Vertical Lift Module Recovers Floorspace

Sapient Automation, Doylestown, Pa., a subsidiary of MDCI, a leading provider of automated storage and retrieval systems, including carousels and vertical lift modules, said its Viper Vertical Lift Module (VLM) recovers up to 85 percent floor space, provides unequaled ergonomic access to the items and reduces order-picking labor by two-thirds in small parts and items storage and retrieval operations. The Viper VLM is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays, an extraction platform and computerized controls that deliver stored items to an ergonomically positioned workstation. It can hold large, irregularly shaped items, as well as totes, containers and pallets and can be fitted with tray partitions and dividers for small items.


The modular vertical design of the Viper takes advantage of unused overhead space to recover floor space that can be used for value added operations. The system's variable height adjustment feature allows it to be made taller or shorter and moved at any time to meet changes in order picking activity.


The VLM's dynamic tray height sensor optimizes its storage density, automatically directing the storage tray to the least amount of space possible within the unit. Using features such as ViperTilt tray delivery system, LaserViper Pick to Light System, and dual tray delivery, organizations can improve order picking productivity and throughput. ViperTilt delivers selected trays and ergonomically tilts them in the pick window for easy access to stored items.



LaserViper is a pick-to-light system that places a red dot on the item to be picked, increasing operator picking speed and accuracy. The tray and work counter move automatically to each operator's preferred height, eliminating excessive stretching and bending. For increased system throughput, turbo dual tray delivery brings the next tray to the work counter the moment the operator is finished picking from the first tray.


The Viper VLM features a rack and pinion drive that provides high levels of positioning accuracy, even for heavy loads, and requires less maintenance than chains and belts. Removable side panels allow 100 percent access for maintenance and emergency retrieval, and allows the Viper VLM to be used in refrigerated, freezer and other temperature and humidity controlled applications.