Radio Shuttle Racking System

What is radio shuttle racking?

The radio shuttle is simply an amazing device where high intensity pallet storage is concerned. A highly compact, semi-automated storage solution for palletized goods, it does not require the use of a forklift for loading and unloading.

There is no extra space between racks for forklift maneuvering, so the lanes of the racks are called channels. One radio shuttle can be used for multiple channels. A lane should contain only one SKU. if a pallet is stored in one lane and the next pallet must be stored in another lane, the radio shuttle is unloaded using a forklift and moved to another lane. Then, the next pallet is placed. The forklift places the pallet at the entrance of each racking aisle and the shuttle transports the pallet to the first empty placement position and then returns to the front of the aisle. The same process is applied in reverse for pallet unloading.

Specially designed to withstand loads of up to 1500 kg, the shuttle moves quickly and controllably and ensures the minimum space left between pallets. This is what makes the system the most compact and space-saving system available.

Multiple shuttles can be controlled by a single remote control and can fill or empty entire aisles on receipt of a single command. The remote controls (tablets running on the network) require authentication of authorized personnel, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized access to the pallets. The shuttle is also equipped with appropriate security measures such as safety stops, end-of-track stops, pallet alignment, etc.

While the absence of aisles can result in maximum space consumption, the absence of forklifts can lead to damage to equipment and racks. Pallets can be moved back and forth automatically without the use of a forklift, resulting in lower operating costs, higher productivity, faster loading/unloading, and hassle-free storage cycles. The radio shuttle (also known as pallet shuttle) system is based on FIFO and LIFO inventory management principles. If one end of the rack is open, storage and picking of pallets is done from the same end, meaning that the first pallet in will be the last pallet out (last-in, first-out). If the racking is open from the other end, storage and picking will be done at opposite ends without any interference. This means that the first pallet in will be the first pallet out (FIFO)

Structure of Radio Shuttle Rack

Main Features

Increased Pallet Locations

This system offers more storage depth by stacking the pallets one after the other with minimum clearance. The space between levels is also minimised due to elimination of MHE operation.

More diverse SKUs

One SKU can be stored per channel as compared to One SKU per lane as is the case with drive-in.

Negligible maintenance costs

Minimised accidents lead to almost negligible maintenance costs.

Lower accident risk

MHEs are not permitted to enter the structure, thereby minimizing the chances of accidents to a great extent

Higher performance

Lesser time of operation increases warehouse efficiency

Highly cost effective

Fuel and energy costs are lowered.

PROS

• Highest space utilisation
• Speedy shuttles save loads of time
• Least damage of racks and forklifts
• Less operational costs

CONS

• No direct access to individual pallets
• Network downtime can affect operations
• Higher maintenance costs
• Higher installation costs

BEST SUITED FOR

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR

Project Cases

In foreign markets, we at Spieth have completed a number of pallet shuttle racking projects for customers in different industries in countries such as Dubai, Qatar, Vietnam, Serbia, Canada, etc. The radio shuttle is running well with fast and stable performance.