Load shuffling algorithms for split-platform AS/RS

Although automated storage/retrieval Systems (AS/RS) allow random access to any storage cells, often it is advantageous to pre-sort the loads to minimize the retrieval time. In this paper, we address the issue of load shuffling on a new type of AS/RS (i.e., the split-platform AS/RS), which have separate and independent mechanisms for horizontal and vertical movements. We present the shuffling algorithms for such AS/RS, and analyze the required shuffling time and retrieval time. Results from these analysis and numerical experiments show that the shuffling algorithms presented are indeed quite efficient. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.