Wuhan University improves lab logistics with Modula NEXT
Wuhan University is home to one of China’s most active Engineering Training and Innovation Practice Centers. As a national hub for student engineering competitions, the center manages a vast and diverse inventory: everything from small electronic components to high-value programming robots and drones.
Keeping track of these assets was becoming a major challenge. Traditional shelving was taking up too much floor space, and manual tracking had become nearly impossible.
“We often faced difficulties with equipment access and an overwhelming variety of items to track,” says Mr. Jiang, Manager of the Center. “Our space was limited, and we urgently needed an efficient, accurate, and smart solution to keep our research moving forward.”
To address these needs, the university installed a Modula NEXT.
The setup: Space-saving and accessibility
One of the most interesting aspects of this project is the physical installation. To avoid taking up valuable floor space inside the building, the unit was installed outdoors as a tower.
Standing 27′ 3″ tall, the Modula NEXT is connected directly to the building’s second-floor corridor. This allows students to access the equipment they need without leaving their research area. In terms of numbers, this setup provides about 700 sq ft of storage capacity while occupying only 79 sq ft of ground space.
Digital integration and equipment tracking
The project stands out for its deep integration with the Internet of Things (IoT). Students no longer spend time searching through aisles or filling out paper logs. Instead, the workflow is entirely digital:
- Digital Reservation: Students use a dedicated smartphone app to browse and reserve the equipment they need for their projects.
- Automated Picking: Once the request is approved, the Modula NEXT delivers the specific tray to the picking bay.
- Enhanced Security: The NEXT model features a specialized shutter system that opens only the specific compartment containing the requested item. This ensures that students only take what they have reserved, protecting high-value equipment.
A more organized environment
Moving from traditional shelves to an automated “goods-to-person” system has changed how the lab operates. By moving the inventory into a secure, vertical unit, the center has reclaimed space for workbenches and research.
This digital approach to storage has eliminated misplaced items and simplified how the university tracks its most expensive assets.
As Mr. Jiang noted, the impact is clear: “The Modula NEXT isn’t just a smart storage system; it’s like a guardian watching over our most valuable materials.”
Project at a Glance:
- Special Features: Outdoor installation, second-floor access, IoT smartphone integration
- Location: Wuhan University, China
- Machine Model: Modula NEXT
- Height: 27′ 3″
- Floor Space Occupied (Footprint): 79 sq ft
- Internal Storage Capacity: 700 sq ft
