Equipment Pics: Automated Equipment

Courtesy of Remstar

Horizontal Carousel 

Horizontal Carousels are a type of automated material handling equipment used in high-volume small-parts picking operations. Generally, an operator will run 2 to 4 carousels at a time avoiding the need for the operator to wait while one unit is turning.  Picking is usually performed in batches with orders downloaded from the host system to the carousel software.  Pick-to-light systems utilizing a light tree are often integrated into carousels.

Courtesy of Remstar

Vertical Carousels

Vertical Carousels consist of a series of horizontal trays on a vertical carousel.  Vertical carousels are most effective when floor space is at a minimum and there is ample overhead clearance.  Enclosed vertical carousels offer additional security and protection for the product stored in them. Vertical carousels are frequently used in laboratories, offices, and specialty manufacturing operations. 

Courtesy of Remstar

Vertical Lift Module (VLM)

From the outside a VLM appears to be similar to a vertical carousel however internally it operates more like an ASRS unit using a retrieval unit to bring the product to the operator.  Application would be similar to a vertical carousel.  Advantages of a VLM over a vertical carousel are cost, flexibility in configuration (handling different size products within same unit), and safer for sensitive products that may be damaged due to the constant motion of a carousel.  Disadvantage is a slower retrieval speed than a carousel.

Courtesy of Rapistan

Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)

A system of rows of rack, each row has a dedicated retrieval unit that moves vertically and horizontally along the rack picking and putting away loads.  ASRS systems are available in Mini-load types  which store and transfer product on some type of tray or in bins and Unit-load types (shown) which transfer and store pallet loads.

Courtesy of HK Systems, Inc.

Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)

Vehicles that can be programmed to automatically drive to designated points and perform preprogrammed functions.  Guidance system may consist of a wire embedded in the floor, special tape, laser and optical system.  Most effective where highly repetitive tasks are performed over extended distances.  The variety in configurations of AGVs  is endless, virtually any type of material handling equipment can be converted to an AGV.  

Courtesy of Amerden Inc.

Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)

This is another version of an AGV that has added functionality to raise and lower the pallet to allow  the transfer pallet loads into and out of pallet racking or to other equipment at different heights.

Courtesy of HK Systems

Robots

In recent years there has been a lot of talk about robots in the warehouse. The design used by Amazon originally produced by Kiva,  has gotton a lot of attention, and there are several manufacturers producing something similar. These are hardly the robots that your imagination would create, but they serve a very specific purpose. They lift a load (a rack) and bring it to a work station. They are really just a more sophisticated AGV. In fact, the AGV pictured here is actually very similar in the general design to those Kiva Robots. I'm still looking for something that can actually pick items off the shelf, and there are several companies working on this, but they haven't yet produced anything thats all that impressive. Until that time comes, I think we'll still need people in the warehouse. 

Read my article on Warehouse Robots