Frequently Asked Questions

ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) has long been associated with stacker cranes. Before 2018, pallet automated storage solutions were limited to stacker crane warehouses. Today, four-way shuttle systems represent a new generation of ASRS that achieves fully automated storage and retrieval while overcoming many technical limitations of traditional stacker cranes. ASRS is no longer exclusive to stacker crane systems.

Modern battery technology enables high-capacity energy storage and efficient charging. The four-way shuttle is a fully electric intelligent pallet-handling robot that can carry 1,000 kg pallets and move in all four directions within racking systems. It communicates with the server via industrial-grade high-power wireless base stations, ensuring reliable WiFi connectivity for real-time coordination.

We serve multiple industries across Malaysia, Singapore, China, and beyond:

• Manufacturing — Siemens, Qisda
• Logistics & Courier — DHL, Sinotrans, Kuehne+Nagel
• Cold Chain & Food — Starbucks, Qinglian Food
• Electronics — Qisda, Innolux
• E-commerce — JD.com

The four-way shuttle can reach 2.5 m/s when unloaded. When carrying pallets, we typically set a slower speed ranging from 0.8–1.2 m/s, especially for taller pallet positions, to ensure safety and stability.

Storage capacity depends on available space. Four-way shuttle systems achieve the highest storage density — up to 30% more than traditional stacker crane ASRS, and 60% more than VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) systems.

Multi-floor capability is a key advantage of four-way shuttle systems. If you have a multi-story warehouse, the shuttle system can be deployed across all floors, with shuttles traveling between levels to create a unified multi-floor operation.

Battery Charging: 1.5–2 hours for full charge.

Runtime: Approximately 8 hours of operation.

The shuttle automatically detects when battery falls below 30% and goes to the charging station. Once fully charged, it returns to work — no manual intervention required.

Batteries are rated for 2,000 charging cycles by the supplier. With daily charging, this translates to approximately 5-6 years of operation.

Real-world example: Our Sinotrans project has been running for over 6 years with original batteries still operating normally.

WCS (Warehouse Control System) is our proprietary software that controls all hardware devices in the warehouse:

• Four-way shuttles
• Pallet lifters (elevators)
• Conveyors
• Pallet stacker/de-stacker machines
• All other automated equipment

iWMS vs WCS:

• iWMS — The "brain" — connects to ERP, manages inventory, handles order picking
• WCS — The "hands" — executes iWMS commands, controls all hardware

Both are in-house developed software systems.

Yes, integration is essential. The system architecture is:

Customer orders flow from your system through iWMS to WCS, which then coordinates all hardware to retrieve/store pallets automatically.

WCS monitors every shuttle's position in real-time. If one fails:

• Dashboard immediately shows the fault
• Other shuttles automatically detour around the stopped unit
• Operations continue — single failure doesn't stop the system

Minor issues (network disconnection, etc.):

• WCS can reset the shuttle remotely
• No manual intervention needed

Serious malfunctions (unresponsive):

• Personnel use maintenance ladders and walkways to access the shuttle
• All racking systems include built-in maintenance access

Our four-way shuttles are now in their 5th generation (6th generation in development). Each generation addresses safety issues found in previous versions.

Every shuttle is equipped with over 10 sensors serving various safety functions:

• Obstacle detection
• Collision prevention
• Load positioning
• Edge detection
• And more

Continuous iteration ensures we deliver the safest, most reliable product to customers.

Implementation cost is directly tied to warehouse scale. Unlike selective racking, there's no fixed "price per pallet position." Larger systems have lower per-pallet costs, while smaller warehouses have higher unit costs.

As a reference, clients can estimate RM 800-1,000 per pallet position, though this varies significantly based on project scope.

Project timeline depends on scale and complexity. Typically, implementation takes 6-10 months from design to commissioning.

Maintenance is a major advantage of shuttle systems over stacker cranes.

Stacker Cranes:

• Massive equipment requiring high-altitude maintenance
• Can only be serviced during scheduled plant shutdowns
• If one stacker stops, its entire aisle becomes inaccessible
• Higher maintenance costs due to shutdown timing (typically holidays)

Four-Way Shuttles:

• Compact (300-400 kg) — no high-altitude work needed
• Can be called to maintenance station anytime
• Individual shuttles can be serviced while others continue operating
• No production disruption — warehouse stays fully operational