An automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) is a computer-controlled system for automatically storing and retrieving loads in defined storage locations. It consists of storage racks within aisles serviced by storage and retrieval machines. There are different types of AS/RS based on the load size, including unit load, mini load, deep lane, and man-on-board systems. AS/RS improves efficiency by reducing human intervention and labor costs in storage and retrieval operations. Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) methods like barcodes, RFID, magnetic stripes, and machine vision are used to automatically identify items and collect data without human involvement.

1. FMS-AS/RS & AIDC
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6th B By:Prashant MulgeOn 8th May 2020 @8:00 am
TODAYS TOPIC

4. “ An automated storage and retrieval system(AS/RS) can be defined as a
storage system that performs storage and retrieval operations with speed and
accuracy under a defined degree of automation”.

5.  The function of material storage system is to store materials for a period of time and to
permit access to those materials when required.
 Different categories of materials require different storage methods and controls
 Many production plants use manual methods for storing and retrieving items.
 Automated methods are available to improve the efficiency of the storage function.
 Many conventional storage systems are available such as rack systems, shelves and
bins, bulk storage and draw storage.
 Those storage equipment requires a human worker to access the items in storage.
 The storage system itself is static. Mechanised and automated storage systems are used
to reduce or eliminate the amount of human intervention required to operate the
system.

8.  An AS/RS consists of one or more storage aisles (Passages) that are serviced by a
storage/retrieval (S/R) machine.
 The materials are held in storage racks of aisles.
 The S/R machines are used to deliver and retrieve materials in and out of inventory.
 There are one or more input/output stations in each AS/RS aisle for delivering the
material into the storage system or moving it out of the system.
 In AS/RS terminology, the input/output stations are called pickup and deposit (P&D)
stations.

9.  UNIT LOAD AS/RS:
The unit load AS/RS is used to store and retrieve the loads that are
palletized or stored in standard sized containers. The system is computer controlled. The
S/R machines are automated and designed to handle the unit load containers by
employing mechanical clamps, vacuum cups or a magnet based mechanisms.
 MINI LOAD AS/RS
This system is designed to handle small loads such as individual parts,
tools and supplies that are contained in bins or drawers in the storage system. Such a
system is applicable where the availability of space is limited and volume is low. A mini
load AS/RS is generally smaller than a unit load AS/RS.

10.  DEEP LANE AS/RS:
This is a high-density unit load storage system that is appropriate for
storing large quantities of stock. The items are stored in multi deep storage with up to 10
items in a single rack, one load behind the next.
 MAN-ON-BOARD AS/RS:
In this system, human operator rides on the carriage of the S?R
machine to pick up individual items from a bin or a drawer. The system permits individual
items to be picked directly at their storage locations. The operator can select the items and
place them in a module. It is then carried by the S/R machine to the end of the aisle or to
conveyor to reach its destination.

11.  AUTOMATED ITEM RETRIEVAL SYSTEM:
This system is designed for retrieval of individual items or small
product cartoons. The items are stored in lanes rather than bins or drawers. During
retrieval, the item is pushed on to the conveyor for delivery at the pickup station. Item
retrieval system permits first in/first out inventory rotation.
 VAERTICAL LIFT STORAGE MODULES:
This system has vertical aisles and can store large amount of items
within smaller floor space. These are also called as vertical lift AS/RS.

12.  Increases storage capacity
 Reduce factory floor space used for storing.
 Improves security
 Reduce labour cost
 Improve safety in storage function
 Improved control over inventories

14. AIDC refers to the method of automatically identifying objects,
collecting data and entering the data directly into computer systems, without human
involvement. AIDC consist three major components:
1. ENCODED DATA: A code is a set of alphanumeric characters. When data are encoded,
the characters are translated onto a machine readable code. A label or tag containing the
encoded data is attached to the item that is to be later identified.
2. MACHINE READER OR SCANNER: This device reads the encoded data, and converts it
into an electrical analog signal.
3. DECODER: This component transforms the electrical signal into digital and finally back
into the original alphanumeric character.

15. Barcode Technology
Radio Frequency Identification
Magnetic Stripes
Optical Character Recognition
Machine Vision
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16. Barcode Technology
A bar code is the small image of lines(bars) and spaces that is affixed on the
components. The code uses a sequence of vertical bars and spaces to represent numbers
and other symbols. A barcode reader is used to read the code. The reader uses a laser
beam that is sensitive to the reflections from the line and space thickness and variation.
The reader translates the reflected light into digital data that is transferred to computer.

17. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
In RFID, an “identification tag” containing electronically coded data is attached
to the item and communicates these data by radio frequency to a reader as the item
passes.

18. Magnetic Stripes
A magnetic stripes is the black or brown stripe attached to the item. The stripe
is made up of tiny magnetic particles in a resin whose pole orientations are used to
encode the data into the film strip. This film is attached to the part for further
identification. The particles are either applied directly to the card or made into a stripe
on a plastic backing which is applied to the card.

19. Optical Character Recognition(OCR)
OCR is the recognition of printed or written text characters by a computer.
This involves photo scanning of the text character-by-character analysis of the scanned-
in image, and then translation of the character image into character codes. In OCR
processing, the scanned-in image or bitmap is analysed for light and dark areas in order
to identify each alphabetic letter or numeric digit.

20. Machine Vision
It is the ability of a computer
to see; it employs one or more
video cameras, analog-to-
digital conversion(ADC) and
digital signal processing(DSP)
units. The resulting data is
stored in a controller, Machine
vision recognizes the parts
based on the inherent
geometric features of the
object.

21. Click on the below links to watch
the working of AS/RS and AIDC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYdgLAlogpY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI-jCtfrVRs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIlS3vNSuQ4

22. Q.1. What is AS/RS? Explain in
detail the structure of AS/RS
with diagram
Q.2. Explain the types of AS/RS
Q.3. Explain in details AIDC
methods

23. END OF SESSION