Siemens Mobility Increases Both Capacity and Throughput by 30% with AutoStore

Siemens Mobility is a global leader in sustainable transport solutions specializing in rail and road mobility with facilities across Europe, the UK, USA, and South Africa. Siemens implemented an AutoStore system, empowered by AM Logistic Solutions, at its largest rail automation site in Braunschweig, Germany. This is the company's premier rail automation production site, responsible for manufacturing essential train protection and warning systems.

The company replaced an aging facility where production of spare parts for their old system had been discontinued and Siemens could no longer meet customer needs. The implementation of AutoStore has significantly improved their logistics for both production supply and shipping operations, with increases in capacity, throughput, and reliability.

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The Challenge: Upgrade Warehouse for Maximum Storage Density

Siemens Mobility faced a decision when components for their existing automatic small parts warehouse were being phased out of production. It threatened the reliability of their storage system, which was essential for housing sensitive electronic components and assemblies for train control systems.

The facility needed a solution that would:

• Maximize storage density within the existing 1,000 m2 (10,764 ft2) footprint
• Accommodate high production volumes  
• Reduce the current complexity of material flows due to use of an external warehouse
• Provide flexibility in logistics processes
• Simplify operations to avoid delays in production supply

Siemens wanted a solution that would address immediate concerns and provide long-term operational improvements.

The Solution: Space-Efficient, Automated Warehousing

After careful evaluation of warehouse technology, Siemens Mobility selected an AutoStore system that perfectly aligned with their requirements. The Grid-based design holds 31,700 Bins,  with 16 Red Line Robots moving across it to deliver Bins to 7 workstations (ConveyorPorts). This has dramatically optimized space in the existing warehouse footprint.

The solution eliminates single points of failure. AutoStore's independent robots ensure continued operation even if one requires maintenance– an architecture that offers 99.6% uptime. It was also specially designed with ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection to safeguard the sensitive electronic components that Siemens manufactures for its rail automation systems.

Key Benefits: High-Density Storage and System Reliability

AutoStore addressed all the company’s critical requirements while providing additional operational improvements.

• Storage density: 30% more products can now be stored within the same footprint thanks to the compact AutoStore Grid.
• Throughput efficiency: Siemens has increased their processing capacity by 30%.
• Enhanced reliability: No single point of failure means 99.6% system uptime, rather than having to halt for repairs if problems arise.
• Operational efficiency: The operating costs are lower compared to the previous system.
• Cost-effective implementation: It is more economical than retrofitting the old warehouse technology.

Positioned for Growth

With the successful implementation of AutoStore at the Braunschweig facility, Siemens Mobility has established a foundation for the future. The modular nature of the AutoStore system enables Siemens to easily scale operations by adding more Robots or Bins as the need arises, ensuring their rail automation production remains supported by efficient logistics for years to come.

Project Specifications

• Implementation type: Brownfield
• Robots: 16 Red Line Robots
• Workstations (Ports): 7 ConveyorPorts
• Bins: 31,700 Bins
• Integrated technology: ESD protection, conveyor integration
• Integration partner: AM Logistic Solutions