Radio shuttle types and Prices

A radio shuttle, also known as a pallet shuttle or remote-controlled shuttle, is an automated warehouse and retrieval system (AS/RS) component used in high-density pallet racking systems. It is designed to optimize the storage and retrieval of palletized loads, particularly in deep lane storage applications. Here's an overview of how a radio shuttle system works:

1. Structure and Operation: A radio shuttle system consists of a series of lanes within a pallet racking system. Each lane is equipped with rails or tracks where the shuttle device can move back and forth. The shuttle itself is a battery-powered, remote-controlled vehicle that can carry and transport pallets within the racking system.

2. Pallet Handling: The radio shuttle is loaded with a pallet at the entrance of a lane by a forklift or a stacker crane. The forklift or crane places the shuttle and the pallet at the designated starting position within the lane.

3. Remote Control: The radio shuttle is controlled remotely by an operator using a wireless remote control device. The operator sends commands to the shuttle, specifying the desired location for pallet storage or retrieval.

4. Storage and Retrieval: Once the shuttle receives the command, it moves along the lane, carrying the pallet to the designated position within the racking system. The shuttle can store pallets in deep lanes by moving along the rails and placing pallets in the desired storage location. Similarly, it can retrieve pallets by moving to the specific location and bringing the pallet back to the entrance of the lane for extraction by a forklift or stacker crane.

5. Communication and Coordination: The radio shuttle system is typically integrated with a warehouse management system (WMS) or a control software that manages the movement and coordination of multiple shuttles within the racking system. This software ensures efficient storage, retrieval, and inventory management by orchestrating the movements of the shuttles based on real-time data and priorities.

Benefits of Radio Shuttle Systems:

- Increased Storage Density: Radio shuttle systems enable high-density storage by utilizing deep lane storage and maximizing the available vertical space in the racking system.

- Improved Efficiency: The automated nature of the radio shuttle system reduces the reliance on manual labor and streamlines the storage and retrieval processes. It can handle a high volume of pallets efficiently.

- Time and Labor Savings: Radio shuttles can work in parallel within different lanes, allowing for simultaneous storage and retrieval operations. This leads to time and labor savings compared to manual handling.

- FIFO and LIFO Capabilities: Depending on the configuration and setup, radio shuttle systems can support both first-in, first-out (FIFO) and last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management strategies.

- Enhanced Safety: The remote-controlled operation of the shuttle improves safety by reducing the need for operators to enter the deep lanes, mitigating the risk of accidents or injuries.

Types of radio shuttles

There are different types of radio shuttle systems available in the market, each designed to suit specific warehouse requirements and applications. Here are some common types of radio shuttle systems:

1. Single-Depth Radio Shuttle (Two Way Radio Shuttle): This type of radio shuttle system operates in single-depth pallet racking. It shuttles pallets back and forth within a designated lane, providing efficient storage and retrieval of pallets. It is suitable for warehouses with a moderate number of SKUs and where deep lane storage is not necessary.

2. Multi-Depth Radio Shuttle: Multi-depth radio shuttle systems are designed for deep lane storage applications. They can operate in double-deep, triple-deep, or even higher depth racking configurations. These systems use specialized shuttles that can reach and store pallets in deeper positions within the racking system, maximizing storage capacity while maintaining accessibility to the pallets.

3. Compact Radio Shuttle: Compact radio shuttle systems are designed for compact storage and high-density applications. They typically use a combination of mobile racking and shuttle technology. The mobile racking units move laterally to create an open aisle for shuttle access. The shuttles then move within the open aisles to handle pallet storage and retrieval.

4. High-Speed Radio Shuttle: High-speed radio shuttle systems are designed to operate at faster speeds, allowing for increased productivity and throughput. These systems are suitable for warehouses or distribution centers with high-volume storage and retrieval requirements.

5. Cold Storage Radio Shuttle: Cold storage radio shuttle systems are specifically designed for temperature-controlled environments such as cold rooms or freezers. These systems are equipped with specialized shuttles that can withstand low temperatures and maintain functionality in sub-zero conditions.

6. Customized Radio Shuttle Solutions: Depending on specific warehouse requirements or unique applications, customized radio shuttle solutions can be developed. These solutions may involve adaptations or modifications to the shuttle design, control software, or integration with existing warehouse automation systems.

7. Pallet Flow Radio Shuttle: Pallet flow radio shuttle systems combine the functionality of radio shuttle technology with pallet flow racking. Pallet flow racks are inclined racks equipped with rollers or wheels that allow pallets to flow smoothly from the entry side to the retrieval side by gravity. The radio shuttle is used to move the pallets within the flow lanes, enabling controlled and efficient flow of pallets.

