OPEX® Corporation Unveils Major Upgrades to Infinity® Automated Storage and Retrieval System
OPEX® Corporation, a global leader in Next Generation Automation, has announced significant upgrades to its Infinity® Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), reinforcing its commitment to innovation in warehouse, document, and mail automation. The latest enhancements introduce a 15 percent increase in storage payload capacity along with new storage slotting capabilities, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and flexibility in warehouse automation.
Unparalleled Storage Density and Configurability
Since its initial launch in 2022, the Infinity AS/RS has been recognized for its exceptional storage density, configurability, and flexibility. Designed to meet the ever-evolving demands of micro-fulfillment, omni-channel distribution, store replenishment, and e-commerce, the Infinity system has already revolutionized warehouse automation. By increasing the payload capacity from 70 pounds (31.7 kilograms) to 90 pounds (40.8 kilograms), OPEX has opened new possibilities for industries that rely on high-density storage and efficient retrieval solutions.
One of the standout features of the upgraded Infinity system is its enhanced iBOT® robots, which now support the increased payload. In tandem with this improvement, the system’s racking structure—also referred to as the storage grid—has been strengthened to accommodate heavier loads. This development ensures that warehouses can store and retrieve heavier goods while maintaining optimal performance and safety standards.
Addressing Industry Needs and Regulatory Compliance
OPEX’s decision to enhance the Infinity AS/RS payload capacity stems from the evolving requirements of manufacturers who store and retrieve heavy, high-value components. According to Monty McVaugh, Head of Product at OPEX, “The decision to increase Infinity’s payload has been driven by ongoing inquiries from our manufacturing customers. Many manufacturers want to store large, heavy, metal parts and sub-assemblies on their factory floor, such as alternators, fuel pumps, brake rotors, machining plates, and more.”
This upgrade comes at an ideal time, aligning with updates to international building codes. The latest international building codes (IBC2021) outline the permissible loads applied to structures such as high-bay storage racking inside industrial buildings. By implementing the necessary modifications, OPEX ensures that its Infinity storage racking system meets IBC2021 requirements in both non-seismic and high-seismic regions. This compliance enhances safety, reliability, and industry adoption of the Infinity system.
Enhanced Storage Slotting and Space Utilization
In addition to the increased payload capacity, OPEX has introduced new storage slot spacing capabilities to further optimize storage density. Zach Davis, Infinity Product Manager at OPEX, explained, “Our enhanced Infinity AS/RS will also support smaller storage slot spacing. Many manufacturers prefer to store hardware and fixturing tools on trays. Infinity will now support four-inch storage spacing when trays are utilized, nearly doubling the system’s previous eight-inch storage density.”
This advancement is particularly valuable for industries that handle small yet heavy components, such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy equipment manufacturing. By offering a more compact and efficient storage arrangement, warehouses can maximize their storage potential without compromising accessibility and organization.
Overcoming Challenges in Traditional Storage Systems
Traditional vertical lift modules (VLMs) have long been used to accommodate higher payload capacities in warehouses. However, these systems often lack seamless integration with warehouse management systems (WMS). As a result, inventory tracking and transactions must be manually processed through spreadsheets or other disconnected tracking systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Furthermore, the market offers a limited selection of systems capable of handling payloads of 90 pounds or more per tote while leveraging full warehouse height for maximum storage density. OPEX’s enhancements to the Infinity AS/RS bridge this gap by providing a high-density, automated solution that integrates directly with WMS platforms. This integration streamlines operations, improves inventory accuracy, and eliminates the need for manual data entry, ultimately reducing labor costs and operational bottlenecks.
The Benefits of Goods-to-Person (G2P) Automation
Infinity AS/RS operates as a Goods-to-Person (G2P) system, leveraging advanced automation to increase efficiency, productivity, and labor utilization. One of the key benefits of G2P automation is its ability to eliminate unnecessary walking and searching, delivering the right item to the right operator at the right time.
The Infinity system employs a unique interlocking design that allows totes to be stored triple-deep, eliminating wasted space and maximizing storage density. This design innovation ensures that warehouse operators can make the most of their available storage footprint, even in environments with structural obstructions such as columns or other equipment. By accommodating diverse warehouse layouts and workflows, the Infinity system provides a highly flexible solution tailored to individual business needs.
Increased Throughput and Scalability
The ability to scale efficiently is a crucial factor for modern warehouse operations, especially as supply chain demands fluctuate. The enhanced Infinity AS/RS offers increased throughput, enabling faster order fulfillment and streamlined warehouse processes. By integrating this system into their operations, businesses can manage larger order volumes, reduce lead times, and improve overall service levels.
Another advantage of OPEX’s Infinity AS/RS is its adaptability to changing business requirements. As e-commerce and omni-channel distribution continue to grow, businesses need automation solutions that can evolve alongside their needs. With configurable storage configurations and adaptable software controls, Infinity ensures that warehouses remain future-ready, regardless of industry trends or market shifts.
The Future of Warehouse Automation
OPEX Corporation’s continuous investment in innovation underscores its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of warehouse automation. “Our team at OPEX is always looking for new and better ways to meet evolving customer needs,” McVaugh stated. “We’re excited to offer even greater functionality within our Infinity warehouse automation solutions.”
The latest enhancements to the Infinity AS/RS reaffirm OPEX’s leadership in the automation industry, providing customers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency, increase storage density, and support evolving industry standards. As automation continues to shape the future of warehousing, solutions like the Infinity AS/RS will play a critical role in helping businesses stay competitive, agile, and efficient in an ever-changing logistics landscape.
With the introduction of these key upgrades, OPEX Corporation has further strengthened the Infinity AS/RS as a market leader in warehouse automation. By increasing payload capacity to 90 pounds, enhancing storage slot spacing, and ensuring compliance with the latest building codes, OPEX has addressed critical pain points for manufacturers and warehouse operators alike. The integration of advanced G2P technology, improved scalability, and seamless WMS compatibility makes Infinity an indispensable tool for businesses seeking to optimize storage efficiency and streamline warehouse operations.
As the industry continues to evolve, the demand for high-density, automated storage solutions will only grow. OPEX’s ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that the Infinity AS/RS remains at the forefront of warehouse automation, empowering businesses to achieve new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and operational excellence. Whether for manufacturing, e-commerce, or distribution, the enhanced Infinity AS/RS is poised to redefine how warehouses store, retrieve, and manage inventory in the years to come.
