Jungheinrich and HMS are redefining automated storage with a system that delivers speed, safety, and rock-solid connectivity. Based in Hamburg, Jungheinrich is a global powerhouse in intralogistics, with decades of know-how in material handling and warehouse automation. The company helps businesses make the most of their space while boosting efficiency across the board.
As a leader in the space, Jungheinrich knows it has to stay ahead of what’s coming next. With e-commerce exploding and customers expecting faster deliveries, warehouses need smarter, fully automated ways to process goods especially when space is tight. That insight sparked the creation of the PowerCube, an automated compact container storage system that’s changing how warehouses store and retrieve goods.
“Our customers need a way to use limited space efficiently while meeting growing demands for faster order processing,” says Carlos de Almeida.
Meet the PowerCube
The PowerCube was built with one clear mission to improve efficiency. By packing in more storage density and speeding up order processing, it lets warehouses handle more goods in less space and time.
At the core of the system is Jungheinrich’s own Warehouse Control System (WCS). It controls automated shuttles over Ethernet, keeping them moving quickly and safely within a high-density storage grid.
These shuttles operate across the entire bottom level in two dimensions while using the full vertical space above the system for maximum capacity.
Why the PowerCube stands out
- Space like you’ve never seen:Â Up to 4x higher storage density than conventional shelving
- Tall and mighty:Â Vertical storage up to 12 meters
- Built to scale:Â Flexible throughput, container capacity, and shuttle count
- Serious power:Â Each shuttle carries two containers at once, up to 50 kg per container
- Stress-free setup: Short assembly times and simple IT connections—no floor milling needed
“We wanted a system that combines speed, safety, and scalability. PowerCube delivers all three,” Carlos says.
HMS brings reliable wireless to the mix
Keeping shuttles moving safely in two dimensions isn’t easy. It demands reliable, deterministic wireless communication. Any delay or drop in signal stops a shuttle, blocks access to storage areas, and can bring the whole line to a halt costing time and money.
Cables weren’t an option since the shuttles need complete freedom to move across the bottom level without restrictions. That’s why Jungheinrich turned to HMS Networks. As Carlos puts it, “we’re experts in logistics, not networking, so we contacted HMS for help.”
HMS recommended a robust wireless setup to keep everything running smoothly:
- Anybus Wireless Access Points installed throughout for full signal coverage. They use dual-band segmentation: 5 GHz for tablets and maintenance devices, 2.4 GHz for shuttle control and safety communication.
- Anybus Wireless Bridge IIÂ on each shuttle, with an integrated antenna and compact IP67 form factor for space-saving installation.
- Point-to-multipoint architecture lets shuttles roam freely between access points with continuous Ethernet connectivity wherever they are.
- IP67-rated hardware stands up to harsh environments, including cold storage where condensation is a real risk.
“We really appreciated HMS’ support and guidance. The Bridges and Access Points are 
working well, but it wasn’t just about the products. Their Wireless & Infrastructure Implementation Assistance service made a big difference, helping us overcome the challenges of deploying wireless connectivity in a dense, metallic structure. Using their expertise and analysis tools, HMS designed the best layout for access points to ensure reliable performance in every installation. In some cases, we even asked HMS to join us at our customer’s warehouse to perform a site survey and validate signal coverage,” Carlos adds.
Already working in the real world
The PowerCube is now live in real deployments, proving its efficiency and reliability across multiple installations. “It’s great to see PowerCube out in the field solving issues. Fastbolt, for example, wanted faster order processing and better space utilization. And that’s exactly what the PowerCube is providing,” Carlos says enthusiastically.
What’s next for automated storage
With the PowerCube, Jungheinrich is setting a new benchmark for automated storage systems. And with HMS providing the wireless backbone that keeps shuttles moving, this partnership is paving the way for smarter, more efficient warehouses around the globe.
But the journey doesn’t stop here. Jungheinrich plans to scale the PowerCube to larger deployments with more storage surface and more shuttles, a move that will require advanced wireless design and continuous network monitoring.
At the same time, meeting cybersecurity requirements and complying with regulations like RED, CRA, and NIS2, along with optimizing safety architecture for the upcoming EU Machinery Regulations in 2027, will be critical.
“We’re really pleased with the collaboration with HMS. It’s helped us achieve the required robust connectivity, and as we expand and meet cybersecurity and safety requirements, our partnership with HMS will become even more valuable. This is only the start!” Carlos concludes.
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