Home | Mobile Shelving | Electric Mobile Shelving
Electric Mobile Shelving Systems
High density powered storage with keypad and touch screen aisle access. Store more in less space with electric mobile shelving systems designed for offices, healthcare, libraries, evidence rooms, and more.
What Is Electric Mobile Shelving?
Electric mobile shelving is a high density storage system that uses powered carriages to compact shelving rows together and eliminate fixed aisles. When access is needed, users open an aisle using a keypad or touch screen control panel mounted on the end of each shelving row. The carriages move apart on floor-mounted rails to create a full-width access aisle, then close again when finished.
Unlike manual or mechanical assist mobile shelving, electric systems require no physical effort to move the shelving rows. This makes powered mobile shelving a practical choice for larger systems, heavier loads, and facilities where ease of access matters.
According to Aurora Storage Products, a powered mobile system can handle books, binders, boxes, and files in 50 percent less space than more traditional storage systems. Actual space savings depend on the specific layout, room dimensions, and configuration selected for each project.
How Powered Mobile Shelving Works
Electric mobile shelving systems are built on floor-mounted rails with motorized carriages that support each row of shelving. Here is how the system operates:
- Aisle Request: A user presses a button on the keypad or selects an aisle on the touch screen control panel.
- Carriages Move: The powered carriages shift the shelving rows apart to create an open access aisle at the selected location.
- Access and Retrieve: The user enters the aisle to store or retrieve items. Safety sensors monitor the aisle while it is open.
- Aisle Closes: When the next aisle is requested, the system compacts the rows back together, maximizing storage density.
Depending on the configuration, systems may include PIN code activated access, programmable carriage speed and stop distance, aisle lockout for selective security, and options such as night park and fire park interface to building systems.
See how electric mobile shelving systems operate in a real facility.
Why Facilities Use Electric Mobile Shelving
Electric mobile shelving helps organizations solve common storage challenges. Here are the main reasons facilities choose powered mobile storage systems:
Maximize Storage Capacity
By eliminating fixed aisles, electric mobile shelving can significantly increase storage capacity in the same footprint. The Aurora E-Office brochure cites 50 percent less space needed compared to traditional storage, though results vary by project.
Effortless Powered Access
Users open aisles with a single button press or touch screen command. No manual pushing or cranking is required, even for large and heavily loaded shelving runs.
Security and Access Control
PIN code activated access and selective aisle lockout options are available, allowing facilities to control who can open specific aisles or lock the entire system electronically.
Safety Sensor Protection
Safety options may include waist high safety, aisle entry safety, and carriage safety sensors that stop carriage movement when the infrared beam is broken.
Flexible Configuration
Carriage lengths, depths, shelving heights, colors, end panels, finishes, and accessories vary by system and configuration. Systems are designed to fit the specific layout and storage needs of each facility.
Reduced Operating Costs
Storing more in less space can help facilities avoid expansion, offsite storage, or new construction. The compact design frees up floor area for other uses.
Ready to Explore Electric Mobile Shelving?
Our team can help you evaluate powered mobile shelving options for your facility. Get a free consultation and layout recommendation.
Aurora E-Office and Powered Mobile Storage
The Aurora E-Office is an electric mobile storage system designed for efficient, safe, and secure storage. Manufactured by Aurora Storage Products, the E-Office combines high density shelving with a powered carriage system and a programmable master control panel.
The E-Office features a menu-driven touch screen interface that provides simple control for a variety of programmable functions. No computer interface is required for setup. The system includes solid state illuminated keypads that move or stop carriages and indicate status with tri-color LEDs.
Key E-Office capabilities include:
- PIN code activated access for multiple users
- Programmable carriage speed and stop distance
- Selective security with aisle lockout
- Night park and fire park interface options
- Programmable motor overload safety
- Manual override and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) options
- Plug-and-play technology for fast installation
- Carriage capacity rated at 1,000 lbs per linear foot
E-Office systems are available in carriage lengths from 5 to 51 feet, depths from 18 to 48 inches, and shelving heights from 64-1/4 to 158-3/4 inches. Shelving styles include general storage, library, and filing configurations.
Aurora E-Office electric mobile storage system overview.
Safety Features and Access Controls
Electric mobile shelving systems can be configured with multiple safety and access control options to protect personnel and stored materials.
Infrared Safety Sensors
Safety options may include waist high safety, aisle entry safety, and carriage safety. These infrared sensors stop carriage movement when the beam is broken, helping protect people and objects in the aisle.
PIN Code Access
PIN code activated access allows multiple authorized users while restricting access to sensitive storage areas. Selective security with aisle lockout can lock the electronic system to prevent unauthorized use.
