LogiMat 2026: SMB's Automated Half-Pallet System Drives Efficiency Gains in Beverage Warehouses

01/21/2026 News

Half pallets are inherently challenging to handle in intralogistics. The engineering team at German automation specialist SMB International have turned this challenge into a field-proven solution. Development of a storage system purpose-built for beverage handling in food retail began back in 2020, designed to handle both Euro pallets and half pallets with equal flexibility.

Beverage logistics in food retail has long faced a persistent challenge: while half pallets are ideal for in-store displays, transport, and digital tracking, order assembly at the warehouse remains demanding.

With the new Truck Shuttle Half Pallet for Half Pallets, SMB International will be presenting a solution developed specifically for the food and beverage industry at LogiMAT (Hall 3, Stand 3D77), while streamlining operations, improving stability, and eliminating errors.

March 24. - 26.: Visit us at the LogiMAT 2026 in Stuttgart!

You will find us in hall 3 at our stand 3D77

Why Half-Pallet Automation Is Key to Reliable Material Flow

For food retailers, a stable, uninterrupted supply to stores is the top priority. Beverage pallets in particular require precise, fast, and stable handling. Key challenges include:

Imbalance of pallets

Half pallets are prone to tipping during transport

Sensitive materials

Glass bottles and PET containers are sensitive to vibration

Mixed orders

Mixed orders combining Euro and Half pallets add complexity

These factors lead to breakage, delays, returns, and costly rework.

End-to-End Intralogistics by SMB

Integrated Hardware and Software Expertise

At the LogiMAT we present the Truck Shuttle for Half Pallets which is a carrier-satellite system comprising a transport vehicle (truck) and a pallet shuttle. An integrated turntable enables direct coupling and precise pallet alignment right on the load handling device.

The modules of the AS/RS automate all transport, rotation, and storage operations with precision and care. Store orders are sequentially staged for the automated vehicles through the modular Warehouse Management System (WMS/MFC). Warehouse staff interact solely through the control interface, which displays all orders in a clear, structured format.

An automated warehouse system equipped with these 2D truck shuttles handles both Euro and half pallets, automatically detects contour deviations or damaged skids, and diverts affected loads to an inspection area. This ensures optimal product protection while preparing transport-ready, store-specific pallets for dispatch.

Efficient Pallet Logistics for Food Retailers

Handling of Euro and half pallets

The truck shuttle handles both Euro pallets and half pallets as Euro pallet equivalents.

Turntable on truck

Half pallets are brought together in pairs by the integrated turntable on the control unit.

Formation if mixed pairs possible

The truck shuttle is suitable for the automatic picking of beverage and display pallets.

Intralogistics without obstacles

The system shows its full potential in central warehouses where different pallet formats are stored.

How It Works in Retail Practice: Store-Ready Pallet Preparation

A retailer orders assorted beverages for multiple stores, including promotional items on half pallets and standard stock on Euro pallets. The Truck Shuttle for Half Pallets handles:

Load intake
Automatic alignment on the turntable
Store-specific order assembly
Storage and retrieval
Staging for dispatch

This delivers stable, transport-secure pallets ready for truck loading, with no manual rework, no unstable loads, no mis-shipments. Returns are minimized and loading times reduced.

Our innovative truck shuttle half pallet automates all steps, processes all common pallet formats and reliably monitors every step of the process.

Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Heckel, Geschäftsführer SMB International

Core Benefits

Multi-pallet capability

Euro pallets and half pallets can be processed in parallel, including as mixed pallets.

Gentle product handling

Smooth motion profiles prevent both tipping and breakage of the containers.

Efficient error management

Defective pallets are automatically detected, selectively diverted, and safely conveyed onward.

High operational safety

Eliminating battery systems significantly reduces the fire load and increases operational safety.

Flexible software architecture

Modular design and individually adaptable to customer-specific requirements.

Ready to Learn More?

At SMB International, we're all about customized system technology. Our team plans, develops, and produces tailor-made solutions to fit your unique needs. We pride ourselves on reliably bringing your requirements to life with personalized system designs.

Got questions about your specific intralogistics challenges? Our technical sales team is here to help. They're the go-to experts for all your queries and concerns.

Don't hesitate to reach out and chat with us about your particular needs. We're always excited to dive into the details and find the perfect solution for you.

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