A novel design of a reconfigurable automated warehouse

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual design for a new generation of automated warehouses, which are made from a series of simple modules with their inherent feature of scalability and reonfigurability. A potential application example of this type of warehousing system is modelled to indicate the level of capability that the concept may provide. Physical infrastructure and operational control events within the system are illustrated in the paper. The simulation results demonstrate that the warehouse can simultaneously deliver large numbers of items from storage modules to assigned collection points with minimal delay. This can be achieved by deploying an integrated warehouse control and management mechanism using automatic identification and data capture techniques and wireless communication networks. A framework on application of these emerging technologies in order to deliver the desired coordinated functionality of such a warehousing system is also discussed in the paper. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.