Pallet Runner™ - Automha Americas Automation

Introduction to Pallet Runner™

The Automha Pallet Runner™ system is a semi-automated pallet shuttle system that uses a robotic shuttle car to efficiently move pallets in and out of high-density storage lanes within a warehouse, eliminating the need for forklifts to enter the racking aisles. The Automha Pallet Runner™ is often referred to as pallet shuttle and pallet mole.

Unlock the full potential of your warehouse and empower your business with Pallet Runner™ – where efficiency meets peace of mind. Imagine each pallet is precisely where it needs to be, every time, orchestrated by cutting-edge automation systems that never sleep.

Download PDF

Benefits of Automha Americas Pallet Runner™ Storage System

Increased Storage Density: By reducing aisles and utilizing depth space, it maximizes storage capacity within the same footprint.
Enhanced Efficiency: Pallet Runner™ moves quickly and seamlessly, improving the speed of loading and unloading pallets compared to traditional forklift operations.
Reduced Labor Costs: With less need for forklift drivers to enter storage lanes, a pallet runner system cuts down on labor requirements and associated expenses.
Improved Safety: By automating movements, there’s a lower risk of accidents associated with manual forklift operation within the storage aisles.
Inventory Management: Integration with the Automha warehouse management systems allows for precise tracking and management of inventory.
Energy Savings: Automated systems like pallet shuttles are typically more energy-efficient than manual alternatives, especially when designed with energy-saving features.
Scalability and Flexibility: Systems can be scaled up or reconfigured with relative ease to accommodate growth or changes in product lines.
Reduced Rack Damage: The precision of an automated pallet shuttle means less contact with the racking system, reducing wear and tear and repair costs.
All-weather Operation: Pallet Runner™ can work in various conditions, including chilled and cold storage environments, without loss of efficiency.
Time Savings: They streamline warehouse operations, allowing for faster turnover and reduced waiting times for trucks at loading docks.

Based on Automha’s cutting edge technology, the Pallet Runner™ system allows greater pallet density, best in class throughput, unrivaled durability/reliability in a system designed for easy in-place maintenance.

Using purpose-designed pallet racking tailored to each client’s needs – number of pallet levels, number of bays and pallet lane depths – that can accommodate unusual facility shapes or height requirements.

The system’s dual RF/WIFI communications protocols provide continuous communications to the Pallet Runner™ Carts. In all environments, systems operate effectively in temperatures from -22 to +132 degrees F°. Installations are growing very quickly in the freezer market (more than 35% of our installations are in this sector).

The decision to install Pallet Runner™ can also allow users to maximize their square footage (total cube), in most cases using the same lift truck and other equipment already in use. It delivers many of the benefits of a fully automated warehouse, without the investment or re-design required to move to fully automated solutions.

Designed for either F.I.F.O.or L.I.F.O., and Automha’s exclusive “Controlled Storage” feature also allows clients to change product flow from F.I.F.O to L.I.F.O and vice versa directly and instantly from the intuitive handheld controller. Pallet Runner™ deep lane storage continues to provide our clients benefits over more conventional storage mediums – increasing utilization, in some cases, by up to 50%!

It switches instantly between L.I.F.O. and F.O.F.O – and reduces costly product, structure and lift truck repairs at the same time. Pallets move without pitch and pallet “hang-ups” – with all the safety concerns that can be raised – are virtually eliminated.

When to Implement a Pallet Runner™ Solution

A Pallet Runner™ system should be considered for implementation into a warehouse when certain conditions or needs arise that align with the system’s strengths, such as:

High Throughput Requirement: When warehouse operations demand quick loading and unloading of goods, a Pallet Runner™ can significantly increase the speed of these processes.
High-Density Storage Needs: Warehouses that require efficient use of space, especially when dealing with a high volume of pallets with a low variety of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), can benefit from the deep lane storage a Pallet Runner™ provides.
Expansion Constraints: If a warehouse cannot expand outward due to space or cost constraints, a Pallet Runner™ system can help optimize the use of vertical space and reduce aisle width to fit more products in the existing area.
Cold Storage Operations: In environments where products must be kept frozen or chilled, pallet shuttles can minimize the time doors are open and maintain consistent temperatures by quickly moving products in and out.
Labor Shortages or Cost Reduction: When reducing labor costs or compensating for a lack of available forklift drivers is a priority, the automation of a Pallet Runner™ system can mitigate these issues.
Need for Improved Safety: If a warehouse has experienced safety issues related to forklift operations, the implementation of a shuttle system can reduce the risk of accidents.
24/7 Operations: For warehouses that need to operate continuously, Pallet Runner™ can run round the clock without concerns about human fatigue or scheduling shifts.
Scalability Requirements: Businesses anticipating growth or seasonal spikes in inventory can leverage the scalability of a Pallet Runner™ system to adjust to increased demand without significant disruptions.
Increased Accuracy and Inventory Control: When accuracy in inventory management is critical, a Pallet Runner™ system can be integrated with warehouse management systems to ensure precise tracking and reporting.

A Pallet Runner™ system is a substantial investment, so it’s typically suited for businesses that have identified these operational efficiencies as strategic objectives and have the volume of goods to justify the initial setup and ongoing operational costs.