Automated storage and retrieval system

1995 image showing the inside of an ASRS at the Defense Visual Information Center which is used for the storage of media items such as film canisters.

Automated 4 aisle miniload warehouse with single mast stacker cranes.

AS/RS (asrs) are categorized into three main types: single masted, double masted and man-aboard. All are generally supported on a track and ceiling guided at the top by guide rails or channels to insure accurate vertical alignment:

Some single-mastered and man-aboard models are supported from the ceiling to hang in a pendulum mode. The vertical mast of a typical S/R machine guides and supports a carriage on which unit loads are carried.

One or more lateral shuttles or telescoping extraction devices attached to the carriage inject and retrieve loads, one or two loads deep in and out of the storage rack. Storage systems depths greater than two leads deep on either side of the aisle are classified as deep-lane storage systems.

Such storage systems use roll-through storage racks with multiple gravity lanes. Loads are placed in at one end and gravity fed to a take- out position at the opposite end. If the loads consist of small binnable items that can be placed either on shelves or directly into containers, the design of the AS/RS (ASRS) crane is modified.

A man aboard style is equipped with a picking platform or the container is brought to the order picker at a work counter. These types of cranes are known as ministackers.

To provide a method for accomplishing through put to and from the AS/RS(asrs) and the supporting transportation system, stations are provided to precisely position inbound and outbound loads for pickup and delivery by the crane. ASRS Pick Up Station A pickup and delivery station can be a simple elevated structural pedestal to accommodate the Product page configuration of the load. They can be designed to convey, rotate, or elevate loads if required. The interface to these stations can be by forklift truck, powered conveyor, in-floor towline, or automatic guided vehicle system. These can be integrated into a total system to provide additional functions including counting, automatic weighing, size and profile checks, identification, and labeling.

In more sophisticated automatic operations, the optimum level of asrs software can include: Monitoring and controlling the complete transportation system moving loads into and out of the AS/RS (asrs) equipment, including operation of conveyor systems transfers, pallet accumulators/dispensers, weigh scales, elevators, turntables, and profile checks, also rejecting those loads outside of allowable tolerances1.

Visibly identifying loads for quantity, part number and manufacturer and updating the inventory plus other applicable readable data.

Assigning specific addresses for each individual load. locating material to specific aisles according to classification.

Retrieving loads on a FIFO or LIFO basis.

Communicating on a real-time basis with other host or computers.

Scheduling shift output hourly or daily along with updating purchasing, production, shipping, and accounting procedures.

Reporting via asrs software all of the foregoing information.

References

http://www.retrotech.com/asrs.htm

External links

• [http://www.retrotech.com
• Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems - www.ignou.ac.in