In: Proceedings of CESA'2003, the Multiconference on Computational Engineering in Systems Applications. July 2003. Reims, France.
Abstract: An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) consists of several aisles with storage racks, serviced by cranes. Each aisle is equipped with a storage and a retrieval conveyor and is serviced by rail guided vehicles. This paper focuses on operational control of AS/RSs and presents a management strategy taking decisions on resource allocations in order to avoid conflicts and deadlocks. A Colored Timed Petri Net models the system dynamics describing the system in a resource oriented and modular framework. The events relevant in the system behavior are controlled to guarantee a deadlock and collision free system performance. A discrete event simulation of an AS/RS compares the proposed approach with a deadlock detection resolution strategy presented in the related literature and shows the efficiency of the technique.
Keywords: Automated storage and retrieval systems; coloured timed Petri nets; real time control.