Automated Storage and Retrieval System

image showing the inside of an ASRS at the Defense Visual Information Center which is used for the storage of media items such as film canisters.] Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (often referred to as ASRS or AS/RS) refers to a variety of computer-controlled methods for automatically depositing and retrieving loads from defined storage locations. Systems of this nature have been used for years in manufacturing and warehouse facilities.

ASRS technology is just beginning to be used in large libraries, particularly at universities. It is used mostly to retrieve seldom-used books and periodicals that are kept in storage vaults. It works via a robotic "arm" that quite literally fetches materials from archival locations.

Libraries using Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

*University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
*Christopher Center, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana
*Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
*University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (opening fall 2010)
*University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
*University of Nevada, Las Vegas
*Waseda University, Tokyo (Japan)
*Utah State University, Logan, Utah
*Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California
*California State University Northridge, Northridge, California
*Defense Visual Information Center, ,
*Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
*Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia (opening 2010)
*Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois

A few different types of Automated Storage Retrieval Systems

* Vertical Carousels
* Vertical Lift Modules (VLM)
* Horizontal Carousels
* Robotics
* Mini Loads - also known as mini load stackers
* Unit load stackers
* Compact 3D AS/RS
* While this is a very short list of ASRS devices, there are many more ASRS's manufactured and deployed...

Other Industries/Applications for Automated Storage Retrieval Systems

* Warehousing
* Manufacturing
* Clean Rooms
* Kitting
* Work in Process (WIP)
* Lean Manufacturing
* Cell Manufacturing
* Pharmaceuticals
* Automobile
* Small Parts Distribution
* Grocery Distribution
* Mail Order Fulfillment
* e-Commerce