Storage systems for bulky goods — flexible automation with shuttle technology
Tested, in use, ready for your warehouse
Our solution for bulky goods is not a concept on paper: In our own advastore logistics center in Niederaula, it is used daily under real conditions. There, we store cumbersome, heavy and format-deviating items fully automatically — reliably, efficiently and with consistent transparency.
What works for us also works for you: We would be happy to show you the system live or test your products directly on site.
Your benefits at a glance
Higher storage density
& space efficiency
Use your warehouse down to the last cubic meter — even in existing halls.
Less damage
& manual errors
Automated, gentle processes protect your goods and reduce error rates.
Significantly lower personnel costs
Reduce physically heavy work and the risk of accidents
Quick access
& full transparency
Find every item immediately and keep track of everything thanks to digital twin.
economic efficiency
warranted
A typical ROI of less than 2 years makes automation profitable even for bulky goods
Storing bulky goods: complex, inefficient and risky?
Many companies struggle with the same problems when it comes to bulky products or slow-moving items (“slow movers”):
A variety of formats instead of standard
High manual effort
Risk of damage when storing and retrieving
Lack of structure & long picking times
Valuable area blocked
No digital connection
The solution: shuttle-based automation for bulky goods
How bulky items are moved — without a special gripper
The tray-free structure allows the storage of units of up to 800 × 400 × 600 millimetres (L × W × H) and a weight up to 20 kgs. Even with unusual shapes, individual pieces or sensitive surfaces, no special grippers are required. Bulky goods are stored on platform shelves, so-called ADVAShelfs. The autonomous shuttles hit the shelves and lift the platform. At the exit portal, the item is automatically delivered to the conveyor belt or platform. For products that exceed the weight limit (20 kg) or format (800 mm length), a hybrid solution with a forklift is also possible.
The result: Safe, material-friendly transfer — even with long items, plates or sensitive furniture parts. And that without manual effort during handling.
Digital control for bulky goods — reliable, simple, efficient
As soon as the goods are received, a 3D scan automatically records all item characteristics such as dimensions, weight, shape, serial number or best before date. This data controls precise storage — without manual entry or rigid container logic.
For outsourcing, the shuttles provide automated transport to picking, packing or handover points — even for large, cumbersome or sensitive goods. All of this is controlled by our Warehouse Execution System (WES), which optimizes warehouse movements in real time and integrates seamlessly into your existing system landscape.
Our system is ideal for these bulky products
Whether long goods such as pipes, plate material or large-volume components — the shuttle-based storage concept from advasolutions is designed for a wide range of product types. Each product presents its own challenges — the system provides the right answer and enables fast, secure access to all types of goods.
Long goods (e.g. pipes, bars, strips)
challenge: Length, risk of rotting, rolling away
solution: longitudinal support strips, special LongShuttle module, variable compartment heights with lateral guide strips
Your advantage: Safe, automated handling up to 800 mm in length, without tilting and with a high level of process reliability
🪚
Plates, sheets, wood cuts and boards
challenge: Area requirement, deformation, risk of breakage
solution: Flat pads with soft protective pads (SoftPads), sensor-assisted guidance, shuttle ramps for smooth absorption of the products
Your advantage: Damage-free storage and high use of space
🚪
furniture parts, windows, doors
challenge: variety of shapes, shock sensitivity
solution: 3D scan and digital twin for dimensional recognition, depth-variable shelf, soft platform support
Your advantage: Careful, automated handling without repackaging, complete transparency and tracking
🚗
automotive components
challenge: Different weights, batch tracing
solution: Shuttles with a load capacity of up to 20 kg, batch and serial number tracking, FIFO/FEFO logic in the software, hybrid removal by forklift possible
Your advantage: Short access times, high availability and secure tracking
🏗️
Building elements, insulation materials
challenge: volume, pressure sensitivity
solution: Airy shelves, large compartments, no container requirement, soft-grip covers for sensitive materials, adjustable buffer zones between products
Your advantage: Space-saving, dust-free and material-friendly storage without crushing, automated dispensing without material contamination
The right setup for every requirement
Your solution tailored to the respective product range. Thanks to the modular architecture, zonal integration into existing buildings is also possible — without new buildings or complex modifications. For particularly large or heavy items, hybrid zones with manual access via a forklift can be integrated.
The introduction is carried out gradually and during operation — even in storage areas with low ceiling heights (from 6 m). Pre-testing, training, and plug & play installation reduce the workload for IT and warehouse teams. Item dimensions and characteristics are automatically recorded using a 3D scan — there is no need for complex data preparation.
Your path to automated storage of bulky products — structured, secure, scalable
1. Analysis & concept
We check the warehouse structure, product portfolio and processes — and use them to develop an individual, simulation-based automation concept with clearly calculable ROI.
2. Implementation & integration
The modules are planned, installed and connected to your existing IT system in line with the building geometry — quickly, modularly and without major modifications.
3. Operate & Scale
After go-live, we'll provide you with training, support and expansion options — for smooth processes, secure access and maximum performance from day one.