Automated Storage Systems

Maximum Efficiency and Precision with Drive Components from Miki Pulley

Industries
Forklift between tall shelves with palletized goods in a warehouse

Automated storage systems are a key element of modern intralogistics, enabling the fast, precise, and cost-effective storage and retrieval of goods. As automation continues to increase, the demands for speed, availability, and process reliability are constantly growing. Whether high-bay warehouses, shuttle systems, automated small parts storage, or vertical lift modules are involved, high-performance drive components are essential for reliable and efficient operation.

Miki Pulley shaft couplings, electromagnetic brakes, spring-actuated safety brakes, and torque limiters ensure precise motion control, maximum operational safety, and high system availability in modern automated storage systems.

The Highest Demands on Modern Warehouse Automation

Automated storage facilities operate around the clock and must store and retrieve goods with the highest level of precision. High travel speeds, short access times, and maximum reliability are essential.

Typical requirements for automated storage systems include:

  • High dynamic performance and travel speeds
  • Precise positioning of goods and load carriers
  • Maximum system availability in 24/7 operation
  • Energy-efficient and low-maintenance drive technology
  • High operational safety for people and equipment
  • Protection against overloads and collisions

Miki Pulley drive components support these requirements with exceptional precision, reliability, and durability.

Automated storage system with blue plastic containers on shelves and a conveyor robot transporting a box

HIGH-BAY WAREHOUSES

High-bay warehouses enable space-efficient storage of large quantities of goods while providing fast access to inventory.

Typical Applications:

  • Pallet warehouses
  • Distribution centers
  • Production warehouses
  • Shipping and logistics centers

Key Requirements for Couplings & Brakes:

  • Backlash-free couplings for precise travel and lifting movements
  • Safety brakes for vertical loads
  • High repeatability in positioning tasks
  • Torque limiters for protection against collisions and overloads

Challenges:

  • High lifting heights and travel speeds
  • Precise storage and retrieval operations
  • Reliable continuous operation

STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL MACHINES (SRMS)

Storage and retrieval machines automatically handle the storage and retrieval of goods within warehouse systems.

Typical Applications:

  • Pallet warehouses
  • Automated small parts storage systems
  • Cold storage warehouses
  • High-performance logistics centers

Key Requirements for Couplings & Brakes:

  • High torsional rigidity for precise motion control
  • Safety brakes for lifting and travel drives
  • Accurate positioning systems
  • Overload protection for travel and lifting mechanisms

Challenges:

  • High acceleration rates and changing loads
  • Safe handling of heavy goods
  • High system availability

SHUTTLE SYSTEMS

Shuttle systems move goods autonomously within racking systems and enable exceptionally high throughput rates.

Typical Applications:

  • Container storage systems
  • E-commerce logistics
  • Spare parts warehouses
  • Order-picking systems

Key Requirements for Couplings & Brakes:

  • Compact and lightweight components
  • Backlash-free power transmission for precise travel movements
  • Brakes with fast response times
  • Torque limiters to protect against blockages

Challenges:

  • High travel speeds
  • Limited installation space
  • High cycle rates in continuous operation
Automated storage system with robotic arm between shelves in a warehouse

AUTOMATED SMALL PARTS STORAGE SYSTEMS (AS/RS FOR SMALL PARTS)

Automated small parts storage systems enable the efficient storage and retrieval of small components and products with high-speed access.

Typical Applications:

  • E-commerce fulfillment centers
  • Production supply systems
  • Spare parts logistics
  • Distribution and shipping centers

Key Requirements for Couplings & Brakes:

  • High positioning accuracy
  • Backlash-free motion transmission
  • Reliable braking functions
  • Protection against overloads and positioning errors

Challenges:

  • High order-picking performance
  • Fast access times
  • Maximum process reliability

VERTICAL LIFT MODULES AND VERTICAL STORAGE SYSTEMS

Vertical storage systems make optimal use of available ceiling height while enabling highly space-efficient storage.

Typical Applications:

  • Tool storage systems
  • Spare parts warehouses
  • Production-side inventory storage
  • Order-picking areas

Key Requirements for Couplings & Brakes:

  • Safety brakes for vertical movements
  • Precise positioning of storage levels
  • High holding torque during load changes
  • Torque limiters for overload protection

Challenges:

  • Safe load handling and movement
  • High reliability of lifting systems
  • Ergonomic presentation of stored goods

 

MIKI PULLEY COUPLINGS

Precise Power Transmission for Warehouse Automation

Couplings play a critical role in transmitting torque between motors, gearboxes, and motion systems.

Miki Pulley couplings provide:

  • Backlash-free torque transmission
  • High torsional rigidity
  • Compensation of shaft misalignment
  • Vibration and shock damping
  • Maintenance-free operation

Typical Applications:

  • Storage and retrieval machines
  • Shuttle systems
  • Vertical lift modules
  • Conveyor systems
  • Positioning and handling systems

They ensure maximum precision and a long service life for drive systems.

MIKI PULLEY BRAKES

Safety for Lifting and Travel Movements

In automated storage systems, loads must be securely held and movements must be stopped safely and accurately at all times.

Miki Pulley electromagnetic brakes offer:

  • High holding torque
  • Fast response times
  • Compact designs
  • Low power consumption
  • High reliability

Typical Applications:

  • Hoisting mechanisms
  • Storage and retrieval machines
  • Vertical lift modules
  • Shuttle systems
  • Positioning systems

They ensure maximum safety during power failures, emergency stops, and maintenance operations.

MIKI PULLEY TORQUE LIMITERS

Protection Against Collisions and Overloads

Collisions, positioning errors, or mechanical blockages can result in costly damage and production downtime.

Miki Pulley torque limiters provide:

  • Immediate disengagement during overload conditions
  • Protection of motors, gearboxes, and mechanical systems
  • High repeatability of the release torque setting
  • Fast restart after activation
  • Reduced repair costs and downtime

As a result, they significantly improve the availability and economic efficiency of automated warehouse systems.

YOUR BENEFITS WITH MIKI PULLEY COMPONENTS

Miki Pulley offers a comprehensive portfolio of shaft couplings, electromagnetic brakes, spring-actuated safety brakes and torque limiters for all areas of modern warehouse automation.

Technical Advantages at a Glance:

  • High system availability in 24/7 operation
  • Precise and backlash-free motion transmission
  • Long service life and low-maintenance design
  • Compact dimensions for modern warehouse concepts
  • Protection against overloads, collisions, and failures
  • High operational safety for personnel and equipment
  • Customized solutions for demanding warehouse applications

With Miki Pulley, you choose drive components that sustainably improve efficiency, precision, and reliability in automated storage systems while making a significant contribution to high-performance, future-proof logistics operations.

Suitable products

Safety break BXR-LE by Miki Pulley

Safety brake BXR-LE

0.06 – 3.2 Nm / 6’000 rpm / 24 V

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Safety break BXW by Miki Pulley

Safety brake BXW

0.12 – 5.2 Nm / 6’000 rpm / 12 – 180 V

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Safety break BXR by Miki Pulley

Safety brake BXR

5 – 55 Nm / 5’000 rpm / 24 – 180 V

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Jaw coupling ALS AN with clamping hub by Miki Pulley

Starflex ALS (STW) AN

1.2Nm – 1050Nm / 10’000rpm

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Helix Coupling MHC Aluminum by Miki Pulley

Helix Coupling MHC

0,71Nm – 8,9Nm / 10’000rpm

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