StorFast® ASRS

Optimizes
Space Utilization

Modular design for unlimited configurations in the smallest footprint

Simplifies
Maintenance

Standard components improve parts availability and streamline repairs

Increases Versatility

System allows for expansion as capacity requirements change

Maximizes
Volume

Higher throughputs with significantly more storage than traditional systems

Features and Benefits

• Optimizes space
  With modular construction and a high level of adaptability, the StorFast ASRS works within building constraints to optimize space regardless of layout and floor plans. The result is
  condensed space requirements for new warehouses and maximization of utilization within existing buildings, reducing the need for relocation or new construction.
• Simplifies maintenance
  The warehouse automation system is constructed with standard components, improving parts availability, maximizing uptime and simplifying maintenance. They feature controlled access to each level to support requirements for maintenance and inspection.
• Increases capacity
  Compared to traditional automated storage systems and manual racking, StorFast ASRS provides significantly more capacity in a smaller footprint. The modular design coupled with other features like deep lanes for pallet density and no height restrictions allows for full space utilization to provide maximum capacity for both simple and challenging configurations.
• Pallet throughput
  The system operates at an extremely high throughput from the simultaneous use of multiple machines. With individual cart movement, energy consumption is far lower than crane-based systems.

Major Components of the Storfast ASRS 

The StorFast system is comprised of a distributed guide-rail storage system called Modules. Each storage Module has multiple levels and within each level is a network of central main aisles with multiple rows located on the right and left sides for storage and retrieval of pallets. Operating on the main aisle of every module level is an Aisle Cart that carries a companion Row Shuttle that undocks to navigate the many rows. The Aisle Cart and Row Shuttle are all-electric powered vehicles for automatically storing and retrieving pallets. row access is flexible to provide pallet position optimization and allow for changes in volume and prioritization, such as seasonal or new product updates.

The Aisle Cart transports a pallet to (or from) an assigned row, the Row Shuttle then undocks carrying the pallet to store (or retrieve) from a specific row position. The movement of both the cart and shuttle is automatically controlled by system software using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology communicating to a main controller. The carts and shuttles are equipped with Human Machine Interface (HMI) control panels. The HMI allows the operator to verify the current state of the vehicles, modify parameter, etc.

Aisle Cart

The Aisle Cart moves the palletized loads along a central aisle on each level. Its primary function is to transport the Row Shuttle with or without a pallet. The Aisle Cart loads pallets to or from the Buffer Conveyors by means of a chain conveyor. The Aisle Cart can be used to transfer a load from one row to another row on the same level.

Row Shuttle

The Row Shuttle handles the transportation of pallets in and out of the storage rows of each level. Row Shuttles are battery or ultracapacitor powered. The warehouse system rows are perpendicular to the central aisles of each level. Each Row Shuttle uses two motors for travel and lift functions. The Row Shuttle is also equipped with PLC controls and wireless communication. When the Row Shuttle is docked inside the Aisle Cart (Home Position) the batteries are continuously charged for reliable performance.

Every Row Shuttle has simple “courtesy” controls for basic operations allowing the maintenance staff to manually operate the cart functions (raise, lower, backward, forward).

Aisle Cart show on the left and Row Shuttle shown on the right

Cart and Shuttle Features

• Powered by servo drive technology
• Up to 4400 lbs. (2000 kg) carrying capacity
• Modular design accommodates various pallet sizes
• All wheel drive for Row shuttles
• Designed for ambient, cold storage and deep freeze applications
• Row shuttles use two separate axis for transfer and lift
• Online communications between module control and all carts and shuttles

Pallet Lifter

The Pallet Lift handles the vertical transportation of pallets in and out of the warehouse system. Pallets are supplied or retrieved from the various levels as required. Only two motors are required for the Pallet Lift to function. A counterweight designed into the system reduces the amount of energy required to lift and lower loads and provides smooth operation. The transfer of the pallets on and off the lift is performed by the Buffer Conveyor.

Pallet Lifter Features

• Maximum load capacity: 4400 lbs. (2000 kg)
• Different available speeds and accelerations depending on the requirements of the system
• Pitless design, no underground components required in standard applications, unless extremely low level of the in/out conveyors or first level  
• Special heavy duty lifting belt

Buffer Conveyor

The Buffer Conveyor is installed at every level. The Buffer Conveyor accepts pallets from both the Pallet Lift and Aisle cart and holds the pallets for transfer. This allows the Pallet Lift and Aisle cart to continue to the next task. The duplex chain design of the Buffer Conveyor ensures smooth pallet transport and reduces the gap between machinery.

Buffer Conveyor Features

• Quiet operation
• Fully adjustable speed