i) Automated Storage & Retrieval System
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are means to high density; hands free buffering of materials in distribution and manufacturing environments. There are several classes of Automated Storage and Retrieval (AS/RS) that are characterized by weight and size handling characteristics. It can be classified as unit load AS/RS, mini load AS/RS and carousel AS/RS.

Unit Load AS/RS
Unit Load AS/RS machines are generally pallet handling systems with capacities that vary much like lift trucks. Unit load AS/RS Systems are often quite tall and sometimes support the building shell that contains them. The density, security and labor / machinery savings they provide, make them a good choice in a variety of applications from cold storage to general warehousing.

Mini Load
Mini Load AS/RS - operating on the same principles as the Unit Loads these mini load machines handle smaller and lighter loads. These typically range from metal trays and totes to shipping cartons. Mini loads may be used in traditional stockroom applications but are also well suited as buffers to support manufacturing processes and shipping systems.










Carousel AS/RS
Carousel AS/RS, aka, the industrial carousel may be integrated with a specific purpose robotic inserter/extractor for small load buffering. Very often, carousel as/rs is applied in 'lights-out stockroom. This technology finds itself at the heart of systems varying widely in application from the food industry to the manufacturing floor.









ii) Storage Carousel
Carousel consists of a set of vertically or horizontally revolving storage baskets or bins. Materials (and the storage medium) move to the operator, "part-to-man," for end-of-aisle picking. Each level of the carousel can rotate independently in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Control ranges from manually activated push buttons to automated computer controlled systems. Provides an alternative to typical "man-to-part" AS/RS, where the S/R machine moves to the part. Similar to a trolley conveyor with storage baskets.



Source of information: http://vistamation.com/ASRS.htm