Analytical travel time models for single and double command of multi-aisle automated storage and retrieval system

Abstract

There is only one storage/retrieval machine in the multi-aisle automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). In this system the initial investment cost is low. We concentrate on analysing the travel time of the storage/retrieval machines in the automatic warehouse. This paper mainly addresses two issues: the travel time of the storage/retrieval machine for only one command (storage or retrieval); the travel time of the storage/retrieval machine for dual command (storage and retrieval). We design the motion of the storage and retrieval machine (SRM) according to the actual situation. It first accelerates to its top speed then moves uniformly and decelerates till 0 at last. The travel time of the two issues are solved on the front. Finally, we use a numerical example to prove the validity of our model. The results of the analytical travel time model are satisfactory. And it could be very useful tools for designing of multi-aisle automated storage and retrieval systems in real-world applications.