Three ”Types” of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

ASRS technologies can be broken down into three major categories( 7 distinct technologies) based on how they deliver goods:

Shelf based picking –

an entire tray of product is delivered to an operator

Bin based picking –

an individual bin or tote is delivered to the operator

Robotic picking –

robots are operating within an enclosed shelving system to deliver goods to an operator

1.Shelf and Tray Picking ASRS Technologies

#1 Vertical Carousels

The vertical carousel has been around for decades. Comprised of a series of carriers attached to a chain drive, a motor powers the carriers’ bi-directional travel in a vertical loop around a track-similar to a Ferris wheel. These automated storage and retrieval systems deliver slow-to medium-velocity items safely and quickly to an ergonomically positioned work counter at the operator’s command. Manufactures add new bells and whistles with each revision, but the heart of the technology remains the same.

Offering throughput at rates of 100 to 400 lines per hour, higher rates can be easily be achieved with the addition of light-directed picking technologies and batching stations that allow picking of multiple orders simultaneously. Offering capacities of 1,650 pounds per carrier, the vertical carousel is a reliable and cost effective solution that shouldn’t be overlooked.

 #2 Horizontal Carousels

Horizontal carousels consist of highly dense storage bins mounted on an oval track which rotates horizontally to deliver slow-tomedium-moving product storage locations to an operator, these automated storage and retrieval systems handle both items and cases weighting up to 200 pounds.

To generate maximum picking speed and throughput, they are often installed in groups, known aspods. This allows a picker to access product from one carousel while others spin to queue up the next required item, yielding throughput rates up to 600 lines picked per hour-achievable with light-directed picking technologies and batching stations that allow simultaneous fulfillment of multiple orders. Inaddition, horizontal carousels offer excellent space utilization and high storage density. These units can also be equipped with an automated door system, creating an enclosed solution.

#3 Vertical Lift Modules(VLMs)

The most flexible technology in this category, the vertical lift module is engineered to automatically adjust when your inventory changes. With trays capable of handling up to 2,200 pounds, these enclosed dynamic storage solutions consist of two columns of trays with an inserter/extractor in thecenter. The inserter/extractor automatically locates and retrieves stored trays of slow-to medium-velocity items from both columns and presents them to the operator at a waist-high pick window at rates from 125 to 475 items per hour.

Systems used to store the heaviest items can be equipped with automatic tray extractors and an overhead crane and hoist to help operators handle and maneuver their picks. Because the height of the items placed in each storage tray is measured as it is put away, the VLM stores the trays dynamically-as close as one inch apart-to maximize storage density, saving up to 85% floor space. The VLM is a great technology choice for businesses with changing inventory sizes.

2.Bin and Tote Delivery ASRS Technologies

#4 rane-Based Mini-Load AS/RS

Mini load systems handle light weight loads with ease. With asingle, crane-mounted load handling device dedicated to each extremely dense storage aisle, mini-loads handle loads in cases, totes or trays weighing between 220 and 750 pounds. The cranes travel either on rails or wheels with fast acceleration speeds to deliver product to the operator.

Ideal for slow moving items, mini-loads are capable of delivering 1 load per minute, for throughput rates of 60 to 100 lines per hour. If you’ve got 5,000 plus totes to store, this is a great high-density storage solution.

#5 Vertical Buffer Modules (VBMs)

The vertical buffer module is a bin handling system designed for smaller applications that can’t cost justify a large, expensive solution. The VBM consists of an enclosed shelving system with a movable mast running down acenter aisle for picking and storage of totes. The unit is designed to be able to work ahead of the operator and queue up the next pick for maximum throughput of the system.

Totes can be delivered to an ergonomic turntable picking station or can be automatically handled via inbound and outbound conveyor. The machine can also be configured with a manual station for replenishment of totes during picking operations. Picking never needs to be interrupted for replenishment activities.

Multiple units can be connected via conveyor and totes can be delivered to remote picking stations. The system is designed to be modular, scalable and highly energy efficient.

3.Robotic Delivery ASRS Technologies

#6  Robotic Shuttles

This dynamic storage solution uses robotic shuttles to travel independently from level to level, riding on narrow rails at each storage level. They retrieve stored items at high speeds, with throughput ranging from 200 to 700 lines per hour.

Handling cases, totes or trays weighing from 35 to 65 pounds, this type of goods-to-person, automated storage system can deliver increasingly higher throughput based on the number of robotic shuttles inducted into the system.

These systems are modular, scalable and flexible-meaning they can be expanded with minimal structural modifications as business needs change.

#7  Floor Robots

Why go to the shelving when the shelving can come to you. This solution stores inventory on portable storage shelving that is retrieved and transported from storage to an operator access area by a fleet of autonomous, mobile robots. After the operator selects the required item or items from the shelf, the robot returns it to storage. Ideal for slow to medium velocity inventory, throughput ranges from 100 to 300 lines per hour. Throughput can also be expanded easily with the addition of more robots.

The standard weight capacity of 1,000 pounds per shelving system can be increased with the heavy duty model handling up to 3,000 pounds per shelving unit.

Which Type of Automated Storage is the best fit for your operations?

The ideal solution will often include two or more different goods-to-person automation technologies, strategically matching the system to the different inventory profiles and handling characteristics required to create a complete, hybrid solution.

Contact us：400-821-5388