Dematic has automated two Weiss Technik sites with stand-alone Autostore systems. The system at the headquarters of the market leader for environmental simulation systems in Lindenstruth, Hesse, has nine moving robots that handle the transportation as well as the storage and retrieval of around 13,400 containers.

The system at the site in Balingen, Baden-Württemberg, has space for around 6,300 containers. Nine robots are also in use there. The compact piece goods picking systems are characterized in particular by a high storage density and automate both production supply and spare parts dispatch at Weiss Technik. The energy-efficient systems are controlled and operated via the SAP WM warehouse management software, which Dematic has seamlessly integrated into the existing ERP systems. Both systems have already gone into operation. Weiss Technik uses them to store small parts for the manufacture of larger systems.

In the newly installed system in Lindenstruth, the approximately 13,400 bins are subdivided into further compartments so that they can hold different items. Nine mobile robots operate on the surface, automatically accessing the bins as soon as the goods they contain are requested. They then transport the items automatically to the picking station ports. The picked items are made available for internal transportation via a roller conveyor and then transported to the respective production areas. This avoids unnecessary walking distances and ancillary activities for employees. In addition, there is no need to refill goods, which saves additional time.

Earthquake-proof system

At the Balingen site, Niko Hoffmann, project engineer at Weiss Technik, explains: "As a result, the systems should lead to a significantly higher picking performance with a lower error rate at the same time." Several stabilization towers ensure smooth operation in one of the highest earthquake zones in Germany. The stabilization towers are installed together with the Autostore and the grid is fixed to them. Dematic is assuming the role of general contractor.

According to Hoffmann, another important criterion in the decision was that the solution is scalable and can be expanded during operation without any major restrictions. Additional bin locations can be easily implemented via grid extensions. Additional robots can also be integrated quickly.

The energy efficiency of the system was another plus point in the decision to award the contract, says Ahrens: "Thanks to the extremely compact storage and low energy consumption, the AutoStore concept is very environmentally friendly and therefore fits in perfectly with Weiss Technik's company philosophy." This is due not least to the recovery of energy generated when the robots brake and when the containers are lowered. Energy costs are also reduced as the space required by the Autostore is smaller and therefore less building space needs to be maintained