Jungheinrich’s Container Compact Storage PowerCube Celebrates World Premiere

Jungheinrich presents the automated container compact storage PowerCube at LogiMAT 2022, opening a new dimension of efficiency in warehousing. The PowerCube impresses with unique space utilization, maximum flexibility, strong performance, and easy physical and digital integration into existing warehouses. This Jungheinrich innovation sets new standards in the field of automated storage systems.
(Stuttgart) The PowerCube is an automated container compact storage system designed for particularly compact storage and picking of small parts and unit loads. The containers are stacked vertically in channels up to 12 m high within the modular shelving system of the PowerCube. This system height allows for particularly space-efficient container storage in a minimal footprint. The loading and unloading of the containers is handled by specially developed PowerCube shuttles that move automatically beneath the shelving system. This principle offers the PowerCube a decisive advantage over other container compact storage systems, as the warehouse can be flexibly built upwards and adapted to individual roof shapes.
For Jungheinrich’s Sales Board Member Christian Erlach, the PowerCube is the right answer to a multitude of current challenges in intralogistics: “Companies are under increasing time pressure or are reaching capacity limits in their warehouses. The PowerCube is the perfect solution to significantly increase efficiency in the warehouse under these conditions and enhance their competitiveness. With its extremely high compactness and performance, the PowerCube transforms space and time in the warehouse.” The PowerCube is an ideal solution for customers planning to enter automation, as well as for cross-industry use in e-commerce. “Whether as a stand-alone solution, an addition for wide-aisle warehouses, or as the centerpiece of a complex automation system – with the PowerCube, our customers can fully exploit the potential of their warehouse,” says Erlach.

Unique Space Utilization and High Storage Density

Through the ultra-compact vertical arrangement of the containers, the PowerCube makes optimal use of warehouse space and achieves a fourfold higher storage density than a conventional shelf system. With a system height of up to 12 m, the PowerCube is the tallest container compact storage system in its class. This creates space in the warehouse that can be used for expanding the product range or other purposes. In terms of flexibility, the Jungheinrich PowerCube is unique in the market. The automated container compact storage system can be installed on standard industrial floors without extensive reworking, such as milling and grinding, and can therefore be easily integrated into existing warehouses. Since the shuttles move beneath the containers, the PowerCube can be easily expanded upwards and adapted to different building structures. If necessary, it can also be connected to individually planned conveyor technology.

Strong Performance of the Shuttles

The newly developed PowerCube shuttles move at a maximum speed of 4 m/s and an acceleration of up to 2 m/s². They can simultaneously transport two containers, each with a load of 50 kg, within the PowerCube. The shuttles are capable of moving automatically in the plane beneath the PowerCube shelving. With a scalable number of shuttles, the throughput of the PowerCube can be flexibly adjusted in response to increasing demand or product range expansion. Thanks to their high-performance lithium-ion batteries, which are recharged at the workstations during operation, the shuttles are ready for use 24 hours a day without downtime. This ensures a high system throughput and makes the batteries a key reason for the strong performance of the PowerCube. Additionally, the lithium-ion batteries of the shuttles impress with their low heat generation and the resulting minimal impact on the ambient temperature within the container compact storage system. Another advantage: Since the shuttles can be removed from the PowerCube for maintenance at ground level, unlike competing systems, no maintenance platform is required.

Smart IT Integration for Maximum Performance

Jungheinrich combines efficient processes and innovative hardware in the PowerCube using state-of-the-art software technology. Advantages include easy integration into the existing IT infrastructure on the customer side, as well as the design of the software for maximum flexibility regarding process and performance requirements. With the PowerCube, Jungheinrich presents an integrated and holistic approach for the future of container compact storage and fulfills its promise for a new dimension of efficiency in warehousing.
Photo: © Jungheinrich