Mobile Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are advanced automated solutions designed to improve warehouse efficiency and optimize space utilization. Unlike traditional automated storage systems, mobile AS/RS use unconstrained automated shuttles or vehicles to navigate throughout a storage system. These systems decouple storage, throughput and picking operations to provide independent scalability and redundancy based on operational needs.
By leveraging roaming robots to store and retrieve loads these systems provide the flexibility to dispatch vehicles anywhere within the system. This flexibility leads to better equipment utilization compared to traditional aisle-restricted systems, resulting in lower system costs and a higher return on investment
The operational redundancy and storage density that mobile AS/RS provide makes this technology very attractive to support various use cases. In addition, since the technology does not require high ceiling clearance, it is well-suited for brownfield, as well as greenfield applications.
By utilizing mobile AS/RS technology, operational downtime is mitigated through the ability of each roaming robot to access all of the loads in a system and provides high redundancy.
Mobile AS/RS systems are designed to scale storage capacity, throughput, and the number of workstations independently, allowing tailored growth based on operational needs and makes investments future-proof.
By automating the storage and retrieval of items mobile AS/RS technology reduces the labor associated with travel and provides more efficient picking operations.
By leveraging multiple roaming robots to maintain item delivery responsiveness mobile AS/RS systems are able to leverage deep storage density to minimize the space required for storage.
With the flexibility of vehicle travel paths and racking design, this technology can adapt to various layout restrictions and shapes to maximize space utilization.
Automated storage of pallets and other standard unit load carriers has traditionally been accomplished using stacker cranes. While this technology remains a preferred solution for many applications, mobile AS/RS offers distinct advantages in the right scenarios—such as the decoupling of storage and throughput in system design and vehicle redundancy.
The two primary technologies for automated pallet mobile AS/RS are:
· Multi-Dimensional Shuttle Systems
· Automated Very Narrow Aisle (AutoVNA) Systems
Multi-Dimensional Shuttle Systems utilize deep lane storage to achieve high storage density. They rely on sophisticated software to synchronize vehicle movements, enabling high throughput. These systems are particularly valued for their design flexibility and scalability, making them adaptable to a wide range of operational needs.
AutoVNA systems offer the traditional benefits of manual VNA setups, including high storage density due to narrow aisles and single-deep storage selectivity. The Jungheinrich AutoVNA system is the perfect aisle-changer and can go up to 40 ft. These vehicles are powered via busbars located within the storage aisles, allowing for continuous charging and uninterrupted operation.
Automated storage of totes and cases has traditionally been accomplished using stacker cranes and dedicated aisle shuttles. While this technology remains a preferred solution for many applications, mobile AS/RS offers distinct advantages in the right scenarios—such as the decoupling of storage and throughput in system design and vehicle redundancy.
The two primary technologies for automated mini load mobile AS/RS are:
· High Reach & Transport (HRT) Systems
· Climber Systems
HRT Systems leverage a combination of high reach automated mobile robots (AMRs) and low profile transport AMRs. By leverage high reach AMRs to storage and retrieve items from the shelving and transport AMRs to deliver items to workstations, these systems are able to provide very economical solutions in case and each picking applications.
Climber Systems use a robust automated mobile robots (AMR) that both transports items to racking, as well as, climbs the racking to storage/retrieve items. These systems are well suited for higher throughput applications that require the travel path flexibility that can be achieved with climber AMRs.
Modular & scalable automated storage and retrieval solutions designed to enhance warehouse efficiency through advanced robotics. The core components include Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robots (ACRs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These systems are engineered to integrate seamlessly with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), facilitating smooth operations and rapid deployment.
HaiPick offers three distinct system configurations to address various operational needs:
-System 1: Ideal for high-density vertical storage.
-System 2: Combines ACRs with Heavy-Duty Companion AMRs to handle both bulk and palletized goods alongside totes.
-System 3: This system achieves ultra-high storage density, accommodating up to 43 totes per square meter, and is designed for rapid order fulfillment in high-throughput environments.
Each HaiPick system is tailored to meet specific operational requirements, offering flexibility and scalability to optimize warehouse performance.
Jungheinrich’s Automated VNA Storage systems are designed to enable extremely efficient and dense warehousing in constrained spaces. Their EKXa trucks are built specifically for VNA environments, allowing safe and reliable storage and retrieval of pallets at heights up to about 13,000 mm and with load capacities up to around 1,600 kg. The systems can be installed in entirely new warehouses or retrofitted into existing narrow-aisle racking, using features like pallet detection, clearance sensing, and 360° safety systems to ensure safety and precision.
These systems also include flexibility in how they’re deployed: they can work in “open” systems (with pedestrian access, but with rigorous safety systems in place) or in more enclosed setups. Integration with higher-level control software ensures smooth routing, order management, and process tracking. Through use of wire guidance, RFID or inductive technology, and seamless warehouse-control integration, Jungheinrich aims for high reliability, minimal empty runs, and strong safety performance.
The Movu Atlas Pallet Shuttle is a high-density Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) designed to optimize warehouse space and streamline pallet handling. Utilizing self-powered robotic shuttles, the system transports pallets weighing up to 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg) within deep storage lanes of multi-level racking systems. By minimizing the need for wide driving aisles, the Atlas system maximizes vertical storage, achieving heights up to 150 feet (45 meters)
It takes expertise in technology and processes to optimize and implement automation into a facility’s operations – the same is required for the maintenance and optimization of those systems. With our extensive industry knowledge and diagnostic approach, we offer services to meet your unique needs, ensuring that your automated storage and retrieval system remains a strategic asset throughout its entire life cycle. Discover how our end-to-end solutions can revolutionize your warehousing operations and drive sustainable growth.
With over 10,000+ operations improved worldwide, let our experienced team help you find a tailored solution.