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Automated 6-way pallet shuttle system
S-MATIC cube
The challenges faced by modern warehousing operations are many and varied. Limited space must be used more and more efficiently to accommodate the increasing number of goods. In addition, throughput and flexibility requirements are growing in order to be able to react quickly to orders and market changes. At the same time, the shortage of skilled workers is making it increasingly difficult to find qualified personnel for warehouse logistics. As a result, more and more companies are turning to automated storage systems.
The S-MATIC cube from Linde Material Handling is a particularly space-saving and efficient solution to these challenges. The automated 6-way pallet shuttle system consists of a rack system and several shuttles that can move in four directions and fully automatically store and retrieve goods. The shuttles can lift both Euro and industrial pallets weighing up to 1.5 tons and can achieve a throughput of up to 100 pallets per hour. The combination of high storage density and fast pallet transport ensures ideal throughput in confined areas.
Maximum storage performance in a confined space
Thanks to the compact shuttle design with a low overall height, the shuttles can pass under the pallets. Compared to classic stacker cranes, the goods are stored in channel aisles instead of individual storage locations. This reduces the space between the pallets to a minimum – making optimum use of every millimetre.
Fully automated storage and retrieval
- Manual or automated vehicles place the goods to be stored on the conveyor belts of the S-MATIC cube.
- Conveyor belts and elevators transport the goods to the level determined by the control software.
- There, the goods are picked up by a 6-way shuttle and transported via the main lanes to their storage location in one of the storage channels.
Advantages at a glance
Compact performance: impressively efficient
The S-MATIC cube allows maximum use of the available warehouse space. The system consists of shelves, a pallet conveyor system, elevators, shuttles with 6-way drive and highly developed control software. Together with the conveyor belts in the system, the shuttles ensure fully automatic storage and retrieval of goods.
The control software determines the most efficient route for each shuttle. The software independently optimises the routes, categorises the stored goods according to importance or sorts them into appropriate product groups. Sensors on the shuttle read QR codes on the rack system to help it find its way around the shelves. The shuttles are powered by a high-performance lithium-ion battery that enables long operating times and short charging cycles. If necessary, the shuttles independently seek out a charging station within the system, thus ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 operation.
Always and everywhere: for installation in existing or new buildings
The S-MATIC cube is suitable for installation in both new and existing buildings. Thanks to its flexible, modular design, it can be optimally adapted to the structural conditions on site. Supports or pillars, as well as special floor plans, can easily be taken into account in the planning. It is also possible to connect it to existing conveyor technology.
Always on the move: maximum process reliability
Thanks to the decentralized drive and control concept, the S-MATIC cube continues to work even if one of the shuttles needs to be serviced. Each shuttle can be removed individually from the system for maintenance or repair, ensuring a high level of process reliability as the storage and retrieval process does not have to be permanently interrupted. In addition, Linde MH service technicians are quickly on site thanks to the dense service network and ensure reliable maintenance and repair of the vehicles.
Tailor-made: the right solution for everyone
The S-MATIC cube can be flexibly adapted to individual requirements on site – from the number of shelves and rows, levels and storage channels to the number of shuttles and elevators. All system components are modular and can be expanded as needed. This ensures the optimal solution for every application and every space. Special requests can be easily accommodated. For example, the S-MATIC cube can also be used in cold stores so that goods can be stored at a constant temperature. The result is a 6-way pallet shuttle system that is precisely tailored to individual requirements.
Safety first: a closed system
As a fully automatic, self-contained system, the S-MATIC cube ensures a high level of operational safety. Employees do not have to enter the system and can conveniently control it via the software. Additional safety measures, such as the automatic stop when the door is opened, ensure maximum protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 6-Way Shuttle System is an automated warehouse solution that uses intelligent shuttles to transport totes, cartons, or bins between storage locations and workstations. Unlike traditional shuttles that typically move only horizontally, 6-way shuttles can move both horizontally and vertically without relying solely on lifts.
