Frequently asked questions about the ROCKET Shuttle warehouse

Frequently Asked Questions About the ROCKET Shuttle Warehouse

Practical Answers from Real-World Projects

Implementing an automated shuttle warehouse raises many questions. Do you need an integration partner? What ongoing costs should you expect? How much maintenance is required? And how flexibly can the system be integrated into existing processes?

We answer the most common questions about the ROCKET Shuttle System.

1. Do we need an integration partner for our project?

Not necessarily.

For smaller projects with straightforward material flows, the ROCKET Shuttle Warehouse can be implemented without an additional integration partner.

However, if multiple systems need to be connected, such as an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), conveyor technology, pallet conveying systems, or sortation equipment, we generally recommend involving an integrator.

We remain completely flexible in this regard: we can work with your preferred integration partner or support you in selecting a suitable one.

2. What ongoing costs should we expect?

Ongoing costs primarily depend on system utilization and the required service level. The ROCKET Shuttle System does not incur any recurring software license fees.

Depending on the operating model, we typically recommend one or two maintenance visits per year. For customers with experienced in-house maintenance teams, we also offer a certification program that allows defined maintenance tasks to be performed independently.

Another component is our Service & Support offering, including 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-level support. We provide various service models that can be tailored together with the customer or integrator to match operating hours, response times, and support requirements.

As requirements vary from one installation to another, ongoing costs are calculated individually.

If you would like an initial estimate of investment costs, system size, and project feasibility at an early stage, you can use our free EffiX Warehouse Automation Calculator. Within just a few minutes, you will receive a personalized report including a budget estimate and ROI assessment.

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3. Where can we see a ROCKET Shuttle installation?

We would be delighted to welcome you to our headquarters in Wächtersbach, Germany.

There, you can gain detailed insights into the technology, shuttle vehicles, control software, and operational principles of the system. We also demonstrate how different customer requirements have been successfully implemented using real-world project examples.

Depending on project scope and availability, we can also arrange reference visits to existing customer installations.

4. How many spare shuttles are recommended?

As a general rule, we recommend one spare shuttle per aisle.

The actual requirement depends on several factors, particularly the number of shuttle levels and the system's availability targets.

5. What interface options are available, and do you also supply the conveyor technology?

First, it is important to distinguish between a stand-alone solution and an integrated subsystem within a larger intralogistics environment.

The most suitable approach depends entirely on the customer's specific requirements and objectives.

For smaller systems, we can supply the complete solution, including:

• Shuttle warehouse
• Conveyor technology
• Control software

6. How does the shuttle access containers stored four or six positions deep?

While some storage systems must excavate containers or perform complex reshuffling processes, a shuttle system operates through targeted relocations.

This is not a disadvantage. Instead, these relocations utilize available capacity that shuttles typically have during normal operation.

Depending on the configuration and throughput requirements, the ROCKET Shuttle System can achieve storage densities of up to 95%.

If desired, key parameters such as throughput, relocations, performance, and storage occupancy can be simulated in advance to ensure the system is optimally designed for your application.

Conclusion

Every shuttle project is unique. The ideal system design depends on factors such as material flow, throughput requirements, the surrounding system environment, and the desired level of automation.

That is why we engage with our customers early in the project phase to develop the most suitable solution for their specific application together.