FAQ

A pneumatic tube system enables samples to be transported quickly and efficiently between departments, improves sample transportation processes and supports the quality of patient care.

A Pneumatic tube system (PTS) is a system that has been used in many hospitals for decades to transport small items such as samples, medication or documents quickly and efficiently between different departments. Pneumatic tube systems therefore often still play an important role in hospitals. However, they are usually used in addition to other systems for automatic transportation of goods or mobile robots, which are more efficient solutions in many areas. Therefore, a combination of traditional pneumatic tube systems and modern automated solutions often delivers the best results.

The terms AGV, AMR and DTS refer to different types of automated transportation solutions in logistics and industry. Here are the differences:

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): AGVs are automated vehicles that drive on fixed routes or tracks, e.g. by magnetic strip. They are generally less flexible, as they are tied to fixed routes

AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot): AMRs are autonomous mobile robots that are able to recognize their surroundings and dynamically plan routes to avoid obstacles and get to desired destinations. They use advanced sensors, cameras and algorithms for navigation and localization, which gives them greater flexibility compared to AGVs.

DTS (driverless transport system): DTS is a general term that is often used synonymously with AGV, but also includes other forms of automated transportation systems that can use guidance technologies. DTSs can include both AGVs and AMRs. They are designed to provide comprehensive automation in material handling and are often an integral part of warehouse management systems.

An ETV (Electrical Track Vehicle) is an electric transport vehicle that has been specially developed for use on tracks or rails. These vehicles are usually small and maneuverable and can transport different types of loads.
In hospitals, ETVs are mainly used to transport materials such as samples, medical goods, medicines and much more.
The use of ETVs can optimize the flow of materials in hospitals. They enable fast and reliable delivery of required materials, which improves the efficiency of processes. At the same time, they reduce the physical strain on staff.
ETVs can be constructed in special hygienic designs, which helps to avoid contamination in sensitive areas.
As the trolleys are electrically powered, they help to reduce CO² emissions.

The transport of laboratory samples within a laboratory is an essential part of laboratory organization that ensures efficiency and accuracy in analysis. The efficiency and safety of laboratory sample transportation are crucial for precise diagnostics and the smooth running of laboratory work. In many laboratories, samples are transported manually by laboratory staff, often in special carrying containers, cooler bags or sample trolleys to prevent samples from being damaged or contaminated.

In modern laboratories, automated systems such as conveyor belts, trolleys or robot-based transport solutions (e.g. the Telelift UniCar) can be used to make transportation more efficient. These systems minimize human influence and speed up the transport process.

Mobile robotics is playing an increasingly important role in hospital logistics by providing efficient and automated transportation solutions. These robots autonomously transport materials, medicines and laboratory samples within the hospital by using sensors and navigation systems to detect obstacles and dynamically adapt routes.

A major advantage is the reduction in manual workload, which relieves nursing staff and allows them to concentrate on patient care. Mobile robots work continuously and improve the availability of materials and delivery times.

They also increase safety by minimizing contact with potentially contaminated materials and reducing mix-ups during transport. Overall, mobile robotics optimizes logistical processes in hospitals, increases efficiency, improves patient safety and reduces the workload of staff.

Automated medication transportation is a modern system used in hospitals to increase efficiency and safety in the distribution of medication. This system automates the transportation of medicines from the warehouse or pharmacy to the various departments, reducing human error and improving the speed of delivery.

Automated transportation uses technologies such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or conveyor systems such as Telelift UniCar, which transport medicines and similar goods safely and deliver them to specified destinations. Another benefit is increased safety, as human contact with critical medications is minimized, reducing the risk of mix-ups or contamination. Overall, automated medication transport helps to optimize hospital logistics, increase patient safety and reduce staff workload.

Yes, book sorting and book transport systems can also be integrated into both new and existing buildings. Modern return, sorting, transport and storage technology is designed in such a way that it can be flexibly adapted to existing spatial conditions. This makes it possible to implement these systems even in older buildings without having to carry out extensive structural work. This integration improves the efficiency of media handling and optimizes operational processes in the library, regardless of the building structure.

