Analytical model to estimate performances of autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval systems for product totes

Abstract

In today's competitive scenario of increasingly faster deliveries and smaller order sizes, material-handling providers are progressively developing new solutions. A recent, automated material-handling technology for unit load storage and retrieval consists of an autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval system (AVS/RS). The present paper presents an analytical model to estimate the performances (the transaction cycle time and waiting times) of AVS/RS for product tote movement. The model is based on an open queuing network approach. The model effectiveness in performance estimation is validated through simulation.

Keywords:

• warehousing
• autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval systems
• automation
• queuing network
• simulation