Automatic Storage Technology Reaches New Heights
Mobile shelving systems have evolved over the years, both in terms of design and drive technology. Initially, they were moved manually using handles or cranks powered by human force. Today, Międzynarodowe Centrum Budownictwa Sp. z o.o. recommends modern mobile shelving systems equipped with electric drives and advanced microprocessor control.
Mobile Shelving Systems with Electric Drive
MCB mobile shelving systems move along rails embedded in the floor or surface-mounted rails combined with a dedicated floor structure filling the space between shelving units. The system is equipped with a chassis featuring running wheels and a single-phase 24 V DC electric motor, recognized as safe for operation.
The 50 W motor works together with a multi-stage gearbox that ensures high efficiency and long service life of the entire mechanism. The shelving structure is designed to handle heavy loads — up to 15 tons per row of mobile shelving units.
The mobile base incorporates advanced safety systems, including:
- photocells that stop the movement of the shelves when the beam is interrupted,
- distance sensors maintaining appropriate spacing between shelving rows,
- the MCMS system monitoring the load on the drive system and reacting to overloads or obstacles during operation.
The shelving units start and stop smoothly, while their operating speed remains constant regardless of the load. As a result, stored materials are effectively protected against vibrations and displacement.
Various shelving configurations can be installed on the mobile bases and adapted to individual customer requirements. The systems may include solid or perforated side panels of the Sysco, Compact, or HI280 type, manufactured from powder-coated or galvanized steel.
The system can also be additionally equipped with:
- shelves,
- drawers,
- dividers,
- retaining rails,
- pull-out frames,
- support beams,
- and other accessories increasing warehouse functionality.
A modern control panel with a Dynamic II touchscreen is installed on the front panel of each shelving unit.
Dynamic II Microprocessor Control System
Dynamic II is a modern operating system designed to control the movement of mobile shelving units. The system ensures smooth operation at a constant speed regardless of load capacity.
The “soft start and stop” function eliminates vibrations and reduces inertia impact on stored materials, keeping them stable throughout the entire movement process.
The system can be operated:
- directly via the touchscreen control panel,
- remotely using a smartphone or tablet.
Communication is carried out through a local Wi-Fi network generated by the control panel itself, without requiring internet access or SIM cards.
Dynamic II can also cooperate with other intelligent warehouse systems, including:
- fire protection systems,
- ventilation,
- air conditioning,
- lighting systems.
Additionally, the mobile functions allow remote diagnostics and monitoring of system performance, including notifications regarding possible operational errors.
The system supports multiple language versions, including Polish, English, German, Dutch, Danish, Italian, and French.
The control panel also enables access control to individual shelving rows using:
This allows different access levels to be assigned to specific users while also monitoring who accessed a particular shelving unit and when.
Automatic Safety System
The control system is equipped with an advanced Automatic Safety System designed to protect users, stored goods, and the shelving units themselves from damage.
When closing an aisle, the system analyzes the space between shelving rows using image recognition technology. The current image is compared with the reference image recorded immediately after the shelving units were opened.
If the system detects:
- people,
- objects,
- elements protruding beyond the shelving outline,
the aisle closure will be automatically blocked, ensuring maximum operational safety.
Double Decker Multi-Level Mobile Shelving Systems
An extension of the Compactus mobile shelving system with electric drive and Dynamic II control is the Double Decker multi-level mobile shelving solution. This system has been specifically designed for high rooms exceeding 4.5 meters in height.
The Double Decker system can increase storage capacity by up to four times compared to traditional static shelving systems.
The construction is based on a two-level shelving system equipped with its own mezzanine mounted on the side walls of the lower mobile shelving level. This solution enables highly efficient use of building height without the need for additional ladders, lifts, or specialized transport equipment.
The mezzanine can be designed as:
- a solid floor,
- a Vema-type grating platform.
The Double Decker system incorporates all the advantages of Dynamic II-controlled mobile shelving systems while additionally eliminating the need for costly division of high spaces into separate floors.
The multi-level solution helps to:
- reduce ceiling construction costs,
- lower expenses related to ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems,
- simplify fire protection and lighting installations,
- shorten overall project completion time.
Compared to multi-storey buildings, single-storey facilities require significantly lower investment costs during both construction and long-term operation.
An additional advantage is that the mezzanine area is not included in the annual property tax calculation base, unlike separate full building floors.
Double Decker mobile shelving systems are equipped with electric drives and the Dynamic II microprocessor control system. This makes it possible to create a modern, centralized storage solution fully tailored to individual customer requirements.
The Double Decker system is an innovative solution that maximizes space utilization and brings warehouse storage technology to a completely new level.
