STEIN link

The battery-powered shuttle system combines a simple, wireless track with intelligent shuttles. With a speed of up to 50 m/min, the shuttles transport up to 80 kg (176 lbs) of payload without impact.

Thanks to its modular design, the STEIN link® system can be easily expanded, modified, and adapted to changing requirements. Transport capacities can be flexibly scaled by adding or removing shuttles.

Brochure

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The new STEIN INTRALOGISTICS concept

BEYOND TRANSFER

The STEIN link® shuttle system is the logical extension of the STEIN transfer systems. It combines the assembly processes in the transfer system with internal transport. STEIN link® is perfectly suited to cover long distances – on the floor, on the wall or under the ceiling to save floor-space. It can transport a wide variety of products on the pallet or as bulk material in transport boxes.

BATTERY POWERED

Each STEIN link® Shuttle has an easily exchangeable battery, which can be easily changed manually or fully automatically. This results in several advantages for the overall system. On the one hand, the track can be kept simple and cost-effective, as no complex electrical wiring is required. Secondly, the charging time does not affect the cycle time and availability of the shuttles. In addition, this makes the overall system extremely reliable with low maintenance.

STABLE AND SHOCKPROOF

The STEIN link® track profile is extremely robust and stable, so that the shuttles can drive on it without the risk of tipping over and can reliably transport even large products from A to B. Thanks to intelligent sensor technology, the shuttles independently detect obstacles of any kind and brake gently. This ensures that your sensitive products are transported gently and without impact.

INTELLIGENT NETWORK

All STEIN link® shuttles and other active system components communicate with the central, PC-based control software via their own internal network. This software manages routes, transport orders and the current statuses of all active components. Intelligent schedules and order management ensure that the shuttles reach their destinations quickly and reliably. In addition, the central control system enables communication with third-party systems, such as an ERP system.

The advantages of STEIN link

Cost-effective transport from A to B
No cabling along the route, very simple installation
Flexibility: simply add shuttles for higher output
Stable and collision-free transport
Transport over long distances – on the floor, under the ceiling or even on the wall
Route planning is possible on different levels
Combines intralogistics and assembly processes in a single solution
Fully automated battery management
Intelligent routing, programmable schedules and order management
Can be combined with STEIN conveyor systems

The STEIN link components

Shuttle - The Heart of the System

Shuttle dimensions L x W x H: 647 (25.5″) x 292 (11.5″) x 201,5 mm (7.9″)
(H: lower edge of profile to upper edge of shuttle without emergency-stop!)

80 kg (176 lbs) payload per shuttle

Up to 50 m/min transport speed

Intelligent distance sensor technology

Transport of material directly on the shuttle, on a workpiece carrier or in transport boxes (bulk material) possible

24 V / 2,5 A power supply on the shuttle

Battery level indicator on the front of the shuttle and directly on the battery

Emergency stop button

Track Profile

T-shape aluminium profile (Shuttle is stable, even with off-centre weight)

Max. element length: 5,000 mm (197″)

Width 164 mm (6.5″) x Height 70 mm (2.8″)

The section height is freely scalable

Ceiling or wall mounting possible

No obstructions beneath the track – maximum legroom at manual workstations

Accessories can be mounted on the continuous T-slots on the underside of the track

Corner

Radius: 250 mm (9.8″)

Purely mechanical – no electronics

Standard angle: 90°

By joining the parts together, a 180° corner can be easily created

Custom angles are available

Easy to install, requires only a few screws

Fully interchangeable with other components, such as a track switch or rotary unit

Track switch

Entry and exit onto and from the track (Splitting from one track to two, collecting from two tracks to one)

Radius: 250 mm (9.8″)

Active component: the track switch requires a STEIN Control Box for control, communication and power supply

The broker allows software-based configuration whether it is a splitter or a collector

When rotating, the motor current is limited to prevent injury. Similar function to that of a car window or tailgate

Turning Unit

The turning unit enables shuttles to enter from any direction and to continue moving flexibly to continue in any desired direction

The turning unit enables reverse operation

This component enables the shuttles to change direction

Active component: the turning unit requires a STEIN Control Box for control, communication and power supply

Locking Unit

Locking Unit for the shuttle, e.g. at manual workstations

Positioning accuracy from +/- 0.5 mm

Positioning accuracy of +/- 3 mm with a payload of up to 80 kg

The locking unit is an active component and requires a STEIN Control Box for control, communication and power supply

Gate Element

For better accessibility: Individual sections of the track can be designed to be foldable

As a passive component: The track is unfolded against the direction of travel. The distance sensor on the shuttle detects the rail and stops automatically

As an active component: The shuttle stops in response to a control command. The gate element is then authorised to open

Transfer Station

Option to transfer from the shuttle to an existing system or vice versa

Transfer of a workpiece carrier from the shuttle to a conveyor system or vice versa

Transfer of a KLT from the shuttle to a rack or vice versa

Combination of STEIN link® with STEIN 300, STEIN 300e or STEIN 400, or vice versa

Any conveyor system (24 V) can be integrated onto the shuttle

Active component: the transfer station requires a STEIN Control Box for control, communication and power supply

Lift

Modular design: Instead of the Conveyor element, the Link track profile can be integrated into the standard STEIN Lift

Transports shuttles from one transport level to another, e.g. for transport beneath the ceiling. The height is individually adjustable

Up to three entry and exit directions possible

The lift is treated as a stand-alone machine

Intelligent sequence control integrated into the lift

Communication with the broker via MQTT

Installation of a turntable, track switch and a corner is possible

Bulkheads and tunnels still available

Service door always included in the design

Proven and space-saving STEIN technology

System Computer

Available in two versions

As a PC in a lockable cabinet with monitor and keyboard

As an all-in-one unit mounted on the stand base via a support arm

The Battery

7S2P Li-ion battery pack (25.41 V / 9.8 Ah / 249 Wh)
Charge level indicator on the shuttle and via the central control unit
Integrated battery management:
Charging status is constantly monitored centrally
The shuttle is guided to the battery exchange station in good time
Battery runtime is over 8 hours:
The exact battery runtime depends on the load, speed and layout of the system. This must be determined on a case-by-case basis
When the battery is fully charged, the shuttle can up to 14 days in standby mode.

Fast & easy battery change

The STEIN link® Shuttle is equipped with an exchangeable battery. This means that no cabling is required along the track and makes installation particularly easy. Thanks to the optional manual or fully automatic changing station, the battery can be changed quickly and easily during operation.

The capacity of the battery changing station can be adjusted depending on the number, route and running time of the shuttles.

Video Battery Replacement: manual or automatic

Manual battery exchange

Can be mounted directly on the underside of the track

The number of charging points is individually adapted to the number of batteries required

Easy removal and insertion of the batterywith just one hand

Internal power supply via an integrated power supply unit

Battery exchange with a robot

Automated replacement of the shuttle battery using a robot

At the stop position, the robot remove and inserts a fully charged battery from one of the charging bays into the shuttle

Particularly recommended when there are a large number of shuttles on the route

Advantages of an exchangeable battery as the main power supply

Shuttle is independent of charging station
Fast & easy battery change
Charging time has no influence on cycle time
Low-maintenance power supply
Reduced installation effort (no wiring)