GEBHARDT StoreBiter HDS: Hive and Drone Pallet Shuttle System

Technology Overview

The GEBHARDT StoreBiter® HDS represents an innovative approach to high-density pallet storage, setting new standards with its unique "Hive and Drone" shuttle system architecture. In the face of rising real estate costs and the need for operational efficiency, maximizing storage density within existing or new footprints is paramount. This system addresses this challenge by enabling exceptionally deep-lane storage, allowing up to 25 pallets to be stored in depth within a single lane. Beyond mere density, the system is designed with scalability and adaptability at its core, fitting into diverse warehouse environments. Enhanced by IoT connectivity for intelligent management and engineered for energy efficiency, the StoreBiter HDS aims to provide a comprehensive, future-proof solution for automated pallet storage.

How It Works

Core Principles

The core principle is based on a "Hive and Drone" or mother-daughter shuttle concept. A larger, more powerful "mother" shuttle (or transfer vehicle) operates on main aisles and is responsible for transporting pallets to the entrance of deep storage lanes. Smaller, lighter "drone" shuttles operate within the deep lanes themselves, storing and retrieving pallets from the very back positions.

Key Features & Capabilities

Deep-Lane Storage with Hive/Drone Architecture: The system's standout feature is its ability to store pallets up to 25 deep. The mother-daughter shuttle design is key to this, as it separates the long-distance transport (handled by the robust mother shuttle) from the precise, space-constrained movement within the deep lane (handled by the agile drone shuttle). This is more efficient than using a single large shuttle for the entire journey.

High Scalability and Building Adaptability: The modular nature of the shuttle and racking system allows it to be scaled to meet specific throughput and capacity requirements. Crucially, it is designed to be adapted to both greenfield sites and, importantly, existing warehouse buildings, offering a path to automation for facilities not originally designed for deep-lane AS/RS.

IoT-Driven Optimization and Energy Efficiency: Integration with the GEBHARDT Galileo IoT platform provides real-time transparency into system performance, inventory status, and equipment health, enabling predictive maintenance and operational optimization. The dedicated Power-Caps technology enhances energy efficiency, potentially storing and reusing braking energy, which reduces overall power consumption.

Advantages & Benefits

Maximum Space Utilization and Cost Reduction: By storing pallets up to 25 deep, the system dramatically increases storage density compared to conventional single or double-deep racking. This directly reduces the required warehouse floor space for a given inventory volume, lowering real estate costs and associated operating expenses.

Operational Flexibility and Strategy Support: The system supports both FIFO and LIFO inventory strategies, making it suitable for a wide range of products, from perishable goods (FIFO) to more static materials (LIFO). Its scalability ensures the automation solution can grow with the business.

Sustainable and Low-Maintenance Operation: The focus on energy efficiency through proprietary technology reduces the system's environmental impact and operational energy costs. Combined with a design emphasizing minimal maintenance, this leads to a lower total cost of ownership and a more sustainable warehouse operation.

Implementation Considerations

Implementing a deep-lane storage system requires careful analysis of inventory turnover and picking patterns to justify the depth of storage. The system's control logic, powered by the Galileo IoT platform, is critical for efficiently managing retrieval from deep lanes, especially for FIFO operations. Retrofitting into an existing building requires a detailed survey to ensure the structure can support the racking and that layout constraints are addressed.

Use Cases & Applications

Ideal For

The StoreBiter HDS is ideal for industries with high volumes of uniform palletized goods, such as food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, manufacturing (raw materials or finished goods), and cold storage, where space is extremely valuable.

Conclusion

The GEBHARDT StoreBiter® HDS offers a sophisticated and highly efficient solution for automated high-density pallet storage. Its innovative "Hive and Drone" shuttle architecture successfully tackles the challenge of ultra-deep lane storage, delivering exceptional space savings. Coupled with its scalability, adaptability to existing buildings, support for multiple storage strategies, and focus on IoT-driven efficiency and energy savings, it presents a compelling and future-proof investment for businesses looking to optimize their pallet logistics. By reducing floor space needs, operating costs, and environmental impact, the StoreBiter HDS sets a new benchmark for intelligent, dense, and sustainable pallet storage automation.