Mezzanine Floors - A Platform for Automation
Using Mezzanine Floors to Maximise storage density within the existing footprint of the warehouse is not a new concept. However, as the Online revolution and evolution continues apace the simple mezzanine floor becomes a platform for automated storage and picking systems.
A mezzanine floor is an additional level between the main floors in a building. Mezzanine floors have a wide range of applications and are often used in retail, office and warehouse spaces to provide valuable additional floor space.
In industrial applications, mezzanine floor systems are semi-permanent floor systems typically installed within buildings, built between two permanent original stories. These structures are usually free standing and in most cases can be dismantled and relocated.
The Urban Warehouse
The concept of the urban warehouse is to set up smaller warehouses circa 20 to 30,000 square foot in higher rent urban locations to be closer to major conurbations and in turn closer to the “last mile delivery”
Retailers who already have a physical retail infrastructure can pick from stores as well warehouses if the location of the garment is at a store that is nearer than a main distribution centre. Argos is an example of a company who can fulfil online orders from a store rather than a distribution Centre and Supermarkets with click & collect.
The Mezzanine Floor Solution
If an urban warehouse also known as a Micro Fulfilment Centre has enough height, then a mezzanine floor is a perfect solution to offset against potential higher rents.
If the platform is to be used for robots picking the mezzanine must be adapted to be suitable, this would normally include: -
Mezzanine Surface
For the robot to operate efficiently the unit will require a smooth hardwearing surface, ideally with properties to prevent the build-up of static. Hardwearing enough to withstand 24/7 traffic.
The substrate of the mezzanine floor surface will normally be 38mm composite board whereby a specialist surface finish can be applied to create the perfect operating platform.
Mesh Caging / Internal Warehouse Fencing
As there maybe a minimal staff working on the platform the robot area must be housed in a secure caged area with access controls.
The cage acts as a fall arrest if there is a “rogue” robot or malfunction and is formed from demountable mesh partitioning system.
Shelving
Modified shelving bays with support frame enable the robots to pick up the whole bay
Chutes & Conveyors
With less human interaction in this modern warehouse environment the upstairs picker will deposit via chute to the ground floor level for onward labelling and shipment
The Robots – Geek Robotics
S200 – Floor Sorting Robots Geek+ Floor-based Sorting solution uses S20 series robots to sort small or middle-size parcels at the floor level. Empowered by strong algorithm, the solution monitors robot traffic and balances the task of each robot to achieve maximum sorting efficiency. It can be integrated with Geek+ moving robots to automatically transport packages and achieve unmanned automated sorting operations.
P800 Goods to Person Robot - Geek+ Goods-to-Person solution uses P series robots to move the inventory shelves and pallets to the picking station, eliminating the redundant walking of the picking workers, improving the accuracy of the picking, and reducing labour intensity. Compared to manual picking, the picking efficiency is improved by 2 to 3 times.
About Avanta UK Ltd
Avanta UK Ltd is an independent company with 20 years’ experience in designing and sourcing equipment. Long term partnership arrangements and rigorous appraisal of our portfolio of extensive manufacturing partners ensures that our clients have access to high quality and competitively priced standard and non-standard products.
Specialities include mezzanine floors, storage systems (including warehouse shelving, pallet racking, longspan shelving and mobile shelving systems) and interior solutions (including office partitions, office storage, steel partitions, mesh security cages and workbenches).
We cover the whole of the UK and work closely with the major manufacturers offering warranty, peace of mind and on-going support.
About Geek+
Geek+ is a global technology company specialized in smart logistics. We apply advanced robotics and artificial intelligence technologies to create solutions for warehouse and factory operations.
With the rise of e-commerce and the demand for a faster and more flexible movement of goods, warehouse and manufacturing operators are facing increasingly complex production and logistic challenges today. Speed, product diversification, same-day delivery, volume, safety… these concerns are impacting a wide range of industries, from apparel, retail, automotive, to even electronics, energy and pharmaceutical industries.
Geek+ was founded to be the solution to these problems. We make logistics affordable, efficient, flexible, safe and agile. Our vision is to establish a fully automated and intelligent supply chain globally.
Some of our clients....
