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SILO² — The multi-column vertical lift module

+80% floor space recovered

The automated vertical lift module with over one billion possible configurations, as standard, engineered to your actual requirements.

The flexible and modular automated vertical storage system.

from 2 to 7

storage columns

from 1 to 8

picking/refilling stations

120

available tray sizes

1,000kg/m²

tray specific load capacity

SILO², the vertical automated storage system with 120 tray sizes

120 tray size configurations, load capacity up to 400 kg, specific load capacity up to 1,001 kg/m². Side extensions, removable dividers and containers make every tray reconfigurable over time based on the materials to be handled: from spare parts, accessories and electronic components to moulds and dies, in the same system.
SILO², il magazzino verticale con 120 configurazioni di vassoio

Why is SILO² different from any other vertical lift module?

Every SILO² is engineered to meet the actual requirements of space, materials to be handled and processes, with the lead times and reliability of an industrial product.

  • MODULAR

    From 2 to 7 storage columns, standard maximum height 15 metres. Every SILO² is dimensioned to fit the exact available space, with over one billion possible configurations as standard.

  • ADAPTABLE

    120 available tray sizes. Load capacity up to 400 kg, specific load capacity up to 1,001 kg/m². Side rails, separators and bins accommodate items of any shape and weight — making SILO² uniquely flexible.

  • CONFIGURABLE

    SILO² operates indoors, outdoors, in basements, across multiple levels and in lift shafts. From 1 to 8 picking and refilling stations per machine, configurable side by side, on opposite sides or on different levels to serve multiple departments from a single system.

  • PERFORMANT

    The goods-to-person principle eliminates unnecessary movements: the tray reaches the operator at the picking station. The retrieval system moves simultaneously along 3 axes, reducing cycle times with no waiting between one mission and the next.

  • INTELLIGENT

    ICON, the warehouse management software, optimises material allocation using ABC classification by product family, picking frequency and supplier: the most frequently accessed items are always in the most accessible positions, reducing access times and maximising storage density in every tray. The result: faster picking cycles, less waste, full traceability on every operation.

  • INTEGRATABLE

    SILO² connects natively with collaborative robots, pneumatic manipulators and servo-assisted systems, enabling fully automated goods-to-robot workflows. Telescopic picking/refilling stations allow safe handling of heavy or bulky loads, eliminating manual operations in high-risk ergonomic conditions and extending automation beyond the human operator.

Icon

ICON, the software that drives SILO² intelligence

ICON is the proprietary ICAM warehouse software that manages the entire operation of SILO²: user and authorisation management, ABC classification to optimise tray and material allocation, coordination of ground-level areas and multi-machine installations with full traceability on every operation. Integration with WMS, ERP and logistics platforms is native, no custom development required.
Explore all ICON features
ICON, la componente intelligente di SILO²

All the details of SILO²

How it works

SILO² is an automatic vertical lift module with shifting trays, based on the goods-to-person principle. The structure consists of two opposing storage columns with a central elevator: the retrieval system moves simultaneously along three axes, vertical Y, horizontal X and tray handling Z, to deliver the correct tray to the picking station in the shortest possible time. The system operates via an on-board PC or any mobile device with ICON installed.

The entire process is governed by ICON: from operator authentication to material selection, from calculating the optimal mission sequence to recording every operation. With IRIDE, the picking station becomes a guided and interactive workstation: coloured light on the exact compartment, digital dashboard with item and quantity, integrated control panel to manage every phase without leaving the workstation.

  1. 01

    Step 1: Operator login

    RFID badge, magnetic card or credentials on a touch screen console at the picking station. Tracked access, profile authorisations active from login.
  2. 02

    Step 2: Item search and selection or pre-set list fulfilment

    Search by code or description, pre-loaded list or automatic integration from WMS/ERP via ICON. The system calculates the optimal mission sequence.
  3. 03

    Step 3: Automatic movement of the retrieval system

    The elevator moves simultaneously along three axes towards the position of the requested tray. Integrated handling reduces cycle times and eliminates separate sequences.
  4. 04

    Step 4: Tray arrives at picking/refilling station

    Automatic vertical sliding door open, multi-ray photoelectric light curtains active. With IRIDE: coloured light on the exact compartment, dashboard with item and quantity in real time.
  5. 05

    Step 5: Picking or refilling

    Operation at ergonomic height, in complete safety. The telescopic station allows heavy items to be handled using servo-assisted systems or a forklift.
  6. 06

    Step 6: Logout at end of activity

    Every operation recorded in ICON. The tray returns to the optimal position calculated by ABC classification. Stock updated in real time.