The retrieval times of physical media in libraries can be significantly improved by using automated storage technology such as AutoStore in combination with suitable conveyor technology. These advanced solutions make it possible to locate and retrieve media faster, achieving retrieval times of less than 10 minutes. Automation not only increases the efficiency and speed of the process, but also frees up staff to focus on other important tasks. This improves the overall user experience and service in the library.

Yes, a book transport system can be flexibly adapted to updated requirements or expanded to include modern return and sorting technology. This means that the book transport system is always up to date and can respond optimally to future challenges.

Yes, the use of automated transport technology can significantly increase the sustainability of a library. The resource-saving and energy-efficient AutoStore storage technology enables optimal use of space and reduces energy consumption when storing and transporting media. In addition, an integrated fire protection concept with oxygen-reduced storage minimizes the risk of fires, which both increases safety and reduces potential energy loss due to damage. Overall, these technologies help to reduce the library’s environmental footprint and promote more sustainable operations.

Yes, a library can significantly reduce costs by using automated logistics solutions and modern storage technology. The highly reliable, automated AutoStore storage solution optimizes warehouse organization and enables more efficient use of available space. This reduces both personnel costs and operating costs. In addition, customer-specific return, sorting and transport solutions can be implemented to make the logistics process even more efficient. Overall, such technologies not only lead to significant cost savings, but also improve the quality of service and the efficiency of library processes as a whole.

Space-saving storage is achieved through the use of compact shelving systems, movable mobile shelving or automated media storage systems. The latter use high-density storage structures with intelligent control, in which media are systematically arranged in the smallest of spaces and automatically dispensed as required. Such solutions are ideal for stacks, little-used media or central depository libraries – and help to save valuable space in the public area of the library.

Yes, books can easily be transported over several floors and rail systems offer a particularly reliable solution. Compared to elevators, which often have maintenance issues or capacity limits, rail systems allow for stable and continuous transportation. These systems are specifically designed for the safe and efficient transportation of books and can be easily integrated into existing buildings. They are low-maintenance, adaptable and offer a cost-effective alternative for transporting books between different floors.

A single media transport always makes sense when each medium needs to be individually identified, tracked and forwarded in a targeted manner – for example, when returning, sorting or transporting. The process enables precise control, reduces sorting errors and ensures complete traceability in the system. Individual transport offers clear advantages, particularly in large libraries with high media volumes or special requirements for security and availability.

Yes, even delicate or historical books can be transported safely and automatically. Modern book transport systems work with gentle conveying mechanisms, padded transport trolleys and pendulum suspensions that always guide the medium horizontally. This prevents slippage and minimizes vibrations. This enables particularly gentle transportation – ideal for special collections, archive materials or valuable individual items.

A BTA (book transport system) is an automated system for transporting media within a library. It transports books, magazines and other media – for example from return stations to sorting modules, stacks or service points – without manual intervention. Depending on the size of the library and requirements, the BTA consists of conveyor belts, lifts, switches or transport carts (e.g. UniSortCar™) and ensures an efficient, fast and gentle flow of media throughout the building.

Automated media transport simplifies and speeds up the internal material flow. Returned media are transported directly to sorting stations, shelf trolleys or special areas such as the reading room without having to be carried manually – even across several floors. This saves time, reduces physical strain on staff and ensures that media is available again more quickly. Especially in large or multi-storey libraries, this increases efficiency and improves the service for users.

Automated sorting systems increase the efficiency of library operations by processing returned media quickly, accurately and error-free. They reduce the workload on staff and speed up the re-availability of media. Sorting is carried out according to defined criteria – for example in book trolleys for reserved media or transport containers – and is often based on an LMS-controlled strategy. The number of sorting destinations is freely selectable and the system can be flexibly adapted to the library’s needs.

An automated return and sorting system saves time, reduces staff workload and ensures that media is available again more quickly. Users can return media conveniently and often around the clock. Automatic sorting by location, media type or priority minimizes errors and optimizes internal processes. Especially with high return volumes, such a system increases efficiency, improves service and increases the satisfaction of library visitors.

Yes, with an automated return system, books can also be returned outside regular opening hours. Many libraries offer 24/7 return stations that allow users to return media around the clock without being tied to opening hours. This provides more flexibility and increases user-friendliness.

