The research project is aimed at closing the gap between the relatively new autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval system (AVS/RS) hardware and control system technology, and the design conceptualization tools needed to assess their impact on unit load storage and retrieval ULS/R operations. The proposed research will advance the analytical foundations of AVS/RS modeling through development of a new class of specialized queuing network models and lead to creation and deployment of analytical conceptualization tools comparable to those available for crane-based automated storage and retrieval system (CBAS/RS's). The models developed through this research will capture several unique features of AVS/R operations such as vehicle and lift interfacing, storage and retrieval interference effects, selective transaction dispatching, consolidated load buffering, and explicit linkage of S/R operations with in-process material flows. The proposed research will be conducted as a joint effort between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and University of Louisville, with active participation of industry. In terms of educational activities, this project will lead to multiple doctoral theses and undergraduate student research opportunities at the two participating universities. The project will lead to the development of media-rich multimedia based educational modules that can be used in universities and industry.
The conceptualization tools developed in this research will enable accurate and efficient prediction of AVS/RS performance and direct comparisons of CBAS/R and AVS/R technologies with respect to cost and performance. The models will be deployed through decision support tools that integrate the systems level problems of ULS/RS design with several operational level decisions for these systems. The project will also lead to the development of web based instructional modules summarizing the findings of this project. Prototype versions of the conceptualizing tools will be disseminated to universities and industry with the help of the Material Handling Institute of America (MHIA).
