Ward Ventures: inventor of the "PowerPallet" - a patented track born vehicle.
AGVs and Material Handling Systems
“PowerPallet”
In 1997, WARD invented the “PowerPallet”. A vehicle-based conveyor system that inverted the conventional way conveyors are made.
We motorized the pallets, instead of the conveyor.
This shifted all of the conveyor components from being hundreds of feet of installed motors and sensors; to being stand alone, replaceable vehicles on an extruded track. Downtime for unscheduled and routine maintenance moved offline.
Then, in 2007, Using the PowerPallet, WARD was a first implementer of a Vehicle Based Storage and Retrieval Systems. We stored 72 lay-up tools for the leading-edge slats for the 787 lay-up line. The tools were delivered from work bay storage to 6 lay-up and 3 mold loading stations to the bond room. This began the implementation of Vehicle Based Storage and Retrieval, VBSR
This method can improve storage density by allowing high density rack storage and deep lane storage. It removes the need for forklift sized isles in a pallet rack system. We use elevators to access all levels of the storage racks allowing taller systems.
This can be used in: Distribution Centers, Order Fulfillment Centers and Manufacturing Facilities.
It doesn’t matter if the payload is a tote, wooden GMA pallet or an overseas shipping container; we can size the vehicle to store and retrieve it.
To learn more about Ward Ventures experience and capabilities, see below or contact us.
