Modular storage system from cts now also available in a compact version

The intralogistics and automation specialist cts GmbH is now launching its successful Smart In-Production Warehouse for the electronics and automotive industries in a compact form. The flexible and automated Mini Smart Warehouse is suitable for capacities of 80 to 280 PCB magazines and can now even be used in clean rooms. The new system is based on the same state-of-the-art technologies as the established solution.

Anyone looking for an intelligent and space-saving warehouse for PCBs has been able to find the right solution at cts since 2020: In the cts Smart In-Production Warehouse, PCB magazines or, with modifications, standardized small load carriers (KLT boxes) can be temporarily stored near production lines. The automated, compact warehouse saves space and transportation routes. On request, storage and retrieval can also be fully automated.

“Many customers asked for a smaller version in the range of well under 400 units,” says Philipp Eberherr, Head of Smart Logistics at cts GmbH. “With the Mini Smart Warehouse, we now have a suitable solution with a very compact design in our portfolio.”

Small, smart, individual

With a narrow footprint of just four to five meters, the standard version of the new Mini Smart Warehouse already offers space for 80 to 200 units. It can be expanded to a maximum of 280 shelf spaces. As with the large version, the Mini Smart Warehouse can be customized according to customer requirements. An automated gripper system inside is controlled by intelligent algorithms to ensure the most efficient storage and retrieval possible.

The I/O port of the Mini Smart Warehouse can be loaded and unloaded with material either manually or fully automatically by autonomous vehicles (AMRs - Autonomous Mobile Robots). State-of-the-art software enables flexible integration into the production process and offers maximum traceability. With this combination of warehouse and AMR systems, cts provides an integrated, flexible and fully networked solution for the effective transportation and storage of PCB magazines and KLT boxes.

A further advantage: compared to the large version, the Mini Smart Warehouse places far fewer demands on the substrate, which increases the area of application and reduces installation costs. This makes the Mini Smart Warehouse suitable for cleanrooms up to class 6.

“Customers always remain flexible when it comes to dimensioning and scaling,” emphasizes Eberherr. “If customers need more buffer storage in production, they can cascade the Mini Smart Warehouse or combine it with the large version. All solutions are compatible on the software side and can be combined as required.”

Optimized storage and retrieval

Storage and retrieval takes place via identification features such as RFID chips or DMC/barcodes. Open REST interfaces (Representational State Transfer) enable efficient connection to production management and material requirements planning systems (MES and ERP). Just like the hardware, the algorithms for optimizing storage and retrieval are freely configurable. In principle, access to the control system is possible with any browser-enabled end device.

“With the Mini Smart Warehouse, cts has also built on its many years of experience in intralogistics and AMR fleets,” continues Eberherr. “The new, compact solution not only rounds off the bottom end of our product portfolio. It also opens up completely new areas of application in semiconductor production, which is becoming increasingly important in Germany. Whether large or small storage requirements, in the factory or in the clean room: our flexible solutions and our experienced development team offer the optimum solution for every customer.”