Upstream® from Gebhardt

What is the upstream system?

The GEBHARDT Upstream® system is a modular and flexibly scalable shuttle storage solution that is characterized by its compact design and ease of maintenance. It combines the GEBHARDT StoreBiter® OLS X shuttle technology with the GEBHARDT StoreDiver robot and the GEBHARDT SimplePick Flexible work station, which enables efficient and sequential provision of containers without complex conveyor technology. The system can be extended to dimensions of up to 100 meters in length and 18 meters in height and can handle container weights of up to 50 kg. By dispensing with conventional conveyor technology and lift systems, sustainable and energy-efficient storage is achieved.

What components does the Upstream® consist of?

The GEBHARDT Upstream® system consists of several central main elements that together form a highly flexible and efficient storage solution:

GEBHARDT StoreBiter® OLS X: A powerful shuttle vehicle that can move horizontally over several levels (“roaming capability”). It transports the containers within the system.

How powerful is the Upstream® system?

The ability to flexibly adjust the number of StoreBitters® and StoreDivers and the modular dimensioning offers maximum flexibility in terms of system performance. Depending on customer requirements, a lower output can be provided to keep the investment costs low or, conversely, a very high output can be achieved if the number of robots is exhausted.

Another advantage of the Upstream® system is the direct access to each container. This means that the container changeover time is very short, which has a positive effect on the performance of the overall system. Repacking, as with systems with stacked containers, is not necessary with the Upstream® system.

The third important area to determine the performance of the system is the workstation, SimplePick. This can be flexibly configured and can hold several target containers at the workstation at the same time, so that parallel processing of orders is also possible.

Is the Upstream® a closed system?

The system does not allow individual components such as robots or picking workstations from other manufacturers to be integrated. However, an interface to further conveyor systems is possible at the system boundary. An interface to standardized WMS and ERP systems is also possible.

What container sizes are possible?

The possible container sizes are very flexible and are based on the Euro standard containers. Loads of up to 50 kg can be realized per container. The largest possible container is therefore 600mm x 800mm in external dimensions. The height is also flexible in the Euro standard range between 400mm and 600mm. In addition, this system also allows different heights to be realized on the various levels, which is a major advantage compared to other systems.

What materials are stored in Upstream® containers?

The system is designed for storing packaged materials in standardized containers or cartons. Typical areas of application are small parts, consumer goods, electronics or medical products – provided they are packed in dimensionally stable and shuttleable packaging. Loose bulk goods, long goods, pallets or open liquids are not directly suitable.

What special requirements are necessary for an Upstream® system?

The GEBHARDT Upstream® system requires a sufficiently high and stable storage environment (ideally up to 18 m high) and the use of standardized, shuttle-compatible containers. In addition, a stable IT infrastructure with a connection to a higher-level warehouse management system (WMS/ERP), a suitable power supply and safety equipment such as emergency stops and protective devices are required. This allows the system to be operated fully automatically, efficiently and safely.

For which special applications is the Upstream® system suitable?

The system is particularly suitable for sectors such as e-commerce, food, pharmaceuticals or production. It enables space-saving, energy-efficient storage and sequential delivery – even in refrigerated conditions or with a large variety of items. Refrigerated storage areas up to +4 °C are possible without any problems, as the system does not require conventional conveyor technology and uses robust ultracaps (particularly powerful energy storage units) that are insensitive to cold. This means that the system remains efficient and low-maintenance throughout, even in temperature-sensitive zones. The system is therefore ideal for companies with complex and dynamic logistics processes.

How are fire protection measures taken into account with the Upstream®?

The Gebhardt Upstream® system can be seamlessly integrated into modern fire protection concepts. Thanks to the open design, proven sprinkler systems can be installed without any problems – expensive CO₂ extinguishing systems can usually be dispensed with. The segmentation of the system makes it possible to shut down specific areas affected by a fire without having to shut down the entire warehouse. In addition, the 48 V ultracaps used increase safety in the event of a fire, as they are less risky than conventional high-voltage technology.

What construction time can I expect?

Gebhardt promises a remarkably short construction time for the system of around 6 months, depending on the project size and warehouse geometry. This is mainly due to the modular design of the system, which enables quick assembly and flexible expansion – ideal for companies that want to quickly automate or scale up their intralogistics.