Four-way shuttle system

The Four Way Speed Shuttle is a high-density automated storage and retrieval system for palletized goods. It is optimized for storing high-volume, low-SKU goods and is widely used in industries such as food and beverage, chemical, and third-party logistics. The Four Way Speed Shuttle is an upgraded version of the standard radio shuttle system and is capable of moving in four directions. This feature allows the shuttle to change routes between storage channels and main routes without the need for forklift intervention, significantly reducing manpower costs and increasing warehouse efficiency.

Introduction to the operation of the four-way shuttle system

Main system functions:

Manual Operation: Manual control for initial setup and system checks
Automatic Load Entry and Exit: Automatic movement of loads in the system
Automatic Load Transfer: Ability to transfer pallets between and within different storage paths
Inventory Management Technology: Utilizing intelligent inventory management technology
Online Charging: Automatic battery charging during operation without the need to stop
Low Battery Warning: Alert when the battery level is low
Remote Control: Ability to control remotely via remote devices
Telecom Control: Ability to control via remote communications (Telecontrol)
System Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and tracking of system performance
Emergency Stop: Ability to quickly stop the system in emergencies
Report Upload: Recording and transferring system operational reports

Components of a four-way pallet shuttle system

Warehouse Shelving and Racking System: Storage and organization of loads in specific routes (channels)
Radio Shuttle: A means of transporting and moving loads between and within routes
Elevator: Transportation of loads and/or shuttles between different floors in a warehouse
Conveyor: Automatic movement of pallets throughout a warehouse
Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS): Warehouse operations management and control software

Pallet shuttle system performance

The shuttle system operates as an automated storage and retrieval (AS/RS) method in warehouses. A conveyor line is placed in front of the racking system to receive and deliver pallets. An elevator then transports the pallets and the radio shuttle from the ground level to the different floors. The warehouse management system (WMS) and warehouse control system (WCS) instruct the radio shuttle to automatically place the pallets in the designated positions in the channels of its storage system. This process allows the system to automatically store and retrieve goods in the warehouse.

Advantages of the four-way shuttle AS/RS system:

Independent Research and Development: Shuttle AS/RS system has intellectual property rights and provides quality after-sales service.
Full platform lift design: This feature prevents small particles or oil stains from entering the body and helps extend the life of the machine.
Professional software team: The system can be connected to customers’ existing automation equipment or their WMS system to upgrade the warehouse from semi-automatic to fully automatic.
Extensive export experience: With extensive experience in exporting, we can provide customers with the necessary support in establishing foreign markets.
System can be implemented up to 15 meters high.
Load transfer speed 1.5 m/s
Increase the occupancy rate in the warehouse from 1.4 to 2.5 times compared to other pallet storage systems.

Here is a comprehensive and concise comparison of four-way shuttle solutions in the warehousing and material handling industry. The comparison evaluates and compares the advantages and disadvantages of various options, including standard cantilever racking systems, AS/RS systems with stacker cranes, and four-way shuttle systems.

Comparison table of different pallet systems

Feature	Standard Rock Cantilever Racking System	AS/RS system, stacker crane	Four-way pallet shuttle system
Design type	Standard Rock Cantilever Storage System	AS/RS system with stacker crane	Advanced system with four-way shuttle
Warehouse capacity	Low	Medium	Top
Automation	Non-automatic	Fully automatic	Fully automatic
Productivity	Down	Top	Medium
Equipment dependency	Low dependency (dependent on human resources)	Very dependent	Minimal dependency (no need for additional equipment)
Labor cost	Top	Down	Down

Applications of the four-way shuttle system

The four-way shuttle system can handle pallet loads weighing hundreds of kilograms to 1.5 tons. The four-way shuttle is an improved design of the two-way shuttle. The two-way shuttle can implement the “first in, first out” or “first in, last out” model when moving goods, which is mostly used in high-volume and low-variety industries. However, with the continuous development of the market, the need for small and diversified production has increased. In addition, factors such as land and labor costs have made enterprises increasingly require optimal use of space and dense storage.

In this context, the four-way shuttle, which can realize compact storage, space utilization and flexible scheduling, has been developed. At present, the four-way shuttle system is widely used in manufacturing, cold chain and other industries. In addition, for old industrial parks? And warehouses with low variety and high volume of goods, the four-way shuttle system can be used to make full use of the warehouse height, release more economic production capacity and create value for customers. Specific applications are as follows:

Companies with fewer items and more pallets: This system is ideal for industries that handle high volumes of similar products, maximizing vertical and horizontal space utilization.
High-volume loading and unloading operations: Companies with frequent inbound and outbound pallet movements can increase productivity and reduce manual labor costs with automation.
Cold storage: This system is especially useful in cold environments because dense storage reduces operating costs and energy consumption, and is usually combined with a forklift or conveyor to optimize performance.
Buffer areas for temporary storage: Suitable for temporary storage of products before shipping or picking, acting as a capacitor for order picking.
Seasonal product storage: Effective for products such as ice cream or holiday items that require temporary, high-volume storage with periodic release.
Dynamic Warehouses: This system is flexible enough to be suitable for facilities that require deep storage or increased throughput, supporting a greater number of items while maximizing storage space.

Customization options

Companies like MAXRAC offer tailor-made shuttle and rack systems that help improve warehouse automation and storage density. For example, they can design these systems to accommodate space constraints and diverse SKU management needs, providing a customized storage solution.

Smart warehouse optimization with a four-way shuttle system; a new step in industrial automation

In today’s world where speed, accuracy and efficiency are the main concerns in logistics and warehousing, the Four-Way Shuttle system has gained a special place as one of the most advanced solutions for achieving automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). This new technology is an advanced version of the traditional two-way shuttle (Radio-Shuttle) with the ability to move in four directions in the longitudinal and transverse directions and with the help of an automatic lift (Auto-Lift) it turns your warehouse into a smart, flexible and fully automated operations center.

Key features of this system include:

Independent and fully automatic movement without the need for a forklift
Automatic entry and exit of pallets by connecting to automatic surface handling systems such as conveyors
Moving speed up to 1.5 m/s
Using warehouse management and control software (WMS/WCS) for inventory management
Battery charging station, battery level alarm by machine
Remote control and telecom capability for real-time system management
Continuous recording and reporting of device performance for analysis and process improvement
Competitive advantages of this technology over traditional systems:
Increase in storage density (capacity) up to 2.5 times
Reduce dependence on human resources and reduce operating costs
Can be used in high-altitude warehouses (up to 15 meters)
Fully compatible with cold warehouses, humid or dusty environments, and specific industrial conditions
Suitable for storing products with low SKUs and high storage volume

Practical applications of the four-way shuttle system in various industries: From warehouses of raw materials and finished products in various industries to warehouses of distribution centers (Fulfillment center) and even sub-zero cold stores, and especially warehouses that are not suitable for the presence and operation of human resources due to their environmental conditions, can be included in the economic scope of this system.