Line-side automated storage tower
A compact automated storage cabinet for the shop floor: small footprint, uses the height, stores small parts next to the line and delivers them at the press of a button or a scan.
A compact automated storage cabinet for the shop floor: small footprint, uses the height, stores small parts next to the line and delivers them at the press of a button or a scan.
A line-side automated storage tower is a self-contained, enclosed cabinet: inside are several levels of storage slots, and a lift in the middle fetches totes or trays on command and brings them to an access port at the front. It needs no aisle and no stacker crane, so it fits next to production lines, in narrow gaps between machines, or in buffer and temporary stores, using the height of the building. The modular structure can be dismantled and moved, or extended in stages. The cabinet has its own storage control software: stock is updated in real time, with stock counts and batch traceability, and it can connect to your MES / WMS. Chinese manufacturers launched new line-side models in 2026; height, load and speed are confirmed per model, and we check floor load and clear height on site.
Typical uses
- Small parts and tooling stored next to the line
- Buffer and temporary stores on the shop floor
- High-mix, low-volume parts in electronics and automotive supply
- Parts released automatically by work order, less time spent searching
Key figures
| Height | Depends on the model; tall versions up to about 12 m |
|---|---|
| Slot load | Depends on the model; typically about 50 kg per slot |
| Load units | Totes or trays |
| Positioning | Laser and infrared, about ±5 mm (depending on the model) |
| Lift speed | About 0.8 m/s (depending on the model) |
| Access ports | One-sided or two-sided |
| Structure | Modular; can be dismantled, moved and extended in stages |
| Software | Built-in storage control: real-time stock, stock counts, batch traceability; interface to MES / WMS |
| Site | Floor load and clear height checked on site |
Figures are typical configuration ranges; exact specifications are set per project.
Options
- Automatic release by work order or scan
- Several towers managed as one store
- Automatic replenishment with tote-handling AMRs
- Weighing slots and quantity checks
Scope of supply
- Machine, drives and control cabinet, assembled and dry-run tested before shipping
- The equipment's own control and fleet software; interfaces to your existing WMS / ERP as the project requires
- Drawings: general arrangement, foundation and anchor plan, electrical schematics
- Conformity documents for the equipment and the whole line, the split of responsibilities and the acceptance criteria are set out in the contract according to the project scope
- Spare-parts list and wear-part recommendation; a first batch can ship with the equipment
- Factory acceptance (FAT): attend in person or follow by live video
- Installation, commissioning and operator training can be included in the offer
What we need for an offer
- Part types, sizes, unit weights and number of slots
- Clear height, floor load and available area where it will stand
- Retrievals per hour and shifts
- Whether it needs to connect to MES / WMS