How the AutoStore System Works
The AutoStore system is comprised of 4 main components: a structural grid, delivery robots, storage bins, and operator workstations. Products are stored in stacked bins within the dense aluminum grid. As a product is needed to fulfill an order, the system software and controls alert a robot to find the bin containing the item.
If the bin is buried beneath other bins, a robot stages the extra bins on top of the grid until it retrieves the desired bin. It then takes that bin to the edge of the grid and delivers it to the workstation, where the operator fulfills the order. As the bin is delivered, another AutoStore robot cleans up the staged bins on top of the grid by returning them to their original position.
As this process continues, the AutoStore system self-profiles, meaning the bins with faster moving products begin moving toward the top of the system, and bins with slower moving products transition to the bottom.
Components:
- Grid – aluminum structure in which bins are stored on top of each other.
- Bin – unit in which products are stored, available in 3 bin heights (220mm, 330mm and 425mm) with moveable dividers for storage flexibility.
- Workstations – ports where bins are delivered to operators. Multiple workstation options are available to maximize task optimization, ergonomics, and system layout.
- Robot – unit that transports bins throughout grid. Four robot types are available to accommodate various throughput needs and bin sizes (R5, R5+, R5 Pro, and R5+ Pro).
- Controller – plans and executes all AutoStore activity, acts as traffic cop and troubleshoots errors to increase uptime.
Similar to other goods to person options, AutoStore can be integrated with additional picking and conveying technologies – pick to light, conveyors, goods to robot – for a more fully automated order fulfillment solution.