Technical Specifications

Structure and modularity

SILO² is configurable from 2 to 7 storage columns with heights from 2.8 to 15 metres, as standard. Designed for both indoor and outdoor installations, the 100 mm height increment allows fine adjustment to the exact height of the installation space.

Trays

Available in 120 size configurations. Maximum load capacity is selectable from 100 to 400 kg at the bidding stage based on the materials to be handled, with a specific load capacity of up to 1,001 kg/m². Side extensions, removable dividers and containers allow internal subdivision to be reconfigured over time.

Storage system

Dimensions vary based on the number of columns and tray width selected. Maximum load capacity per column is 70 t. The full configuration table is available in the technical catalogue.

Performance

Throughput varies based on the version and material distribution across the columns. Maximum values are achieved with optimised ABC classification.

Tray
Maximum load400 kg
Useful width653 ÷ 2,053 mm
Useful depth 612 / 707 / 802 / 897 / 1,003 / 1,098 / 1,193 / 1,288* mm
Height41 mm
Maximum loading height675 mm
Incremental positioning pitch50 mm (Fixed and Automatic configuration)
Minimum tray spacing100 mm
Storage system
Maximum load capacity per column70 t
Width 2,167 ÷ 7,217 mm
Depth2,433 ÷ 4,479 mm
Height2,800 ÷ 15,000 mm
No. of columns2 ÷ 7
Height increment100 mm
Working temperatures0 ÷ 40°C
Relative humidity50 ÷ 85%**
VersionsECOFAST
No. of trays per hour53 ÷ 7572 ÷ 87
Installed power11 kW14 kW

Configuration

SILO² VLM has no standard configuration. It is installed where needed, in the direction needed, across as many levels as needed.

Outdoor installation

When internal floor space is critical for production lines, machinery or assembly areas, SILO² vertical lift module is installed outside the building thanks to its enclosed structure with insulated panels, designed for architectural integration. Picking/refilling stations remain accessible from inside: more productive space, without expanding the building and without invasive structural works.
SILO² outdoor by ICAM Intelligent Space Solutions

Pod of machines

Multiple SILO² units arranged in a semicircle with picking stations facing a central picking area. A single operator serves multiple machines from a fixed position, without moving. The ideal configuration for maximising picking productivity when the volume of references is high.
SILO²_pod of machine

Corner and U-shaped layouts

SILO² adapts to angular spaces and U-shaped configurations typical of many production facilities. Columns are distributed along the perimeter with picking stations concentrated on the most functional side: one operator manages a large number of references from a fixed workstation, without covering long distances. Angular space is no longer a constraint.
Corner and U-shaped layouts

Underground installation with multi-level stations

SILO² VLM is installed in basement or semi-basement spaces with picking/refilling stations positioned on different levels of the building. The configuration optimises the investment when the building has multiple floors and stock needs to be accessible from departments on different levels without duplicating storage systems.
Underground installation with multi-level stations

Multi-floor installation in lift shaft

In environments where vertical development is the only available dimension, SILO² uses the existing lift shaft and extends across multiple floors, beyond 70 metres in height. The patented tray exchange system between retrieval devices positioned on different floors allows multiple SILO² units installed one above the other to operate as a single integrated system. Building height becomes logistic capacity, without occupying any additional floor space.
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Multi-piano in vano montacarichi

Optionals

Multimedia workstation

IRIDE is the technology that transforms picking into a visual, intuitive and natural experience. Not a mere add-on: it is the moment when the SILO² automated storage system truly begins to speak to its operators.
  • Light Picking Guide: guides every pick with beams of light
  • Head-up Digital Dashboard: fItem image and quantity are displayed directly in front of the operator.
  • Adaptive Interior Lighting: signals critical events
  • Active Control: station pushbutton panel, no need to walk to a PC
Explore IRIDE
IRIDE interactive picking guidance system

Downloads

Download the technical documentation dedicated to the SILO² system to learn more about the product’s features, configurations, and performance.

Let’s design your SILO² together

Every SILO² project begins with a consultation: we analyse your space, materials and operational flows. We design the configuration that fits your actual requirements, not the standard one.