A 4-way shuttle system is an automated high-density storage solution in which the shuttle moves in four directions: forward, backward, left, and right. It travels along storage rails to transport pallets within the warehouse. The system is designed to maximize storage capacity, improve operational efficiency, and reduce reliance on conventional forklift operations.
A 6-way shuttle system is an advanced automated storage and retrieval solution that contains 4-way shuttle (forward, backward, left, right) and and 2-way shuttle (upward and downward).
Unlike a 4-way shuttle, a 6-way shuttle can move between different storage levels independently, allowing for greater flexibility and higher automation within a compact warehouse footprint.
Rapid deployment.
- Standardised modular design enables fast manufacturing and quick installation.
- On-site installation can be completed by just 2 personnel within 4-5 hours, minimising operational disruption.
Lower installation and operating costs.
- Utilises existing warehouse rack uprights, reducing structural modifications.
- Cuts mechanical costs by over 30% compared to conventional lift conveyor systems.
- Eliminates complex debugging, reducing delivery and commissioning costs by over 80%.
Maximises warehouse space.
- Innovative single-bay design requires significantly less installation space than traditional lift systems.
- Reduces space occupancy by up to 80%, allowing higher storage density and better warehouse utilisation.
Flexible System Integration.
- Suitable for both new warehouse projects and retrofitting existing facilities.
- Can be deployed at the warehouse front or deep within storage aisles for maximum layout flexibility.
High throughput performance.
- Supports continuous automated storage and retrieval with optimised shuttle routing.
- Ideal for high-volume operations requiring fast order fulfilment and increased productivity.
Scalable and future-ready.
- Modular architecture allows easy system expansion as storage requirements grow.
- Supports warehouse digitalisation and smart intralogistics automation.
The 6-way shuttle system is designed with an innovative single-bay design, which requires significantly less installation space than traditional lift systems. It reduces space occupancy by up to 80%, allowing higher storage density and better warehouse utilisation.
In most system configurations, yes. A 4-way shuttle generally requires a vertical lift, hoist, or transfer mechanism to move between storage levels.
The exact configuration may vary depending on the warehouse design and automation concept.
A 6-way shuttle is designed with vertical movement capability, allowing it to travel between storage levels. This can reduce dependence on dedicated vertical transfer equipment within the storage system.
However, lifts or other material-handling equipment may still be required at pallet entry and exit points, depending on the overall system design.
A 6-way shuttle system generally offers greater flexibility because it can move horizontally and vertically within the storage structure.
This enables dynamic routing, easier access to different storage levels, and more flexible system operation, particularly in complex or high-throughput warehouse environments.
The best long-term value depends on the customer’s operational requirements. A 6-way shuttle system can deliver greater flexibility, higher storage density and improved scalability. It also offers more pallet locations and supports future throughput growth compared to a 4-way shuttle system.
Yes. Both systems can be integrated with solutions such as:
- Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)
- Conveyor systems
- Automated depalletizing or palletizing solutions
- Picking solutions
- Customers’ upper systems (WMS, ERP, SAP, MES, etc)
Yes. The 6-way shuttle system is suitable for cold storage applications, subject to the selected equipment specifications and operational temperature requirements, with an operating range of -25°C to 45°C.
Automated shuttle systems can be particularly beneficial in cold-storage environments because they reduce the need for forklift operators to work inside low-temperature areas.
Yes. Depending on the system design, 4-way and 6-way shuttle solutions can support industries such as:
- Food and beverage
- Cold-chain logistics
- E-commerce and retail
- Consumer goods
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Pharmaceutical and healthcare
- Third-party logistics (3PL)
- Chemical and industrial products
- Others with high storage and throughput requirements; please get in touch with us for more details.
Yes. Both systems can be designed with future growth in mind. Depending on the system architecture, expansion may include adding more shuttles and lifters, increasing storage capacity, integrating additional automation, or upgrading software capabilities. Consider future expansion requirements during the initial design to save cost and implementation time.
