Shuttle-based AS/RS systems for extreme storage density, reduced handling times and scalable Industry 4.0 automation. Explore Modulblok solutions

What a radio-controlled shuttle automated warehouse is and when it should be adopted

A radio-controlled shuttle automated warehouse is an advanced storage system that combines a high-density racking structure with a motorized, radio-controlled shuttle that travels longitudinally inside the storage channels, autonomously storing and retrieving pallets.
The shuttle is operated via tablet or wireless control and works inside an aisle served by an automated handling device.

This type of automated warehouse is recommended when operational requirements call for:

• maximizing storage capacity per square meter and cubic meter
• drastically reducing handling times and limiting forklift access inside storage channels
• optimizing the management of high pallet flows per SKU through advanced automation and logistics control
• rapidly implementing a scalable solution that can be integrated with Industry 4.0 systems and WMS/WCS platforms. In these systems, channel depth can reach beyond 40–45 meters, and structure height can exceed 30–40 meters, allowing extremely efficient use of the available volume

Benefits of Modulblok radio-controlled shuttle automated warehouses

Maximum operational density
Thanks to the radio-controlled shuttle operating inside the channels, the system achieves very high space utilization, reducing aisles and increasing net storage capacity.

Fast and precise handling
Once positioned in the racking rails, the shuttle enables faster load/unload cycles, a higher number of missions per hour, and reduced idle times.

Reduced need for human intervention
Direct operator access inside channels is drastically minimized in favor of automation, improving safety and lowering operating costs.

Advanced logistics control
The system can be integrated with WMS/WCS to synchronize shuttle, stacker crane, and racking operations, ensuring real-time traceability, order prioritization, and flow management.

Evolutionary scalability
The Modulblok solution allows horizontal and vertical expansion, shuttle additions, new channel configurations, and future upgrades toward full automation.

Energy efficiency and sustainability
Higher storage compactness reduces the warehouse footprint, lowers energy consumption (e.g., reduced climate-controlled volume), and optimizes usable space.

Where radio-controlled shuttle automated warehouses are recommended

Radio-controlled shuttle systems are ideal for:

• 3PL logistics centers and e-commerce operators managing large pallet volumes per SKU with high throughput needs
• manufacturing environments with continuous cycle production and logistics buffers where automation is strategic
• facilities where floor space is limited but increased capacity is required through height and channel depth
• cold storage, frozen environments, and clean-rooms with strong automation requirements and energy-cost reduction goals
• warehouses with a gradual automation roadmap (from radio-controlled systems to full automation), enabled by the solution’s modularity

Explore the Modulblok Group’s proprietary technologies

To maximize the efficiency of radio-controlled shuttle automated warehouses, Modulblok integrates advanced technologies developed by Logaut—engineered to ensure precision, continuous operation, and automated flow management within deep-lane channels.

L-SAT

Automated shuttle dedicated to pallet storage and retrieval inside deep channels. Ensures fast cycles, high precision, and maximum use of storage volume.
https://www.logaut.it/it/prodotti/l-sat/

L-SOLE

Automated cart running along the racking level and positioning the L-SAT shuttle in the correct channel to perform its mission.
It optimizes horizontal cycles, reduces idle time, and enables multi-level high-density configurations.
https://www.logaut.it/it/prodotti/l-sole/

L-NAV SOLE

Modular automated system for handling unit loads within dedicated aisles.
The integrated “robot” travels along its aisle, moves unit loads according to programmed missions, and works in synergy with the L-SOLE shuttle to ensure continuous operation and maximum layout flexibility.
https://www.logaut.it/it/prodotti/l-nav-sole/