Abstract
This paper studies multiple-deep automated vehicle storage and retrieval systems (AVS/RSs) known for their high throughput performance and flexibility. Compared to a single-deep system, multiple-deep AVS/RS has a better space area utilisation. However, a relocation cycle occurs, reducing the throughput performance whenever another stock keeping unit (SKU) blocks a retrieving SKU. The SKU retrieval sequence is undetermined, meaning that the arrangement is unknown, and all SKUs have an equal probability of retrieval. In addition to the shuttle carrier, a satellite vehicle is attached to the shuttle carrier and is used to access storage locations in multiple depths. A discrete event simulation of multiple-deep AVS/RS with a tier captive shuttle carrier was developed. We focused on the dual-command cycle time assessment of nine different storage and relocation assignment strategy combinations in the simulation model. The results of a simulation study for (i) random, (ii) depth-first and (iii) nearest neighbour storage and relocation assignment strategy combinations are examined and benchmarked for five different AVS/RS case study configurations with the same number of storage locations. The results display that the fivefold- and sixfold-deep AVS/RSs outperform systems with fewer depths by utilising depth-first storage and nearest neighbour relocation assignment strategies.
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Not applicable.
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The simulation (MATLAB and Simulink) code of AVS/RS is available at https://github.com/m4r0lt/AVS-RS.
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Acknowledgements
This research work was supported by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) in the framework of the (i) Applied research project entitled: “Warehousing 4.0 - Integration model of robotics and warehouse order picking systems”; grant number; L5-2626 and (ii) Bilateral research project between Slovenia and Norway entitled “Smart Intralogistics Systems: Integrating Vertical Lift Modules and Shuttle-based Storage and Retrieval Systems”; grant number: BI-NO/20-22-012.
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We are the first that directly compared the performance impact of nine (9) storage and relocation assignment strategy combinations in a multiple-deep AVS/RS. Our research includes a depth-first (storage and relocation) strategy that has not been used in any paper considering automated storage systems. The paper also shows that multiple-deep (fivefold- and sixfold-deep) AVS/RS can outperform AVS/RS with fewer depths by applying the ‘depth-first’ storage and ‘nearest neighbour’ relocation strategy.
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Marolt, J., Kosanić, N. & Lerher, T. Relocation and storage assignment strategy evaluation in a multiple-deep tier captive automated vehicle storage and retrieval system with undetermined retrieval sequence. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 118, 3403–3420 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-021-08169-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-021-08169-x