The major difference in our Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling System (AS/RS) design concept is the use of conventional forks mounted on a rotating and transverse shifting mechanism to handle the pallet loads. This is in contrast to a shuttle device used on conventional Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling Systems (AS/RS) that require cantilever stub shelf racks (to provide clearance for the shuttle mechanism under the pallet).
The Fork Extractor is Mounted on the front of our Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling System (AS/RS), which is counterbalanced and with no structure in front of the forks to restrict their freedom of movement. The extractor is composed of a rugged rotating fork assembly driven by an industrial heavy duty gear unit and traverses laterally on precision ways by a heavy duty industrial ball screw.
The advantage of this Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling System (AS/RS) arrangement vs. the conventional Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling System (AS/RS) shuttle is the ability of our Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling System (AS/RS) to handle any load/pallet that a fork truck or pallet jack can. AFT's Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling System (AS/RS) can pick up or deposit pallets from simple bolsters anywhere on the aisle or at the end of the aisle.
AFT's Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling System (AS/RS) has no special rack design requirement. Conventional or new beam racks as used by man ride fork trucks are perfectly suitable.
http://www.asrs.net/srf.php
