Chinese mobile robotics company Geek+ has unveiled the tallest mobile automated storage and retrieval (ASRS) system designed to support warehouse automation up to 12 metres in height.

Introduced to the public at last week’s CeMat Asia in Shanghai, the robot has already been installed in sites in North America and Asia, and is under deployment for several major global retailers.

“As early pioneers in the mobile robotics space, we are committed to continuous innovation to accompany our customers on their new automation journey,” said Yong Zheng, CEO of Geek+. “The enhanced RoboShuttle is a significant addition to our goods-to-person family, offering more choices to retailers looking for the right fit for their warehouse.”

The tote- and case-to-person system acts as a mobile ASRS where mobile robots do automated storage and retrieval of totes for picking, put-away and return handling. Deployed in over 20 countries, it is a flexible high-storage option thanks to mobile robots that operate without fixed equipment.

In addition, it can be combined with Geek+’s shelf-to-person system that lets users choose the option that will fit their needs. This hybrid system supports the storage and picking of various sized items on racks, pallets and totes within a flexible and adaptable layout.

“What makes these stand out is their integration capabilities, allowing them to be seamlessly combined,” said Yong Zheng. “We offer our customers the best choice of systems and they can create their own using our various modules. That’s what makes Geek+ unique, and it’s what has enabled us to consistently lead the global market for the past five years.”

The tall robot operates within the aisles, focusing on vertically storing and retrieving totes or cases. It then transfers them to small and fast picking robots that navigate beneath the racks to deliver the items to picking stations. The coordination between these robots results in flexible and space-saving picking and storing for warehouses with heights of up to 12 metres. This addition to the Geek+ goods-to-person family employs suction cups, providing enhanced storage density compared with other options in the market.

Geek+’s systems are managed by a single software platform that handles multiple robot types for real-time path planning, optimal traffic management and task assignments, making it suitable for large-scale deployments. The software integrates seamlessly with major warehouse management systems for easy deployment and integration.

Geek+ (www.geekplus.com) develops autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to automate warehouses and supply chain management. Founded in 2015, Geek+ has over 1500 employees, with offices in the USA, Germany, UK, Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.