A book return machine enables the independent return of media. Users place a book on the return field or in the slot, where it is recognized by RFID or barcode. The system automatically registers the return in the library system and confirms it on the display or with a receipt. The item is then sorted internally.

Automated technology takes the strain off staff when returning, sorting and transporting media. It enables faster availability of books, extended service times (e.g. 24/7 operation), precise sorting and optimized internal material flow. Users benefit from shorter waiting times and intuitive operation. At the same time, automated solutions increase efficiency, security and sustainability in library operations.
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Yes, automated transport systems reduce pedestrian and vehicle traffic in warehouse and production areas, significantly lowering the risk of accidents. Solutions that run overhead and therefore do not occupy floor space reliably transport materials between areas without forklifts or employees getting in the way—for safe operations and fewer incidents.

High transport costs are often caused by empty runs, manual transfers, and inefficient routes. An intelligent transport system reduces these costs through optimized routes, continuous processes, and automated transport. Rail-based solutions offer the additional advantage of running along the ceiling to save space, minimizing forklift traffic, and delivering materials directly, reliably, and efficiently to the respective areas—for lower costs and higher productivity.

Yes, automating transport and transfer processes reduces the number of staff required for routine tasks, allowing existing skilled workers to be deployed for more demanding activities. Rail-based transport systems make an important contribution to this: they operate overhead, reliably, and continuously, reducing manual effort in storage and production areas—without bottlenecks caused by forklift traffic or manual transfers.

Media breaks occur when materials are transferred between processes or systems. This leads to delays, increased personnel costs, and a higher error rate. Rail-based transport systems avoid media breaks by transporting materials directly, continuously, and without the need for forklifts between warehouses, production facilities, and other areas—for faster, safer, and more transparent processes.

Yes, automated transport systems ensure a reliable and traceable flow of materials, significantly reducing sources of error such as incorrect routes or manual transfers. Rail-based systems are particularly effective in supporting order picking: they transport materials directly, without interruptions or media breaks, and deliver them precisely where they are needed – resulting in fewer picking errors and greater process reliability.

Yes, intelligent transport systems can respond to changing transport volumes through flexible control and demand-based route planning. Rail-based solutions offer particular advantages here: they run along the ceiling, thereby relieving pressure on the traffic routes on the floor. This means that even during peak loads, there are no forklift jams in the aisles, while the system continuously and reliably ensures a smooth flow of materials.

Digital recording and tracking of material flows in real time creates greater transparency. This allows stocks, routes, and throughput times to be tracked at any time. Many automated transport systems provide optimal support for this: they can be fully networked, deliver continuous movement data, and enable seamless documentation—for clear processes and a reliable basis for decision-making.

Yes, the use of an automated transport system reduces the need for manual intervention. Tasks such as relocation or temporary storage and the transport activities themselves no longer have to be carried out manually, but are handled directly by the system. Rail-based transport systems also operate without aisles and connect areas directly with each other. They handle transport reliably and continuously. This reduces personnel costs while increasing efficiency and process reliability.

Automated transport systems reduce transport times, avoid empty runs, and increase process reliability. Rail-based solutions such as Telelift MultiCar in particular enable a continuous, reliable flow of materials without forklift traffic. They are space-saving, energy-efficient, and can be flexibly integrated into existing processes—for faster throughput times, lower costs, and greater safety.

Yes, the control solutions are open to common interfaces such as OPC UA and can be flexibly integrated into existing ERP or MES systems. This completely digitizes intralogistics, makes processes transparent, and efficiently controls material flows.

Yes, the Telelift MultiCar can be easily and flexibly integrated into existing buildings and production processes. Thanks to its modular design, it can be adapted to existing structures and ensures a reliable material flow without the need for corridors.

A rail-based transport system moves materials along fixed tracks or rails, usually above ground and often on the ceiling. This allows transport routes to be clearly structured, media breaks to be avoided, and transport processes to be designed reliably, continuously, and efficiently—without forklift traffic or manual transfer.

The Telelift MultiCar is flexible in use and is suitable for any location where materials need to be transported reliably, continuously, and without obstructing the floor space. Typical areas of application include the automotive industry, electronics manufacturing, mechanical and plant engineering, nuclear medicine, logistics centers, and the pharmaceutical and food industries. Thanks to its modular design, the system can be adapted to different production layouts and material types.