Walk into ten different warehouses and ask what they call their automated storage system, and you’ll probably get ten different answers. Some will say “vertical stacker.” Others might say “shuttle,” “storage tower,” or simply “carousel.” And yet, most of them are describing the same two types of machines: the Vertical Lift Module (VLM) or the Vertical Carousel.
This mix of terms isn’t random—it’s a blend of industry slang, brand names, and shorthand that’s evolved over decades. If you’ve ever felt confused while searching for equipment, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve created this guide: to bring clarity to the dozens of names people use for these high-density storage systems.
Why So Many Names Exist
Automated storage systems have been around for decades, with brands like Kardex Remstar, Modula, Hänel, and Vidmar all introducing their own lines. Over time, technicians, operators, and purchasing managers came up with their own labels for the machines. Some nicknames describe how they look (“tower storage”), some describe how they move (“carousel shuttle”), and others simply stuck from brand marketing campaigns.
The result: a jumble of overlapping terms that all point to the same core technology.
The Core Technology: VLMs and Carousels
Before breaking down the names, it’s worth reviewing the basics:
Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs): These are enclosed towers of trays. An extractor in the center automatically retrieves the right tray and delivers it to an ergonomic access point. VLMs maximize vertical space, recover up to 90% of floor area, and improve picking accuracy. Curious about pricing? Check out our guide to Vertical Lift Module cost.
Vertical Carousels: These work more like a Ferris wheel. Shelves rotate vertically in a loop until the right item arrives at the operator’s workstation. They’re compact, fast, and often used for small parts. Explore our full line of Vertical Carousel storage systems.
Every synonym on the list refers to one of these two technologies—or a brand/model name associated with them.
The Generic Names Customers Use
When warehouse staff describe the machines without knowing the technical term, here’s what they usually say.
Lift and Shuttle Terms
Vertical stacker
Vertical stacking machine
Storage stacker
Warehouse lift
Storage lift
Shuttle
Vertical shuttle
Lift shuttle
These phrases highlight the lifting or shuttling motion of the system. While “shuttle” is more common in Europe, you’ll hear it in U.S. warehouses too. Explore our range of storage lift systems and VLM machines for comparison.
Carousel Terms
Carousel lift
Lifting carousel
Carousel storage
Storage carousel
Warehouse carousel
Carousel shuttle
Anything with “carousel” typically refers to vertical carousels, though customers often use the same term for VLMs. See our carousel storage solutions to understand how these systems function in real-world warehouses.
Tower and Cabinet Terms
Vertical storage tower
Storage tower
Vertical stacking tower
Tower storage
Vertical storage cabinet
Vertical cabinet
These names reflect the tall, enclosed design. People often compare them to oversized filing cabinets—except instead of paper, they store everything from aerospace fasteners to medical devices. Discover how these systems fit into broader warehouse storage solutions.
Mechanical Descriptors
Vertical reciprocating carousel
Vertical reciprocating storage
Elevator storage
These terms try to capture the internal mechanics: trays or shelves moving up and down like an elevator or a reciprocating motion.
Brand and Model Names You’ll Hear
Sometimes the “nickname” is just a manufacturer’s name that became shorthand:
Remstar / Kardex Remstar
Rotomat (Hänel)
Megamat
Vertimag
Lean Lift
Vidmar
Vidir
And then there are model numbers that stick:
XP500
RS350
250NT
500NT
MEG RS
If you’re browsing the used market, you’ll often see listings like used Kardex VLMs, Hänel Lean Lifts, or Rotomat carousels.
Why These Synonyms Matter
Searching Online
If you only Google “vertical lift module,” you might miss used equipment listed under “vertical stacker” or “warehouse carousel.” Using a variety of synonyms can help you uncover better buying options. Start your search with our used warehouse storage equipment catalog.Communicating Across Teams
Maintenance, purchasing, and operations teams may each use different terms. Knowing the full vocabulary avoids confusion when you’re troubleshooting, ordering parts, or training staff.Avoiding Miscommunication with Vendors
A vendor might call it a “VLM,” but your warehouse manager calls it a “storage tower.” Recognizing the overlap ensures everyone is talking about the same machine.SEO & Marketing Implications
For companies like Vertical Storage USA, knowing what customers actually type into Google helps ensure our content matches their language. That’s why we intentionally weave these synonyms into our vertical storage solutions content.
The Two Big Buckets to Remember
At the end of the day, nearly every name fits into one of two categories:
Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs): Tray-based, central extractor, vertical tower.
Vertical Carousels: Shelves rotating in a loop, like a Ferris wheel.
Whether someone says “storage shuttle” or “carousel lift,” they’re describing one of these. The technology is proven, and the benefits are universal:
Space savings: Reclaim up to 90% of floor space by storing vertically.
Labor efficiency: Bring goods to the operator instead of sending workers down long aisles.
Accuracy: Reduce mispicks and improve inventory control.
Security: Lockable access keeps valuable inventory safe.
Real-World Examples of Synonyms in Action
Electronics Manufacturing: An operator might say “storage tower” when referring to the VLM that organizes resistors, capacitors, and circuit boards. Learn more in our electronic parts storage guide.
Aerospace: A technician may ask to “grab it from the carousel lift,” meaning the vertical carousel that stores fasteners and hardware. See how aerospace storage solutions are evolving.
Medical Device Companies: A warehouse manager could call it an “elevator storage” system when referencing the VLM that keeps surgical kits secure.
Automotive: Teams often talk about their “Lean Lift” or “RS350” without realizing those are just branded terms for the same core VLM technology.
Wrapping It All Together
No matter what you call it—vertical stacker, carousel lift, storage tower, or Lean Lift—the technology is designed to solve the same problem: storing more in less space while making your people more productive.
At Vertical Storage USA, we specialize in helping warehouses cut through the noise. Whether you’re searching for a new VLM, a vertical carousel, or a used Kardex shuttle, our team can help you find the right system, install it, and keep it running for years to come.
👉 Ready to see how a Vertical Lift Module can fit into your operation? Get a free layout review and vertical storage quote today.
