Skypod system from Exotec

Innovative automated intralogistics system with autonomous warehouse robots

The Skypod system from Exotec is a pioneering storage and picking solution for small parts. Several mobile storage robots - the Skypods - move freely around the area and climb up to 12 meters up the shelves. From there, they pick up containers or trays and transport them autonomously to picking stations. The Skypods move in an enclosed area and can therefore travel at speeds of up to 4 m/s. They are the only active components in the entire storage area, the rest is steel and plastic. The flexibly designed goods-to-person system offers a wide range of possible applications and can be easily integrated into an overall logistics system from Unitechnik.

Advantages of a Skypod system from Exotec

High throughput

Mehr Systemleistung: Zusätzliche Lagerroboter im laufenden Betrieb Mehr Lagerkapazität: Erweiterung der Regalanlage im laufenden Betrieb Mehr Pickleistung: Aufbau zusätzlicher Stationen am Wochenende

Flexibly scalable

Kein „Single Point of Failure“: Die Skypods sind die einzigen aktive Komponenten. Bei einem Defekt kann die Aufgabe von einem anderen Skypod übernommen werden. Dadurch ist das ganze System mehrfach redundant aufgebaut.

Highest availability

up to 30kg load

Your contact persons

M. Yusuf Kaya

Key Account Manager
Logistics Systems

T +49 2261 987-524
E-Mail | vCard

The Skypod system from Exotec in motion

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Components of the Skypod system

Skypod storage robot

Autonomous mobile storage robots that transport containers or trays between the shelf compartment and the picking station. They travel at speeds of up to 4 m/s, climb up to 12 m on the shelves and have a payload of 30 kg. A loading time of 5 minutes per hour is sufficient.

Shelves

The modular shelving system from Exotec is up to 12 m high and adapts perfectly to the available space. Single or double-deep storage is possible. The purely passive systems can be extended during operation. Regulations for automatic sprinkler systems are met.

Containers / trays

Containers and trays have a base area of 650 x 450 mm. The bins are available in heights of 220, 320 and 420 mm. The containers can be divided into 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 compartments using removable plastic dividers. The payload is up to 30 kg.

Pick stations

Goods-to-person picking: for an ergonomic working height, the Skypod storage robots travel up a ramp to a station. Exotec offers a whole range of solutions: from manual provision to a complete put-to-light system to a fully automated Skypicker.

Conveyor connection

The "Bin Interface" is used to transfer bins into and out of the Skypod system. It enables the connection of other logistics systems, such as conveyor lines, replenishment from other storage areas, packing stations or AGV systems for production supply.

Deepsky software

Deepsky is Exotec's warehouse control system. It assigns orders to the Skypod warehouse robots and coordinates all warehouse movements. Thanks to an interface to the Unitechnik UniWare warehouse management system, the Skypod system can be easily integrated into an overall logistics concept from Unitechnik.

Virtual warehouse tour

FAQs on the Skypod system from Exotec

What is behind Exotec?

Exotec was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Lille, France. This is also where the Skypod system is developed and produced. Other locations are Landshut, Tokyo and Atlanta. The company has around 600 employees. In 2022, Exotec became the first unicorn in the industrial sector with a valuation of over USD 1 billion in France.

Can the Skypod system be integrated into an existing logistics system?

Yes, this is possible at any time. Exotec has a "bin interface". This enables containers to be transferred in and out via a conveyor system. The Skypod system from Exotec can therefore be used to expand the capacity of existing warehouses or replace manually managed storage areas. In either case, it can be integrated into existing material flows.

Is there an interface between UniWare and the Skypod system from Exotec?

Exotec uses its Deepsky software to coordinate all warehouse movements within the Skypod system. Data is exchanged with higher-level WMS systems via an interface. UniWare can manage Exotec's Skypod system as one of several warehouse areas and thus integrate it into the overall logistics processes of a logistics center.

What advantages does the Skypod system from Exotec have over AutoStore?

The Skypod system from Exotec has direct access to every container. There is no need to dig out and rearrange bins, as is necessary with Autostore. As a result, the Skypod system achieves a very high level of responsiveness.
The height of the shelves can be up to 12 m, instead of 5.40 m with AutoStore.
In addition to the three container types, trays can also be used with the Skypod system. This offers many possible applications, such as the storage of cartons.
The direct connection to conveyor technology facilitates integration into an existing logistics system.

Worth knowing

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