This document provides an overview of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). It discusses the problems with conventional storage systems and introduces the concept and basic structure of AS/RS. The structure includes storage racks, storage/retrieval machines, storage modules, pick-and-deposit stations, and external handling systems. It also covers AS/RS control using computers and positioning methods. Benefits include improved efficiency, accuracy, space usage, and costs. Design considerations include structural dimensions and load capacities. Carousel storage systems operate items on continuous conveyors and are used for storage, transport, and work-in-process applications.

1. AS/RS
(Automated Storage/Retrieval System)

2. Contents
 Overview of AS/RS
 Problems of conventional storage system
 About AS/RS
-concept
-structure
-control
-benefit
-design issue
 Carousel storage systems
 Application example
 Conclusion

3. Overview of AS/RS
 AS/RS refers to a variety of computer-controlled methods for
automatically depositing and retrieving loads from defined
storage locations.

4. Overview of AS/RS
 AS/RS are used widely in both Manufacturing and
Distribution operations to hold and buffer the flow
of material moving through the process to the
ultimate end-user.

5. Problems of Conventional Storage System
 Much time spend for searching
 lost or damaged products and inaccurate records
• Orders spending too much time
in the factory, causing
customer deliveries to be late.
• Waste much space
• excess inventory
• Workers are exposed dangers
=> Need
AS/RS

6. Concept of AS/RS
 The operation are totally automated
 Computer controlled
 Fully integrated with
factory and warehouse
operations

7. Basic Structure of AS/RS
 Storage structure
 S/R(storage/retrieval) machine
 Storage modules
e.g.) pallets for unit loads
 One or more pickup-and deposit station
 External handling system

8. Basic Structure of AS/RS
1. Storage structure
- which is the rack framework
- made of fabricated steel
- supports the loads contained in the AS/RS

9. Basic Structure of AS/RS
2. S/R machine
- is used to accomplish storage transaction,
delivering loads from the input station into storage,
and retrieving loads from storage and delivering

10. Basic Structure of AS/RS
3. Storage modules
- are the unit load containers of the stored material.
- include pallets, steel wire baskets and containers,
plastic tote pans

11. Basic Structure of AS/RS
4. Pick-and-deposit station
- is where loads are transferred into and out of the
AS/RS.
- generally located at the end of the aisles for
access the external handling system that brings
loads to the AS/RS and takes loads away.

12. Basic Structure of AS/RS
5. External handling system
- brings loads to the AS/RS and takes
loads away.
ex) RTV(Robotic Transfer Vehicle)

13. Basic Structure of AS/RS
• AS/RS Structure
- automatically operated
- can reduce wasted storage
place
- protect product

14. Control
 Using computer
 Principle problem
- positioning the S/R machine
within an acceptable tolerance
at a storage compartment in
the rack structure to deposit
or retrieve a load.

15. Control
 Positioning method
1) counting procedure
- the number of bays and levels are
counted in the direction of
travel(horizontally and vertically) to
determine position
2) numerical identification procedure
- each compartment is provided with a
reflective target with binary-coded
location identifications on its face.

16. Control
 Optical scanners are used to read the
target and position the shuttle for
depositing or retrieving a load
Ex- Scanners read RFID-tags on pallets.
(RFID-tags have information like
compartment binary-code(position),
sections, and etc...)
 Each time a storage transaction is
completed, the transaction must be
recorded into the computer

17. Control
 Computer controls
- storage transaction can be entered in real-time
- inventory records can be accurately maintained
- system performance can be
monitored
- communications can be
facilitated with other factory
computer systems

18. Benefits
 Improve operator efficiency and storage capacity
 Increasing accuracy
 Maximize available storage space
 Reducing labor costs
 Reducing product damage and waste costs
 Increasing customer service (e.g. : fast delivery)
 Real time inventory control
 Removing personnel from difficult working condition
(such as cold food storage environments)

19. Design issue
 Structure part
- Height and Length of storage structure
- Storage module size
- Aisle width
- Load capacity
- Horizontal and vertical speed & acceleration
 Controller part
- Positioning method
- Record method

20. Application Example
 FedEx

21. Application Example
 FedEx
- They bring a lot of parcels and packages, and sort
them with some standards (such as delivery zone)
And then they load some parcels and packages into
delivery trucks and deliver articles at house

22. Conclusion
 AS/RS is in use and can be used many
kinds of manufacturing line & distribution
centers.
 Using AS/RS with proper design will
produce above mentioned many kinds of
benefits.

23. Carousel Storage Systems
 Horizontal
 Operation is similar to overhead conveyor system used in
dry cleaning establishments
 Items are stored in bins suspended from the conveyor
 Lengths range between 3 m and 30 m
 Horizontal is most common type
 Vertical
 Operates around a vertical conveyor loop
 Less floor space required, but overhead room must be
provided

24. Horizontal Carousel Storage
System
Manually operated horizontal
carousel storage system

25. Carousel Applications
1. Storage and retrieval operations
 Order picking
 Kitting of parts for assembly
2. Transport and accumulation
 Progressive assembly with assembly stations located around carousel
3. Work-in-process
 WIP applications in electronics industry are common
4. Unique applications
 Example: time testing of electrical products

26. Engineering Analysis of
Automated Storage Systems
1. Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems
 Sizing the AS/RS
 AS/RS throughput analysis
2. Carousel storage systems
 Storage capacity
 Throughput analysis