UK's EMPEL Completes Installation of Intelligent Storage Equipment for 2,000 Reels of Electronic Components

en.Wedoany.com Reported - UK-based electronics manufacturer EMPEL Systems has completed the installation of a Scienscope Tower SMD 2000 automated storage system for electronic components at its Milton Keynes facility. The equipment was supplied by UK-based Altus Group and represents the supplier's first order for this model in the local market. The system is designed with a maximum storage capacity of 2,000 reels of electronic component tape and is equipped with a dual-channel access mechanism, with a rated throughput of no less than 600 reels per hour. It can automatically perform identification, inbound storage, positioning, and outbound retrieval of electronic component reels.

The equipment adopts a dual-level storage structure and adjustable racks, with a standard configuration that can accommodate component reels with a diameter of 7 inches and a thickness of 12 mm. For materials of different sizes, the actual storage quantity varies with the rack arrangement. The system also supports the use of dedicated carriers for storing trays and bagged electronic components, and is equipped with electrostatic protection and online temperature and humidity monitoring functions.

When components are inbound, the system scans the barcode on the reel, records the material identity information and storage location, and then assigns a storage slot through the automated mechanism. In the production kitting process, it can receive work orders containing material types and quantities, automatically retrieve the specified reels, verify the barcodes, and deliver them to the kitting cart. The dual-channel mechanism can perform storage and retrieval tasks simultaneously.

The system is equipped with standard data interfaces, with an optional warehouse management system, and connects with enterprise resource planning systems and manufacturing execution systems to record the transfer of materials from the storage area to the production line. The equipment also features interfaces for coordinated operation with Scienscope incoming material scanning workstations, X-ray component counting equipment, and automated guided vehicles. After the corresponding systems are integrated, automated material transfer can be executed based on incoming material identification codes, counting results, and production orders.

EMPEL Systems mainly develops and manufactures integrated motor and power electronics modules, with products used in automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and robotics applications. In August 2026, the company also selected Altus Group and Fuji to supply an advanced surface mount production line for the manufacturing needs of complex electronic assemblies such as high-copper-thickness circuit boards and embedded chip packaging. The procurement of this production line and the installation of the reel storage equipment are separate equipment configuration tasks.