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China Suppliers: Vertical Lift Module (VLM) for Intelligent Item-Level Picking in Factories

Introducing an advanced solution for the precise management of high-value, small-volume materials. This system seamlessly integrates the Vertical Lift Module with a vision-guided three-axis picking mechanism, creating an intelligent storage platform that ensures item-level accurate picking. Ideal for China suppliers and factories, it efficiently handles frequent changeovers with diverse varieties and small batch sizes, significantly minimizing manual intervention. This innovative solution is particularly well-suited for line-side warehousing and kitting applications in high-end manufacturing sectors, including electronic components, medical devices, and aerospace standard parts. Optimize your operation with our cutting-edge technology tailored for the evolving needs of modern industry

    Product Overview

    The equipment features a sealed structure, using standardized pallets as storage carriers. Through a combined vertical lifting and horizontal traversing drive module, it enables fast storage and retrieval as well as precise positioning of goods at any storage location within the cabinet. During the loading process, a laser thickness gauge at the entry point measures the height of the pallet and materials in real time, and the system automatically compacts storage gaps to maximize space utilization. Meanwhile, absolute encoders are employed for full closed‑loop control of the motion axes, ensuring repetitive positioning accuracy for every lifting and traversing movement.

    The intelligent management platform not only supports independent inventory data operation and maintenance, but also seamlessly interfaces with upper‑level systems such as ERP and MES for real‑time material information synchronization. The equipment can be arranged across multiple floors, typically with access points set on 1 to 3 floors, significantly reducing operator walking distances and truly realizing an efficient "goods‑to‑person" working mode.

    Features of the Single‑In/Single‑Out Premium Intelligent Vertical Lift Module

    Built-in Curated Display Case
    Intelligent Picking Integration
    Deeply integrates the Vertical Lift Module with a vision‑guided three‑axis manipulator, enabling item‑level automatic identification, positioning, and grasping, to meet precise inbound/outbound management of high‑value, small‑volume materials.
    Efficient Storage Architecture
    Adopts a sealed cabinet and standardized pallets, with a combined lifting + traversing drive for fast access to any storage location. During loading, laser thickness measurement dynamically compacts storage gaps, and absolute encoders with full closed‑loop control ensure high repetitive positioning accuracy for every movement.
    Intelligent Management Platform
    The built‑in management system can operate independently or seamlessly interface with upper‑level systems such as ERP and MES, synchronizing inventory data in real time for transparent and intelligent control.
    Adaptability to Multiple Varieties and Small Batches
    The system flexibly accommodates frequent changeover demands with minimal manual intervention, making it especially suitable for line‑side warehousing and kitting applications in high‑end manufacturing fields such as electronic components, medical devices, and aerospace standard parts.

    How does the single in/single out premium intelligent Vertical Lift Module work?

    Main Frame Structure of the Vertical Lift Module

    Main Frame Structure

    The main body of this equipment is fabricated from national standard cold-rolled steel. The frame consists of eight load bearing columns, horizontal connecting beams on both sides, and diagonal bracing struts. The columns serve as the primary load carrying members, supporting the entire load. Inside the cabinet, modular pallets are arranged in a matrix and placed on the bracket slots on the front and rear sides. The overall height can reach up to 20 meters, and it can span multiple floors, with independent access points for loading and unloading materials on each floor.

    Schematic Side View of the Storage System Structure

    It is mainly divided into three major areas: the back storage area, the central operating area, and the front storage area. The pallet matrix-type combination structure is placed in both the front and rear storage areas. Where conditions permit, it is extended as high as possible to make full use of the three-dimensional space and improve floor space utilization.

    Schematic Side View

    How to choose the pallet size?

