What Is a Unit-Load AS/RS?
A stacker crane runs on rails down a narrow aisle between two tall rack rows. Height depends on the maker, the building and the fire code.
How It Works
- Input stationPallets arrive by conveyor; size is checked.
- Crane pickThe telescopic table lifts the pallet.
- Travel and lift togetherStraight to the location.
- StoreThe pallet is set on the beams.
- RetrieveThe same in reverse.
Advantages of a Unit-Load AS/RS.
- The tallest storage there is.
- Nobody in the aisle.
- Every pallet tracked.
- Runs around the clock.
- The racking can carry the roof and walls.
What to Know Before You Buy
- A building project. Floors, sprinklers and permits.
- Usually one SKU per pallet.
- Plan WMS integration early.
- Usually one crane per aisle.
Where It Is Used
- Cold storage and freezers.
- Food, beverage and consumer goods.
- Manufacturing buffers.
- Expensive land, room to go up.
Common questions
How tall can it go?
Very tall. The crane model, building, floor and fire code set the limit.
What makes AS/RS racking different?
Tolerance. The crane places a pallet to within an inch at height, so the rack is built to a much tighter spec.
Can it be added to a warehouse later?
Usually as a high-bay addition. Low buildings rarely work.
