Generation of analytic throughput models for storage systems

Automated storage systems play an essential role in our everyday lives. For instance, they are indispensable in the intralogistics of food retailers and online stores. Typical examples are high-bay warehouses with stacker cranes or shuttle systems. The aim of this project is to develop a method that can be used to describe different types and configurations of storage systems and automatically calculate their performance (throughput and cycle times). This new, innovative method is being developed jointly by the project partners KIT (Institute for Material Handling and Logistics) and TU Wien (Research Group for Engineering Design and Material Handling). The first step is a comprehensive analysis of various existing storage systems with regard to their motion sequences. Based on this analysis, a systematic approach is developed that makes it possible to describe existing storage systems in a wide variety of designs. This should also contain all relevant parameters for calculating the throughput. It should also be possible to develop new storage system types with the help of this systematic. In the second step, the automated calculation of the throughput for the storage system is to be developed. This task is challenging, as there are a large number of different storage systems in various configurations and no universal method for the analytical calculation of throughput exists to date. The analytical models created with the help of the developed methodology are checked by using numerical simulation models. In the future, the developed methodology could be implemented in user-friendly software that can be used by companies and research institutions to design storage systems. This will enable a broad application of the research results and should contribute to the further development and improvement of automated storage systems. Overall, the project aims to create the basis for future innovations in this area and thus make a significant contribution to increasing efficiency and sustainability in intralogistics.