizes.
Maximum storage density and flexibility
The racks of the AeroBot system can accommodate different rack heights in one system, which allows all the available space to be used optimally. AeroBot’s low space requirements and flexible rack construction options provide a great opportunity for integrating the AeroBot system into both new and existing systems. The racks can be tailored to fit any space, using the existing space optimally, and, with multiple-deep storage, provide extremely high storage density – all while reliably handling containers and trays weighing up to 35 kg (77 lb). With the AeroBot’s flexibility, you can easily store cartons, existing containers, packaged goods and bulk material together in a single system. The AeroBots work independently, with each bot able to access every area of the system, ensuring high availability of the items stored in the system as well as its reliable operation.
Connectivity and software integration
The size of the AeroBot system can be expanded as desired. It seamlessly connects with numerous other technologies from the KNAPP portfolio, such as ergonomic goods-to-person work stations, picking robots, pocket sorter systems and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). KNAPP’s intelligent KiSoft logistics software suite orchestrates and controls the AeroBots, integrating the mechanical components into the higher-level software system (WMS/WCS). As a value chain tech partner, KNAPP not only delivers technical solutions, but integrates them, providing one-stop service to ensure smooth, uninterrupted material flow.
Original article Image source: knapp.com