Material Handling System

Consists of: Raw Material Parts in different stages of processing Tools which have to be stored, transferred and handled

Material Handling Equipment

Transferring: Roller Conveyor Towline Cart Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Handling: Robots Storage Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)

Automated Production Systems

Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
Receive orders for materials from anywhere in operations Collect the materials from locations in warehouse Deliver the materials to workstations in operations Three major elements of ASRS are:
Computers and communication systems Automated materials handling/delivery systems Storage and retrieval systems in warehouse

Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)

It consists of a variety of computer-controlled methods for automatically placing and retrieving loads from specific storage locations It is used in manufacturing, distribution, retail, wholesale and institutions It is typically used in applications where:
there is a very high volume of loads being moved into and out of storage storage density is important because of space constraints accuracy is critical because of potential expensive damages to the load

The traditional vending machine is the most common and familiar AS/RS system

Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)

An automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS or AS/RS) consists of a variety of computer-controlled methods for automatically placing and retrieving loads from specific storage locations. Used in applications where: there is a very high volume of loads being moved into and out of storage Primary benefits : Space savings, increased productivity/reduced labor, increased accuracy and reduced inventory levels These systems are ideal for increasing space utilization up to 85%, productivity levels by 2/3, accuracy to 99.9%+ levels and throughput up to 750 lines per hour/per operator.
Reference:

Case studies link: http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/as-rs/casestudies

Classification of AS/RS segments

Single masted Fixed Aisle

AS/RS Double masted

Carousels/Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)

Man-aboard

Advantages of AS/RS
Increased inventory control and tracking Savings in inventory storage costs Improved warehouse space utilization, both vertically and horizontally Creates greater storage density Reduced labor costs Increasing workplace safety Removing personnel from difficult working conditions Eg : Cold food storage environments

Advantages of AS/RS
Increased inventory control and tracking Savings in inventory storage costs Improved warehouse space utilization, both vertically and horizontally

Creates greater storage density.

Reduce labor costs Increasing workplace safety

Removing personnel from difficult working conditions.

Automated Production Systems

Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
Main benefits of ASRS are:
Increased storage capacity Increased system throughput Reduced labor costs Improved product quality

Automated Guiding Vehicle (AGV)

It is a mobile robot that follows markers or wires in the floor, or uses vision or lasers They are most often used in industrial applications to move materials around a manufacturing facility or a warehouse They increase efficiency and reduce costs by helping to automate a manufacturing facility or warehouse In an automated process, AGVs are programmed to communicate (via an offboard server) with other robots to ensure the product is moved smoothly through the warehouse, whether it is being stored for future use or sent directly to shipping areas

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)

Mobile robot that follows markers or wires in the floor, or uses vision or lasers AGVS have been in existence since 1953 An AGV can also be called a laser guided vehicle (LGV) or self-guided vehicle (SGV) AGVs increase efficiency and reduce costs by helping to automate a manufacturing facility or warehouse. Based on the fundamentals of flexible manufacturing systems AGV System Controller is used to coordinate traffic control (blocking), route the AGVs to destination or to manage the overall operation of the system.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)

AGVs excel in applications with the following characteristics: Repetitive movement of materials over a distance Regular delivery of stable loads Medium volume When on-time delivery is critical and late deliveries are causing inefficiency Operations with at least two shifts Processes where tracking material is important

AGVs

Equipment used as primary handling system

Layout configuration In-line layout Typical material handling system In-line transfer system Conveyor system Rail guided vehicle system Conveyor system In-floor towline carts Conveyor system Automated guided vehicle system Rail guided vehicle Automated guided vehicle system In-floor towline carts Industrial robot

Loop layout Ladder layout

Open field layout Robot-centered layout