8. Mini Load Radio Shuttle: Mini load radio shuttle systems are designed for handling smaller loads, such as totes, bins, or cartons. These systems utilize smaller-sized shuttles that can navigate narrower aisles and handle smaller-sized loads. They are commonly used in order picking or order fulfillment applications where high-density storage and efficient retrieval of smaller items are required.

9. Dual-Purpose Radio Shuttle: Dual-purpose radio shuttle systems are versatile solutions that can handle both pallets and non-palletized loads. These systems are equipped with interchangeable attachments or platforms that allow the shuttle to adapt to different load types. It provides flexibility in handling various types of goods within the same system.

10. Integrated Radio Shuttle Crane: Integrated radio shuttle crane systems combine the capabilities of radio shuttle systems with stacker cranes. These systems utilize stacker cranes to transport and position the shuttle devices within the racking system. The stacker crane lifts and moves the shuttle, allowing it to access different levels and positions within the high-rise racking structure.

11. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Radio Shuttle: AGV radio shuttle systems combine the autonomous navigation capabilities of AGVs with radio shuttle technology. AGVs equipped with shuttle devices autonomously transport and position the shuttles within the racking system, enabling efficient storage and retrieval operations without the need for human intervention.

12. Single-Face Radio Shuttle: Single-face radio shuttle systems operate in single-face racking, where pallets are accessed from one side only. These systems are suitable for narrow aisle configurations, optimizing space utilization and allowing for efficient movement of pallets within the racking system.

These are just a few examples of the various types of radio shuttle systems available. It's important to consult with suppliers or system integrators who specialize in warehouse automation solutions to explore the specific options that best meet your needs and requirements.

Price of radio shuttle

The pricing of radio shuttle systems can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the system configuration, capacity, features, and the specific requirements of the warehouse or distribution center. Additionally, pricing can also vary among different suppliers and manufacturers. It is always recommended to request detailed quotations from suppliers to get accurate pricing information.

That being said, here are some approximate price ranges for different types of radio shuttle systems as a general reference:

1. Single-Depth Radio Shuttle: Prices for single-depth radio shuttle systems can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per shuttle unit, depending on the capacity and features.

2. Multi-Depth Radio Shuttle: Multi-depth radio shuttle systems are generally more expensive due to their ability to handle deep lane storage. Prices for multi-depth shuttle systems can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per shuttle unit.

3. Compact Radio Shuttle: Compact radio shuttle systems, which combine mobile racking with shuttle technology, tend to be higher in price due to their advanced design. Prices for compact shuttle systems can range from $15,000 to $30,000 per shuttle unit.

4. High-Speed Radio Shuttle: High-speed radio shuttle systems, designed for increased productivity and throughput, typically come with a higher price tag. Prices for high-speed shuttle systems can range from $20,000 to $40,000 per shuttle unit.

5. Cold Storage Radio Shuttle: Cold storage radio shuttle systems require specialized features to withstand low temperatures, which can impact their pricing. Prices for cold storage shuttle systems can range from $15,000 to $30,000 per shuttle unit.

6. Customized Radio Shuttle Solutions: The pricing for customized radio shuttle solutions can vary significantly depending on the specific requirements and complexity of the customization. Prices for customized systems are typically provided on a case-by-case basis.

7. Pallet Flow Radio Shuttle: Prices for pallet flow radio shuttle systems can range from $8,000 to $15,000 per shuttle unit, depending on the system capacity and specifications.

8. Mini Load Radio Shuttle: Mini load radio shuttle systems, designed for smaller loads such as totes or cartons, can range in price from $4,000 to $8,000 per shuttle unit.

9. Dual-Purpose Radio Shuttle: Dual-purpose radio shuttle systems, offering versatility for both pallets and non-palletized loads, can range in price from $6,000 to $12,000 per shuttle unit.

10. Integrated Radio Shuttle Crane: Integrated radio shuttle crane systems, combining stacker cranes with shuttle technology, are typically higher in price due to their advanced capabilities. Prices for integrated systems can range from $30,000 to $50,000 per shuttle unit.

11. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Radio Shuttle: AGV radio shuttle systems, integrating radio shuttles with AGV technology, can range in price from $20,000 to $40,000 per shuttle unit.

12. Single-Face Radio Shuttle: Single-face radio shuttle systems, suitable for narrow aisle configurations, can range in price from $6,000 to $12,000 per shuttle unit.

It's important to note that the prices mentioned above are rough estimates and should be used as a general guideline. The actual costs may vary based on factors such as the number of shuttles required, the size of the racking system, additional features or customization, and the supplier or manufacturer. To get accurate pricing information, it is recommended to contact suppliers or consult with system integrators who can provide detailed quotations based on your specific needs.