How Daifuku Unit Load AS/RS works
The Unit Load ASRS is operated by a crane mast that travels up and down the aisle while a pallet handling device travels vertically on the mast and can also reach into the rack to deposit or pick up a pallet. Pallets are generally brought into the ASRS via conveyors to a pick up station where the ASRS load handling device will grab the pallet.
Once the pallet is secured the ASRS crane will travel to the correct lane location while the mast raises or lowers to the proper row height. Once at the proper lane location and row height the load handling device extends and drops the pallet off in the rack for storage. The pallet will be stored in the ASRS until it is ready to be retrieved. Once the retrieve command is sent to the ASRS the process will be reversed with the ASRS going to the proper lane and row location, retrieve the product then take it to a drop off location. After the pallet are dropped off either conveyors or forklift operators will transport them to the next process.
A unit load Automated Storage and Retrieval System is comprised of an:
- Input/output station
- Storage Retrieval Machine (SRM)
- Storage rack
- On-board and end-of-aisle controls
Configurations
The most common Unit Load ASRS configurations are comprised of a single or dual shuttle being able to handle one or two pallets respectively. The shuttles are also designed to either store pallets single or double deep.
Daifuku's unit load ASRS stores and retrieves items placed on pallets, euro pallets, box pallets or roll box pallets. Items are transported to/from the unit load by conveyors, forklift, Sorting Transfer Vehicle (STV) or automatic guided vehicle (AGV), or mobile robots.