Tradition Meets Modernity: Dematic Automates the National Library of Israel
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Dematic will install an automated small parts storage facility in the National Library of Israel.
2020-02-27 / 08:12:30
Heusenstamm/Jerusalem, 27 February 2020 – Dematic has won an exceptional contract. The intralogistics specialist will install an automated small parts storage facility in the National Library of Israel. This system will be called the "Source of Knowledge," and it will provide library visitors with the books they ordered as an automated small parts storage. The National Library of Israel collection has approximately 5.5 million volumes, including the world's largest collections of Hebrew books and textual Judaica. The library also has some 1,000 archival collections from the estates of important figures, such as Martin Buber, Else Lasker-Schüler and Franz Kafka. Four million volumes will be stored in 50,000 bins. Visitors will be able to view the facility through a panoramic window while it is in operation. The ssystem will be integrated into the new building designed by the renowned Swiss architecture firm, Herzog & de Meuron, whose previous projects include the Tate Modern in London, the Beijing Olympic Stadium and the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall.
“The new building with the integrated automated small parts storage will be a great example of how a traditional library can benefit from state-of-the-art technology,” says Jessica Heinz, Head of Marketing and Business Development, Dematic Central Europe. “Books ordered there will no longer have to be retrieved by hand. Instead, the system will bring the container with the book automatically to the pick-up station. A laser beam will show exactly which book to pick. Then a conveyor will automatically transport the container back to its storage location. In this way, the valuable books are exposed to fewer points of contact, which helps protect them.”
The bins are subdivided into up to eight parts, and each compartment has space for several books. The Dematic solution was chosen because of its expertise in automating libraries. The intralogistics specialist has installed numerous libraries with an automated small parts storage systems, mostly in the USA. The architecture firm, Herzog & de Meuron, was founded in 1978 and have a great deal of experience in designing libraries in modern and contemporary styles.
“Strengthening a source of knowledge with our solution makes this an outstanding project for us,” emphasizes Heinz. The“Source of Knowledge” image is also reflected in the architecture: The central starting point for this is the ceiling oculus through which light floods into the building from above. The circular opening will run through all floors and connect them with each other. Every curve is lined with books to emphasize the theme.
The new National Library of Israel building, located in Jerusalem between the Parliament and the Israel Museum, will have six above-ground levels and five underground. To prevent moisture from penetrating the building, the materials for the automated small parts storage can currently only be brought into the building through a special opening on the roof. However, this must be well sealed, especially during the rainy season from November to April. “That will be an enormous logistical challenge,” says Heinz. The building design provides large glass showcases that give the passers-by an insight into the inner workings of the library from outside. In this way, they can also watch the automated small parts storage during ongoing operation. The façade will be made of Jerusalem limestone and have an exceptional, curvaceous shape. Spacious locations are also being planned for cultural events such as readings, performances, concerts and exhibitions to attract diverse audiences.
About Dematic:
Dematic is an intralogistics innovator that designs, builds and supports intelligent, automated solutions for manufacturing, warehouse and distribution environments for customers that are powering the future of commerce. With engineering centers, manufacturing facilities and service centers located in more than 25 countries, Dematic’s global network of 8,000 employees have helped achieve more than 6,000 worldwide customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, a global leader in industrial trucks, supply chain solutions and related services, and a leading provider of warehouse automation.
Media Contact:
Jessica Heinz
Dematic GmbH
Director Marketing and Communications CE
Martinseestr. 1
63150 Heusenstamm
Germany
Phone: +49 69 583025 125
Mobile: +49 172 65 98 590
jessica.heinz@dematic.com
