Engineered for high-density warehousing, these automated Storage and Retrieval Machines (SRMs) offer efficient handling and storage of both palletised and non-palletised goods. Designed to enhance workflow efficiency, SRMs operate at high speeds to streamline storage and retrieval processes. With customisable configurations, advanced safety features, and energy-efficient designs, these systems are ideal for optimising space, reducing operational costs, and supporting sustainability in modern warehouses.
An AS/RS earns its keep by going up rather than out. GEBHARDT machines run from 7.5 m to 22 m on the type 714 to 718 range, and pallet systems reach 24 m. Where a conventional forklift operation needs aisle width to turn, a rail-guided machine needs only its own body plus clearance, so the same footprint holds far more pallets. The building you already have is usually the cheapest warehouse you will ever buy.
These are not one machine scaled up and down. The type 714 to 718 machines carry 50 to 500 kg for totes, trays and cartons. The Cheetah carries 120 kg but moves fast. Pallet ASRS type 748 takes up to 2,500 kg, and the curve-going version up to 2,000 kg. Picking the class is really picking the unit load, and changing your mind later means changing the racking, not just the crane.
The type 714 to 718 machines travel at 4 to 5 m/s with a 3 m/s hoist, and the Cheetah reaches 5 m/s on the Eco and 6.5 m/s on the Speed, with acceleration to match. Top speed matters less than you would think, though: on a short aisle the machine spends most of its time accelerating and decelerating, which is why acceleration figures and aisle length together predict cycle time better than velocity alone.
Single deep gives the fastest access, because every location is reachable directly. Double deep raises density but means occasionally moving one pallet to reach another. The right answer comes from SKU velocity: fast movers single deep, slow movers double deep. That modelling is worth doing properly at design stage, because it sets both the capacity you get and the throughput you can sustain.
Where the requirement is many small movements rather than deep storage, shuttle systems often beat a crane. The StoreBiter 300 MLS is multi-level at 2 x 50 kg and 4 m/s, the 300 OLS runs one level at 2 x 50 kg and 3 m/s, and the StoreBiter 500 handles 1,500 kg at 1.5 m/s. A shuttle per level removes the single point of contention a one-crane aisle creates.
A curve-going machine handles up to 2,000 kg and can serve more than one aisle, which suits buildings that are not a neat rectangle or where a dedicated machine per aisle cannot be justified. The lifting beam type 720 covers open widths to 10 m and heights to 24 m at 120 kg. Ambient, chilled and some freezer applications are all workable with the right components and insulation, though the temperature has to be on the table from the start.
Regenerative braking recovers energy on deceleration and smart motion profiles reduce consumption, with idle and eco modes trimming overnight use. Safety is guarded aisles, access control, e-stops, anti-collision, load sensors and certified safety PLCs to CE. Redundancy is the question people forget: bypass aisles, a spare machine, dual infeed and outfeed stations and a resilient WCS strategy are what keep you shipping when one machine is down.
A WCS interface handles tasks, confirmations, inventory updates, exceptions and dashboards between the machines and your WMS or ERP. Expansion means adding machines, aisles or levels, with the control software supporting staged upgrades rather than a rebuild. Upstream and downstream this typically connects to warehouse robotics and sorting technology. LVP Automation specifies, integrates and supports storage systems from Finglas, Dublin 11 as part of our wider automation services.
Maximise capacity with tall bays, single/double-deep options and tailored load handling devices for pallets, trays and cartons.
Fast cycle times and intelligent buffering ensure steady feeds to picking, packing and despatch, reducing bottlenecks end-to-end.
Energy-saving drives, regenerative systems and optimised travel paths cut utility costs and support your sustainability targets.
Key answers on loads, layouts, software, energy use, expansion and maintenance.
Pallets (Euro/CHEP), totes, trays and suitably rigid cartons, matched to load handling devices and aisle design.
Single-deep gives fastest access; double-deep increases density with minor access trade-offs. We model SKU velocity to decide.
Cycle time depends on lift/drive speeds, aisle length and load. We size the system to your required lines/hour and service levels.
Yes, via a WCS interface for tasks, confirmations, inventory updates, exceptions and dashboards.
Guarded aisles, access control, e-stops, anti-collision, load sensors and certified safety PLCs, compliant with CE standards.
Regenerative braking and smart motion profiles reduce consumption; idle/eco modes trim overnight usage.
Add SRMs, aisles or levels; the control software supports staged upgrades with minimal downtime.
Yes, solutions are available for ambient, chilled and some freezer applications with appropriate components and insulation.
Planned inspections of drives, rails and load devices; condition monitoring and remote diagnostics help maintain high availability.
Bypass aisles, spare SRMs, dual infeed/outfeed stations and resilient WCS strategies maintain service during outages.
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