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key pieces of technology, such as an automated
storage and retrieval system, which consists of a
variety of computer-controlled systems for
automatically placing and retrieving loads from
defined storage locations.
As with nearly every industry, space is a
premium and a key benefit of an automated
warehouse is its utilisation of space. Only a small
footprint is needed as space is used in a vertical
capacity, with high rackings going up to the ceiling. to 8m as standard, and can be butted together to
Whereas pick and place operators are limited by the required height. Any size warehouse space can
their height to reach products un-aided, automated therefore be accommodated, ensuring space is
storage and retrieval systems are limited only by the maximised. The system can also easily grow in a
size of the system designed, thereby increasing the modular way – a key benefit to ensure future-
storage capacity. Whether it’s a rack driven system proofing.
transporting boxes vertically or a robot climbing
shelves to collect orders, space maximisation is Think modular
easily achieved. Traditional static warehouse solutions can struggle
Indeed, one of the global leading online retailers to cope with the changing needs of the industry.
use HepcoMotion’s DLS4 belt driven linear Scalability, adaptability and flexibility are at the very
actuators to vertically transfer products through a core of Dublin-based Eiratech Robotics, innovators
food filling station. Comprising belt-driven linear of a mobile goods-to-person robotics automation
modules, an AC motor/inverter package and a range platform. In the Eiratech warehouse environment,
of compact planetary gearboxes for use with autonomously guided vehicles (Eirabots), operated
servomotors, Hepco’s DLS4 saves hours in design via a wireless network, bring racks containing the
and specifying time. Here, a belt driven carriage required product to the picking station where the
unit vertically transports boxes up to a height of 4 product is picked and packed. Minimal
metres to transfer a product, and then back down infrastructure is required; the system can be easily
again. installed, extended and moved.
This process is repeated up to 300 times an At the centre of the system (quite literally!) is
hour. Working with food items and a required Hepco’s heavy duty ring guide. The HD ring is used
operating temperature of between -5° to +40°, this on the turntable of the robot to rotate the robot in
is a challenging environment requiring a corrosion different directions. Specified to handle millions of
resistant actuator; Hepco’s corrosion resistant DLS4 rotations in its lifetime and the ability to work with
(CRDLS4) was specified. A high duty application, axial loads up to 700kg, the ring also has to
with longevity of utmost importance, Hepco is able manage radial and moment loads in order to
to provide an impressive 10 year life span for this accelerate and decelerate a top-heavy rack. A
application. slewing ring could not be used as an open centre
This system required a height of 4m, but any was needed to enable a camera to read a barcode
desired height can be achieved with the DLS4s. placed on the underside of the payloads. Having
Hepco’s DLS4 are supplied in sections in any length worked together before, HepcoMotion was the first

October 2020 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p17