Energy chains: quick to install and safe

Gebhardt was founded in 1952 by Richard and Elfriede Gebhardt in Kirchardt-Berwangen. Now in its third generation, the family business focuses on the development and manufacture of system solutions for internal logistics. "We have over 70 years of experience in developing and implementing logistics processes. With this broad expertise, we can offer everything from a single source - from planning and design to the implementation of complete in-house solutions," says Volker Braun, Head of Product Management Storage and Retrieval Systems at the Gebhardt Intralogistics Group. All components and systems are also produced in-house at the Sinsheim and Pirmasens plants on 21,500 square meters - from the conveyor roller to the storage and retrieval machine to the complete intralogistics system with state-of-the-art electronic control.

Horizontal power and data transmission made easy

The company headquarters at the Sinsheim site was expanded in 2016 to include a technology and test center, which is used for production supply. The storage and conveyor technology installed there includes pallet conveyor technology, shuttle technology (OLPS, MLS, OLS) and a Cheetah storage and retrieval machine. Accelerations, speeds and transfer times are very important for storage and retrieval machines. Traditionally, a conductor rail is used for energy transmission. The data is transmitted contactlessly via a data light barrier.

Igus has developed the Autoglide 5 system so that power and data can be safely routed horizontally via cables and without a channel. "Here in Sinsheim, we have the decisive advantage that we can first test all technical innovations extensively in our own warehouse. When Mr. Strauch from Igus presented the Autoglide 5 concept to us, we were convinced by the idea from the very beginning and saw a lot of potential for our logistics systems," says Volker Braun. Christian Strauch, Industry Manager Intralogistics at Igus, adds: "The major disadvantage of conductor rails is regular maintenance and the high price for short aisles. A conductor rail needs to be cleaned and maintained. The contacts of the current collector are also susceptible to wear. The Autoglide 5, on the other hand, is maintenance-free. The data is transmitted securely via a cable and not via radio, making the system ideal for horizontal use in intralogistics at Gebhardt."