Research on Design of Cross-Aisles Shuttle-Based Storage/Retrieval System Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization

Abstract

The cross-aisles shuttle-based storage/retrieval system has not only storage function but also the sorting function and makes full use of warehouse space to achieve high-density storage. It uses “part-to-picker” order picking mode to respond quickly to orders and shorten sorting time. In this paper, through the analysis of the system, an effective evaluation method for the efficiency and time of system picking under a single instruction operation cycle is presented. The objective function of system minimum cost under the condition of satisfying customer’s demand is constructed. The objective function is solved by an improved particle swarm algorithm based on the optimized initial particle swarm optimization. By optimizing, we can find the optimal configuration of the system (i.e., the number of tiers, number of aisles and number of bays, number of picking stations, and number of lifts with minimal system cost). Finally, the impact of different configurations on system performance is summarized. This method can guide the design planner to design a more reasonable system under minimum cost control.

Keywords

• Shuttle-based storage/retrieval system
• performance analysis
• system design
• part-to-picker
• improved particle swarm optimization