Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
Take a stroll through your future warehouse from the comfort of your screen.
The Skypod System
The Skypod® system is an elegant automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that utilizes robotics to offer the best performance on the market while remaining fully flexible to our customer’s needs.
It enables you to keep up with ever-changing supply chain demands and can be deployed in months, not years.
Robots
Our Skypod® robots function as a fleet supporting the operators to prepare your orders faster.
Stations
Ergonomic work stations that allow operators to easily pick items from our robots.
Conveyors
Skypath® is our smart, plug-and-play conveyor system that can be easily reconfigured according to the changes in your warehouse.
Storage
Our flexible and easily scalable system of racks, bins, and trays enhances storage density to support your business growth.
Warehouse Software
Deepsky® is our end-to-end warehouse software that orchestrates every element of the Skypod system and coordinates it with third-party equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of automated storage and retrieval systems?
Automated storage and retrieval systems like the Skypod system offer numerous benefits, including increased operational efficiency, reduced labor costs, enhanced accuracy in order fulfillment, and improved space utilization. Additionally, an AS/RS can significantly enhance the speed of order processing and provide a better working environment by reducing the manual handling of goods.
For a deeper understanding of how robotic automated storage and retrieval systems, like the Skypod system, can transform your warehouse operations, we invite you to read our article, Transforming Warehouse Operations with Robotic AS/RS.
What are the differences between the Skypod system and other AS/RS providers?
The Skypod system sets a new standard in the AS/RS market with several distinct features:
- 3D Autonomous Movement: Unlike traditional systems, our Skypod robots can move autonomously in three dimensions between high-density storage racks and ergonomic picking stations. This capability eliminates the need for heavy, complex machinery and avoids the inefficient digging and stacking of inventory.
- Maximized Vertical Space Utilization: Our system takes full advantage of vertical space and can build racks up to 39 feet (12 meters). This design allows businesses to efficiently use the available vertical space in their warehouses.
- Scalability and Flexibility: The modular design of the Skypod system enables unparalleled scalability. Robots can be added to the system in minutes, stations can be integrated within days, and racks can be expanded in just a few weeks. This flexibility ensures the system can grow and adapt to your evolving business needs without significant downtime or disruption.
- Seamless Omnichannel Capabilities: Store replenishment, wholesale, and e-Commerce order fulfillment can all be done within a single Skypod system. The system also seamlessly adapts as your business model changes. Whether you are adding an e-commerce channel, changing the number and structure of your SKUs, or moving from B2B to B2C fulfillment, our system can seamlessly meet your needs today and into the unpredictable future.
These features collectively make the Skypod system a highly agile, efficient, and scalable solution, offering a competitive edge over traditional AS/RS warehouse providers.
What types of items can the Skypod system accommodate?
The Skypod system is designed to handle a wide range of products, catering to the needs of diverse industries such as retail, healthcare, industrials, and grocery. Our system’s versatility is rooted in the design of our bins and trays, which enable piece and case picking. If the item fits into our bins or case fits onto our trays, our system is fully equipped to handle it.
- Bins: Our bins are 450 x 650 mm (17.5 x 25.5 in). They are available in three different heights – 220, 320, and 420 mm (8.6 x 12.6 x 16.5 in). For increased storage density, these bins can be partitioned into 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 compartments using removable dividers.
- Trays: Our trays facilitate the quick and automated entry and removal of cartons from storage, eliminating the necessity for decanting. These trays are suitable for carton sizes up to 600 x 400 x 400 mm (23.5 x 15.5 x 15.5 in). Full and mixed case picking is enabled from our trays.
Together, our bins and trays enable the Skypod system to offer efficient storage and quick retrieval of a wide array of items, streamlining warehouse operations across multiple sectors.
Does the Skypod system support orders that arrive just prior to the cut-off time?
Yes, the Skypod system is designed for high reactivity, making it exceptionally capable of handling orders that arrive close to the cut-off time. Our system features agile robots that can autonomously navigate in three dimensions, ensuring any SKU can be retrieved within just 2 minutes. This quick response is free from the constraints of slow, complex machinery and inefficient processes such as digging and stacking of goods.
The robots are directed by our Deepsky software. Deepsky prioritizes urgent order requests, which allows for the rapid processing of late-arriving orders. This integration of advanced robotics and software ensures that even last-minute orders are fulfilled swiftly and accurately, enabling you to offer faster shipping options to your customers. For an in-depth look at how our system can transform order fulfillment, we invite you to explore our Ariat case study.
How long does it take to install the Skypod system?
The Skypod system is designed for rapid installation, taking months, not years, to become fully operational. This speed is a direct result of our system’s modular nature, which allows it to adapt seamlessly to your warehouse’s architecture, including integration around existing pillars and structures. Our experience installing over 100 systems has honed our efficiency, ensuring even faster installations for each new project. Whether you’re upgrading an existing facility or setting up a new site, our installation process is streamlined and efficient. To illustrate:
- GEDOIS: This installation was completed in just 7 months after contract signing. It included 39 robots, 4 stations, and 29,440 storage locations, with racks reaching up to 30 feet.
- Ariat: The setup for Ariat was accomplished in only 11 months. This project involved 86 robots, 9 stations, and 71,785 storage locations.
These examples underscore our commitment to delivering swift and efficient installation processes, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations and a faster transition to advanced warehouse automation.
What considerations should I keep in mind when adopting AS/RS?
Adopting an AS/RS, such as the Skypod system, involves several important considerations. To understand how this system will fit into your existing operations, it’s crucial to assess your warehouse’s operational needs, space limitations, and the items you manage. Additionally, evaluating factors like scalability, cost, and the support and maintenance services offered by the AS/RS provider is imperative for making a well-informed decision.
For a comprehensive guide on what to consider when adopting an AS/RS, we invite you to click here.
Let’s get efficient
Reach out to our team to learn how our automated storage and retrieval systems can transform your warehouse.