Pallet Shuttle with Drive Wheels in Automated Warehouses

Pallet Shuttle are core intelligent handling equipment in automated warehouses. Operated independently on shelf tracks through automated control, they realize the storage, retrieval, transfer, and inventory of goods. As a key hub connecting shelves, stacker cranes, and inbound/outbound stations, they significantly improve warehouse space utilization and operational efficiency.

I. Core Definition and Positioning

Automated warehouse pallet shuttle are intelligent handling devices equipped with drive systems, navigation systems, positioning systems, and loading devices. Without manual intervention, they can travel autonomously on preset tracks or free paths to complete unitized goods operations such as storage/retrieval, transfer, and sorting. Widely used in dense storage warehouses, e-commerce logistics centers, cold chain warehouses, etc., they are core executive equipment in automated stereoscopic warehouses and shuttle rack warehouses. Their core positioning is to replace part of the functions of traditional manual labor or stacker cranes, focusing on goods movement within shelf aisles. Cooperating with stacker cranes, AGV/AMR, inbound/outbound conveyors and other equipment, they build a full-process automated warehousing system.

II. Main Classifications (Divided by Core Dimensions)

1. By Operation Track Type

• Rail-guided pallet shuttle: The most mainstream type, traveling along preset steel or aluminum rails inside shelves. Rails are fixed on shelf beams or the ground, offering high travel precision and strong load-bearing capacity. Suitable for dense racks.

• Trackless pallet shuttle (AGV/AMR type): No fixed tracks required, autonomously planning paths through laser SLAM, visual navigation and other technologies. High flexibility, adaptable to various shelf layouts, and suitable for multi-aisle, multi-area linked operations.

2. By Load Unit Type

• Pallet shuttle: Load unit is standard pallets (e.g., 1200×1000mm), with a load capacity usually of 500kg-3000kg. Used for storage and retrieval of full-pallet goods, they are the main equipment in industrial manufacturing and e-commerce warehousing.

• Storage with Pallet Shuttle/Shuttle-based pallet storage: Load unit is bins, turnover boxes, or parts boxes, with a load capacity of 50kg-500kg. Small in size and fast in speed, suitable for case picking and small-item storage scenarios (such as e-commerce split-case warehouses and electronic component warehouses).

• Mother-child Shuttle: Composed of a "mother cart" and a "child cart". The mother cart carries the child cart to move between different aisles, and the child cart enters the aisle to complete goods storage and retrieval. Suitable for multi-aisle, large-scale dense storage systems.

In automated warehousing and logistics systems, the drive wheels directly determine the operational efficiency, stability, and service life of the entire system.The drive wheels adopt polyurethane for the outer layer and high-quality steel for the inner core. This combination brings multiple advantages:

• Excellent wear resistance and long service life: Polyurethane material has much higher wear resistance than ordinary rubber, which can significantly extend the service life of the wheels, reduce replacement frequency and maintenance costs.

• High load-bearing capacity: Possessing excellent compressive strength and toughness, it can bear the weight of the shuttle cart and its load, ensuring stable operation.

• Effective anti-slip and shock absorption: Polyurethane material provides a high friction coefficient, ensuring good adhesion between the drive wheels and the track for precise start-up and braking. Meanwhile, its elastic characteristics can effectively absorb vibrations caused by track joints and slight unevenness, protecting goods and equipment.

• Low-noise operation: Compared with hard wheels, polyurethane coating can effectively reduce noise during operation, creating a more friendly working environment, especially in noise-sensitive settings.

• No track damage: Compared with metal wheels, polyurethane material is soft and will not wear steel or aluminum tracks, protecting valuable track assets.

Therefore, choosing high-quality polyurethane coated wheels is a key investment to ensure the stable, efficient, and low-cost long-term operation of the shuttle cart system.

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