EOS and MICRON: The Perfect Solution for Safety and Measurement in Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)

On Mar 26, 2025

ReeR Safety has developed a specific solution for the next-generation drawer vertical warehouse. Designed to save up to 90% of floor space by maximizing height usage compared to surface area, these vertical lift modules are suitable for any type of product and industry, minimizing operator intervention, preventing material damage, and improving inventory management.

The operation is simple and straightforward: metal trays are retrieved from the warehouse and deposited in picking bays by an automatic elevator equipped with powerful visual aids and an intuitive interface, reducing picking errors and increasing the efficiency of operational processes. To ensure this, it is essential that the system incorporates machine safety and material measurement functions.

The applicable regulations highlight specific requirements, both structural, regarding safety barriers, such as:

reduced section dimensions to embed the barriers into the machine structure;
vertical and horizontal protection with the installation of “L” shaped barriers in machines with an external bay;
As well as functional requirements concerning measurement barriers, such as:
ensuring consistent reading at any position of the drawer: left side, right side, and center;
the ability to measure small objects (even less than 4 mm) as the trays pass at high speed in front of the measurement light curtain;
immunity to optical reflections;
serial output.

Safety

To meet safety requirements, we chose the EOS2 safety light curtain with a 30 mm resolution, which, thanks to its dimensions, can be perfectly embedded into the machine’s structure, specifically into the lateral protection.

The “L” shaped position of the barriers, following the Master and Slave logic, ensures maximum automated protection both horizontally and vertically, stopping the entire storage system when an external body is detected.

The Master and Slave logic eliminates the possibility of ray intersections between emitters and receivers, ensuring high safety standards for both operators and goods.

Measurement

The functional requirement for measuring the maximum height of objects placed in the tray has found its natural solution in the MICRON measurement light curtain: this high-performance measurement system was chosen for its ability to ensure consistent detection of the maximum object height across the entire surface of the trays (whether on the left, center, or right). Whether dealing with small objects, even less than 4 mm, or high-speed drawer movement reaching up to 575 mm/sec, the dedicated MICRON optics from ReeR Spa allows for precise detection.

Additionally, thanks to its optical reflection immunity, the MICRON measuring light curtain eliminates any risk of reading errors caused by interference from reflective surfaces, ensuring high measurement reliability. The customizable serial output allows the MICRON measurement barrier to be programmed to collect and store essential information, such as the last occupied beam.

ReeR is the ideal partner for those who want to increase safety and efficiency in automated warehouses. Our solutions are synonymous with quality, innovation and reliability. In addition to providing high-tech products, we offer personalized support to tailor our solutions to your specific needs.

Choosing ReeR Safety means investing in safety and precision, ensuring the success of your logistics processes.

ReeR, your future’s safe!