Optimal Storage Rack Design for a 3-dimensional Compact AS/RS

René B.M. de Koster (1) , Tho Le-Duc (2) , Yugang Yu (3)

1 Management of Technology and Innovation
2 Dept of Tech and Ops Mgmt
3 Department of Management of Technology and Innovation

In this paper, we consider a newly-designed compact three-dimensional automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). The system consists of an automated crane taking care of movements in the horizontal and vertical direction. A gravity conveying mechanism takes care of the depth movement. Our research objective is to analyze the system performance and optimally dimension of the system. We estimate the crane窶冱 expected travel time for single-command cycles. From the expected travel time, we calculate the optimal ratio between three dimensions that minimizes the travel time for a random storage strategy. In addition, we derive an approximate closed-form travel time expression for dual command cycles. Finally, we illustrate the findings of the study by a practical example.

Mots clés: Physical Sciences

René B.M. de Koster, Tho Le-Duc, Yugang Yu. Optimal Storage Rack Design for a 3-dimensional Compact AS/RS. International Journal of Production Research, 2008, 46 (06), pp.1495-1514. ⟨10.1080/00207540600957795⟩. ⟨hal-00512947⟩