The constant development in warehouse technology has led to significant progress, particularly through automated systems such as storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) and shuttles. With the new GEBHARDT Omnipallet®, GEBHARDT presents a pioneering innovation based on proven shuttle technology specially designed for pallet storage.
Flexibility through autonomy
In contrast to conventional high-bay warehouses with centralised control systems, the Omnipallet® system relies on many small, autonomous robots. These move independently within the warehouse structure, ensuring high dynamism and flexibility. Unlike conventional pallet shuttles, the Omnipallet is not tied to a fixed rack aisle and does not require a parent vehicle, significantly increasing flexibility. The bi-directional movement allows for flexible storage configurations, including single and multi-deep options.
High storage density and scalability
The GEBHARDT Omnipallet® offers several advantages that make it a highly scalable solution for warehouses and distribution centres. A key advantage of the Omnipallet® is its ability to achieve high storage density. This means various warehouse functions, such as replenishment or picking warehouses, can be realised within a single storage cube. The system's scalability allows it to be adapted to different warehouse sizes and throughput requirements, ensuring maximum use of warehouse capacity.
The Omnipallet® system can achieve high and low performance regardless of the warehouse size. It easily adapts to a high-performance distribution centre or a low-throughput warehouse. In addition, the system can easily be integrated into any existing conventional conveyor technology, allowing for a step-by-step implementation. The warehouse structure offers flexibility for single- and multi-deep storage, allowing customisation to different requirements and product types. The autonomously operating shuttles achieve higher throughputs and greater flexibility in storing pallets, mesh boxes, and large load carriers. Thanks to the seamless integration of intelligent software systems, Omnipallet® is optimally equipped for Industry 4.0's requirements.
Wide range of possible applications
GEBHARDT Omnipallet® suits various warehouse designs, from high-performance distribution warehouses to smaller warehouse applications with low throughput. The warehouse size is secondary, as the system's flexibility is not directly linked to the storage capacity. One example is entry-level solutions based on the FIFO or LIFO principle, which can store large load carriers with a high storage capacity. Compared to manually operated warehouses, forklifts no longer have to travel long distances, leading to significant efficiency gains. GEBHARDT Omnipallet® is used in production, raw material, stock, and material warehouses. Thanks to its wide range of possible applications, it is also an efficient solution for distribution logistics.
Intelligent shuttle control for optimum operation
With the Omnipallet® system's intelligent control software, robots are efficiently routed through the warehouse with utmost precision and accuracy. Loading management and task distribution are integral components of the overall system, ensuring smooth operations. The software can be easily integrated into various warehouse management and warehouse management systems (WMS/WMS), enabling high customisation. Compared to competing solutions, the software is characterised by its ability to route robots along the shortest path, even allowing for two-way traffic of different robots or paths already occupied. Avoiding deadlocks and blockages contributes to high throughput rates without unnecessary disruptions.
Modern ultracap technology for maximum autonomy
Ultracap technology forms the backbone of Omnipallet's® power supply. Compared to conventional power rails, this technology enables fast charging in the rack and allows 24/7 operation without long charging breaks for the robots. The shuttle's high availability is maintained as the charging time is not considered as additional waiting time. The ultracaps reduce the cost of laying power rails and maximise the system's autonomy by decreasing the number of motors installed, thereby reducing procurement and operating costs.
Powerful pallet shuttles for higher throughput and flexibility
The pallet shuttles from Omnipallet® enable higher throughputs, flexibility, and energy efficiency than conventional SRM solutions. The low tare weight of the shuttles compared to SRMs leads to improved energy consumption, as the weight is independent of the storage height and therefore, no additional energy is required for transport. Thanks to the additional available shuttles, the system’s high availability is not affected when a shuttle fails.
Fazit: GEBHARDT Omnipallet® redefines pallet storage technology and sets new standards for flexibility, scalability, energy efficiency, and performance. Thanks to the combined innovative technology and intelligent control systems, efficient and future-proof warehousing is enabled across a wide range of applications.