Modular storage system from cts now also processes KLT boxes and tray stacks

cts Smart Warehouse Mini, interior view: customizable, low-maintenance mechanics, now also for mixed storage. (Copyright: cts)

cts Smart Warehouse: The storage and retrieval can be done either manually or automatically by AMRs. The mixed storage combines circuit boards and consumables in a space-saving manner at one location. (Copyright: cts)

The intralogistics and automation specialist cts GmbH is expanding the functionality of its successful Smart In-Production Warehouse for the electronics and automotive industries: Both the Smart Warehouse and the smaller Mini Smart Warehouse can now automatically and mixedly store and retrieve not only circuit board magazines but also KLT boxes and tray stacks from various manufacturers.

Intelligent and space-saving storage systems from cts have been successfully used across industries since 2020 for flat assemblies. Upon request, fully automated, both circuit board magazines and standardized small load carriers, known as KLT boxes, as well as tray stacks, can now be stored together—either on the same area or in an additional, dedicated section of the warehouse—always space-efficiently and close to the production lines.

„The mixed storage offers many advantages for the customer,” explains Alfred Pammer, Head of Sales and Marketing at cts. „In addition to circuit boards, consumables such as solder paste or cleaning fluids can now be stored compactly and integrated into the fully automated intralogistics. Both the circuit board magazines and the KLT boxes can be precisely tracked—an important basis for seamless material flow monitoring, for example through an ERP system or within the SAP environment.”

Individually configurable, open interfaces

Storage and retrieval are carried out either manually or fully automatically by autonomous vehicles (AMRs – Autonomous Mobile Robots), which deliver the material directly to the line or to a transfer station. The containers are identified, for example, via RFID chips or DMC/barcodes. Open REST interfaces (Representational State Transfer)/MQTT are available for integration with planning software.

Hardware and room layout can be configured individually according to customer requirements, as can the algorithms for optimizing storage and retrieval. In addition to mature and low-maintenance mechanics, the cts Warehouse is characterized by intelligent software and easy operation. Access to the control system can be made via any browser-compatible device.

„Valuable storage space must be used as efficiently as possible,” summarizes Pammer. cts ensures flexibility in daily production—not only in the size and configuration of the interim storage but also in the storage contents. Whether large or small storage needs, circuit board magazines, KLT boxes, or tray stacks, standard shop floor or cleanroom: our experienced development team develops the optimal solution for each customer, which can also be seamlessly integrated into existing intralogistics software.”