Technology
Introducing Black Line Warehouse Robot
Press release January 14, 2019 – NEDRE VATS, NORWAY
Press release January 14, 2019 – NEDRE VATS, NORWAY
A new line of AutoStore™ modules made for high demand systems.
With revolutionary, uncompromised design throughout the line, we now offer Cube Storage Automation to users with very high throughput requirements.
Introducing the Black Line, joining the Red Line in the portfolio of award-winning AutoStore systems. In modular AutoStore fashion, Black Line and Red Line modules will mix; system designs can be refined with both lines working together.
Using research and development since 1996, we have implemented a range of new innovations and experiences for a new segment.
First Generation Black Line robot with state-of-the-art technologies
The Black Line features the new B1 Robot, a slimmed down, lighter robot with a Cavity design. The B1 is packed with innovative features including exchangeable BattPack™ Lithium-ion battery technology and Direct Drive Wheels.
Cavity design is sleeker, using less space in an area where space is everything. Almost half the size of R5, the B1 makes room for busier robot clusters. The bin lift mechanism is mounted central and high to carry bins within the robot body.
Utilizing the higher body and Cavity design, the B1 can carry and dig taller bins. With a top storage layer for digging and sorting, no bins block the grid, allowing for more sophisticated driving patterns and higher speeds.
B1 will never rest, not even for charging. Our patented BattPack technology is a state-of-the-art battery concept where the robot will pick up a fully charged battery whenever needed.
The BattPack ejection tray can drop and pick up battery-units at BattPack stations placed around the grid. Clever battery management insures battery health and that the robot is always getting the closest charged battery.
We wanted to ensure that B1 could not only travel at higher speeds, but that it could reach these speeds faster than before. By having individual direct drive motors in each wheel base and removing the need for drive belts, the robot acceleration is 75% higher than that of R5. On average B1’s delivery performance is 20% higher than R5.
Higher speed and acceleration are of great significance with large grid designs where driving distances are longer.
We wanted to present a solution that could significantly increase Bin presentation. For that we needed a high capacity, more flexible Port solution.
This modular workstation consists of a picking module and buffer modules. Each picking station can have from 3 to 6 buffer modules. The Robots, both B1 and R5, will be able to reach the put positions from any direction. With the buffering system, Robots will retrieve a Bin going back to the Grid every time a Bin is dropped off. After a Bin has been closed by the operator it will be sent to the to-Grid buffering positions.
In this way a Bin will always be available for pick up when the Robots deliver Bins to the Port.
If the operator has closed the Bin but no new Bin is ready in the from-Grid Buffer, the Port Hatch will close. The hatch will only open again once a new Bin is ready to be presented.
The minimum exchange time for this port is 1.5 seconds. With 6 buffer modules in place the Port can handle up to 650 Bins per hour with the B1, and up to 450 bins per hour with R5.
In order to ensure the Port can be accessed by service personnel, there is an access area between it and the Grid. This area is accessible from all sides, giving the Service technician the opportunity to reach the port from different angles.
In fall 2019, we will begin offering a new bin size. The 425 mm will work together with all Black Line modules. This opens up for larger objects to be properly stored, and new markets and applications for AutoStore. The inside bin dimensions are: 603 mm x 403 mm x 40 6mm (23.66” x 15.79” x 15.98”).
Going forward, all grid designs will include double tracks in both X and Y direction, as compared to today’s Single-Double grid. This provides a new highway for robots to cross each other. The Double-Double Grid is the new AutoStore grid standard, both for Red Line and Black Line systems. We will still offer Single-Double grids if desired.
Our existing modules are now part of our flagship line: the Red Line, and will continue to be our best offering on medium throughput systems. Red Line includes R5, CarouselPort, ConveyorPort, SwingPort, BinLift.
The Black Line will be on display at these upcoming expos. Come visit for a closer look at the new Black Line technology.
LogiMAT 19th – 21st February 2019. Messe Stuttgart, Germany
AutoStore booth: Hall 2 | Stand A21
ProMAT 8th – 11th April 2019, McCormick Place, Chicago, USA
AutoStore booth: S3923
AutoStore, founded in 1996, is a robot technology company that invented and continues to pioneer Cube Storage Automation; the densest storage solution in existence. Our focus is to marry software and hardware with human abilities to create the future of warehousing. The company is global with more than 300 systems in 28 countries in a wide range of industries. All sales are distributed, designed, installed and serviced by a network of qualified system integrators we call partners. Our headquarters is in Nedre Vats, Norway, and with offices in US, UK, Germany and France.
Press contact:
Magne Hatteland
Marketing Director
+47 97107710
Magne@autostoresystem.com
Karl Johan Lier
CEO & President
Karl.johan.lier@autostoresystem.com