Passive Aisle Block
This safety feature requires the user to return to the open aisle keypad before a new aisle can be opened, helping ensure that no one is in an aisle before carriages move.
Night Park and Fire Park
Night park can spread carriages apart after hours for air circulation or cleaning access. Fire park interface options connect the system to building fire alarm systems so shelving can open automatically during an emergency.
Electric mobile shelving safety features in action.
Storage Applications
Electric mobile shelving is used across a wide range of industries and facility types. Powered mobile systems can store books, binders, boxes, files, office supplies, electronic media, pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment, medical records, sports equipment, weapons, munitions, and mobility bags.
Additional applications include: corporate offices, records rooms, athletic departments, museums, retail stockrooms, manufacturing parts rooms, and insurance and financial records storage.
Electric mobile shelving applications across multiple industries.
Accessories and Configuration Options
Electric mobile shelving systems can be configured with a wide range of accessories to match specific storage requirements. Available accessories may include:
Filing drawers
Divided drawers
Tambour doors
ADA ramps
TwinRamp
Weapons racks
Reference shelves
Bin dividers
Aisle labels
Garment racks
Retractable doors
Browser boxes
Shelving styles include general storage, library, and filing configurations. E-Office systems support end tab, top tab, and hanging files, along with storage for books, binders, office supplies, electronic media, pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment, sports equipment, weapons, and more.
Color, Finish, and End Panel Options
Electric mobile shelving systems offer a range of color, finish, and end panel options to match the look and function of each facility.
Powder Coat Colors
Aurora E-Office systems are available in up to 29 standard colors in the eco-friendly Gloss-Tek powder coat finish. This finish is 100 percent non-emissive and free of formaldehyde, methanol, and other solvents, making it safe for artifacts, specimens, and documents. An antimicrobial finish is also available for healthcare and educational applications.
End Panel Options
- Wood-Tek: Hand-finished, furniture quality cladding available in multiple elegant stains and species of wood. Can be color matched to existing office suites.
- Laminates: Thermal fused and high pressure laminate options for professional end panel finishes.
- Steel: Standard steel end panels in any of the available Gloss-Tek colors.
- Fabric Overlays: Commercial fabrics in a wide array of textures and colors to match office settings.
- Marker Board Overlays: Magnetic marker board overlays that apply to end panels for a handy writing surface.
Electric vs. Mechanical Assist Mobile Shelving
Both electric and mechanical assist mobile shelving systems increase storage density by compacting rows and eliminating fixed aisles. The choice between the two depends on the size of the system, the weight of stored items, access requirements, and the facility layout.
For facilities that need electronic access control, programmable features, and hands-free aisle access, electric mobile shelving is typically the better fit. For smaller systems with moderate loads and less need for electronic security, mechanical assist shelving may be a more cost-effective option.
How to Choose the Right Electric Mobile Shelving System
Selecting the right powered mobile shelving system depends on several factors specific to your facility and storage needs. Here are the key considerations:
Room Dimensions and Layout
Measure the available floor space, ceiling height, and any obstructions. These dimensions determine carriage lengths, depths, and the number of rows the system can accommodate.
What You Are Storing
Different items require different shelving types, depths, and accessories. Files, books, medical supplies, evidence, weapons, and retail goods each have specific storage requirements.
Security Requirements
If access control is important, consider systems with PIN code access, aisle lockout, and programmable security features. Evidence rooms and medical facilities often need these options.
Floor Load Capacity
Verify that your floor can support the combined weight of the shelving, carriages, rails, and stored materials. A structural assessment may be needed for upper floors.
Aesthetics and Environment
For offices, libraries, and public-facing spaces, consider custom end panels in Wood-Tek, laminate, or fabric finishes. Color options and end panel design help the system blend with the surrounding space.
Future Growth
Plan for future storage needs. Electric mobile shelving systems can be designed with room for expansion, so consider both current and projected storage volumes.
Why Choose Material Handling USA?
Material Handling USA has over 30 years of experience designing and installing storage solutions for offices, healthcare facilities, libraries, law enforcement, government agencies, and more. Our team works directly with you to evaluate your space, recommend the right electric mobile shelving configuration, and manage the project from design through installation.
- Free layout and design consultations
- Custom configurations for your specific storage needs
- Professional installation by experienced crews
- Competitive pricing on Aurora E-Office and Powered Mobile systems
- Ongoing support after installation
- Experience with shelving solutions across dozens of industries
Material Handling USA storage solution overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Choosing an Electric Mobile Shelving System?
Material Handling USA can help you compare powered mobile shelving options for records, offices, healthcare, libraries, evidence storage, pharmacy storage, and more. Contact us for a free consultation and quote.