The Four-Way Shuttle is an automated shuttle robot capable of moving in four directions (forward, backward, left, and right) within an intelligent warehouse racking system. It transports pallets with loads of up to 1,500 kg. With a no-load speed of 1.5 m/s and a loaded speed of 1.2 m/s, the Four-Way Shuttle reduces direction change time to just 5 seconds and completes lifting operations in 3 seconds.
1. What Is a Four-Way Shuttle System?
The Four-Way Shuttle System is a fully automated pallet storage and retrieval solution integrated with intelligent control functions, enabling four-directional movement (forward, backward, left, right, and level transfer). The system can detect and actively avoid obstacles and is compatible with various pallet sizes.
Designed for high-density storage within ASRS environments, the Four-Way Shuttle delivers high performance and exceptional flexibility. It is suitable for a wide range of industries, including chemicals, logistics, e-commerce, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
2. Structure of the Four-Way Shuttle System
A high-density pallet storage system using the Four-Way Shuttle typically consists of the following core components:
Shuttle Frame and Four-Directional Drive System
The shuttle features a compact steel structure weighing approximately 350 kg, designed to handle loads of up to 1,500 kg per pallet. A sealed multi-directional wheel system enables independent four-directional movement, achieving speeds of 1.5 m/s (unloaded) and 1.2 m/s (loaded), with a direction change time of 5 seconds.
Motors and Power System
The system is equipped with a 750 W lifting motor and a 1,500 W travel motor, powered by a 42Ah / 48V battery, supporting continuous operation for up to 8 hours. Full charging takes approximately 3 hours, and the shuttle automatically returns to the charging station when battery level drops below 30%.
Actual operating time:
- 7–8 hours in ambient conditions
- 5–6 hours in cold storage environments
Lifting Mechanism
The lifting stroke is 45 mm, with a lifting time of 3 seconds. The mechanism operates reliably within a temperature range of –5°C to +45°C and features an anti-vibration design to protect goods during transport.
Intelligent Positioning System
QR codes installed at key points, combined with optical sensors for hole detection, ensure positioning accuracy of up to ±2 mm. The system integrates seamlessly with WMS for real-time control and monitoring.
3. Technical Specifications of the Four-Way Shuttle System
| Item | Specification |
| Rated Load | Max. 1,500 kg per pallet |
| Travel Speed | Unloaded: 1.5 m/s / Loaded: 1.2 m/s / Direction change: 5 s |
| Lifting Motor Power | 750 W |
| Travel Motor Power | 1,500 W |
| Battery Capacity | 42 Ah – up to 8 hours continuous operation |
| Battery Voltage | 48 V |
| Charging Time | 3 hours – automatic charging when battery < 30% |
| Continuous Operating Time (1,500 kg load) | Ambient: 7–8 hours / Cold storage: 5–6 hours |
| Operating Temperature | +5°C to +45°C |
| Lifting Stroke | 45 mm – lifting time: 3 seconds |
4. Advantages of the Four-Way Shuttle System
Developed by Vinatech, the Four-Way Shuttle System offers multiple advantages over other automated racking solutions:
Ultra-Slim Shuttle Design
With a height of only 135 mm, the shuttle maximizes usable vertical space while supporting pallet loads of up to 1.5 tons.
High-Efficiency Drive System
The system uses servo motors for both lifting and travel functions. Compared to hydraulic systems, this design delivers higher precision, a more compact structure, and eliminates risks associated with hydraulic oil leakage that could affect product quality.
Stable Transmission System
The shuttle is equipped with a fully gearbox-based transmission, enhancing accuracy, durability, and operational stability. This design simplifies maintenance, ensures smooth operation, and significantly reduces noise levels.
Robust Structural Design
Gearboxes are directly connected to form the main structural framework without requiring auxiliary support frames, resulting in a simpler and more robust construction.
Four-Wheel Drive System
All 16 wheels—including longitudinal and transverse movement wheels—are actively driven, providing superior acceleration, smooth motion, and high operational stability.
Proprietary Control System
The Four-Way Shuttle utilizes a self-developed controller, enabling greater customization, improved system stability, and reliable operational performance.
Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance
Laser sensors allow the shuttle to detect obstacles in real time. Upon detection, the system automatically brakes and issues warning signals to ensure operational safety.
High-Precision Positioning
The shuttle supports dual positioning methods, including QR code navigation and floor-based positioning points, ensuring accurate location detection in all operating conditions.
5. Applications of the Four-Way Shuttle System
Thanks to its high level of automation, the Four-Way Shuttle System is widely applied across industries that require fast, accurate, and high-volume material handling:
E-commerce
Ideal for distribution centers handling large order volumes and real-time processing. The system shortens picking time, optimizes storage space, and efficiently manages a high number of SKUs, even during peak seasons.
Logistics & Distribution
In logistics hubs with complex inbound and outbound flows, the Four-Way Shuttle automates the entire pallet storage and retrieval process, ensuring high throughput and seamless integration with AGVs and WMS platforms.
Food & Beverage
This industry requires strict control over storage time, temperature, and FIFO operations. The Four-Way Shuttle meets these demands through precise pallet control, rapid retrieval, and stable performance in cold storage environments.
Manufacturing
In production facilities, the system can be used to store raw materials or finished goods. Integrated with WMS, it improves inventory management efficiency and reduces production downtime.
Vinatech Group is a leading manufacturer and provider of warehouse racking systems, automated storage solutions, and smart warehouse technologies nationwide. With strong R&D capabilities, Vinatech has successfully developed and deployed the Four-Way Shuttle System for high-density pallet storage.
In an increasingly competitive market with rising warehousing costs, the Four-Way Shuttle System is not only an advanced storage solution but also a strategic component of enterprise-wide digital transformation. Investing in this technology enables businesses to optimize costs, enhance supply chain capabilities, and gain long-term competitive advantages.
