Crossmuller The Hive Robotic Panel Sorting and Storage System

Crossmuller The Hive robotic panel sorting and storage system. Designed and manufactured in Australia for panel-industry production, The Hive combines vertical storage with robotic handling to organise machined panels between manufacturing and assembly stages.

The system uses part identification and inventory information to store and retrieve components in a planned sequence. This can help organise jobs for downstream assembly, flat packing or other production processes while reducing the amount of loose work in progress around the factory.

The supplied documentation describes:
- Robot-based panel storage and retrieval
- Vertical racking with configurable storage positions
- Barcode part identification
- Part tracking, inventory visibility and job progress information
- Integrated infeed and outfeed conveyors
- Sequenced retrieval for downstream processes

The 2023 general specification covers raw and laminated particleboard and MDF, a maximum piece weight of 40 kg, and rectangular components from 320 x 80 x 16 mm up to 2400 x 1200 x 18 mm. Longer components from 1200-2400 mm require at least 120 mm width. The published material limits require rectangular parts without holes or cut-outs, hardware or dowels, presented short edge first with a label at the centre of the part. Suitability depends on the installed configuration.

Photos show the installed robot, vertical storage racks and panel conveyor area.

Reference material: Manufacturer brochure illustrates The Hive system and layout options. Capacity, throughput and footprint depend on configuration and are not claims about this installation. The linked video is Crossmuller's 2018 AWISA product demonstration; it does not show the machine offered for sale.