    Built-in Curated Cabinet
    Pallet Width
    850 mm to 4100 mm
    Pallet Depth
    450 / 643 / 850 / 1105 / 1120 mm
    Pallet Height
    50 / 70 / 100 / 120 / 133 mm
    Pallet Load Capacity
    100 / 250 / 500 / 750 / 1000 kg

    Pallet sizes are customizable according to your stored materials’ weight, volume, quantity and container dimensions. We recommend the largest pallet compatible with your site to lower costs and raise economic benefits. Send us your detailed requirements, and we’ll customize and assess the best storage solution for you.

    Customization Services

    The equipment can be raised, lowered, or relocated. It can span multiple floors, and can be configured with up to five access points at the front and rear, facilitating simultaneous operations across different floors. To increase warehouse capacity, if installation outside the building is permitted, an additional external structure can be added. In this case, stored goods can be accessed through specially designed openings in the wall.

    Integration with Other Systems/Equipment

    System Integration
    Conveyor Line
    To accelerate material sorting and storage/retrieval efficiency, conveyor belt technology can be used to connect workstations, while also reducing the intensity of manual handling.
    Robotic Arm / Manipulator
    The equipment can interface with robots and other automated handling devices to meet production line requirements and achieve automated storage.
    AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle)
    In "goods-to-person" picking scenarios, the WCS (Warehouse Control System) receives picking instructions from the WMS (Warehouse Management System) and dispatches AGVs to enable automatic transfer of goods between storage locations and workstations.
    Jib Crane / Suspended Arm Crane
    Manually operated to perform gripping, transferring, and placing tasks. It is suitable for heavy-load warehousing and manufacturing workshops, assisting operators in handling large workpieces, molds, and heavy materials.

    Technical data of the Vertical Lift Storage System

    Parameter Standard Configuration Specification
    Width 1320 to 4570 (mm)
    Deep 1990 / 2475 / 3095 / 3855 / 4290 (mm)
    Height 2100 to 32000 mm
    Minimum Increment Of Equipment Height 200 mm
    Picking Window 1 ~ 5 (Multi-Floor, Multi-Window Configuration)
    Vertical speed 0.65 - 1 m/s (Unloaded) / 0.5 - 0.8 m/s (Fully Loaded)
    Traverse Speed 0.3 m/s
    Overall Equipment Load Maximum 80 Ton

    *The values in the table represent standard configurations. Custom widths, depths, and heights can be provided according to your specific requirements.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q1: What is an Intelligent Vertical Lift Module (VLM)?
    A1: It is an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). Adopting vertical dense storage and goods-to-person mode, it realizes unmanned and intelligent management of the whole warehouse process including storage, picking and stocktaking, making it one of the mainstream smart warehouse equipment.
    Q2: What are the differences between VLM and traditional racking systems?
    A2: This equipment fully utilizes vertical space, cutting floor space occupation by 50%–80%. It delivers goods automatically throughout the workflow, eliminating the need for staff to walk or climb racks manually. It outperforms traditional racks significantly in operational efficiency, workplace safety and inventory accuracy.
    Q3: Can the equipment connect with enterprises’ existing ERP, WMS and AGV systems?
    A3: Yes. Standard data interfaces and warehouse control systems are equipped as standard, enabling seamless integration with ERP, MES, third-party warehousing systems, conveyors and AGV robots.
    Q4: Does the system support FIFO and batch management?
    A4: Yes. The built-in warehouse management system enables first-in first-out (FIFO), batch tracking, shelf-life management and multi-level inventory control, meeting strict management standards across all industries.
    Q5: Which industries are suitable for vertical lift modules?
    A5: Widely applied in electronics, semiconductors, automotive, pharmaceuticals, machinery processing, hardware, aerospace, laboratories, logistics warehousing and other sectors.
    Q6: What are the customizable options for pallet sizes?
    A6: Standard pallet widths range from 850 mm to 4100 mm, depths from 450 mm to 1120 mm, and heights from 50 mm to 133 mm. Standard load capacities range from 100 kg to 1000 kg across five levels. Fully custom sizes are also available based on weight, volume, and container dimensions.

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