Redefining High-Density Storage Capabilities

Our smart warehouse automation solutions contribute to massive space savings and precise inventory management. Whether you are handling heavy industrial loads or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), our systems adapt to your specific operational DNA.

  • Versatile Cargo Handling: We have extensive engineering know-how in handling a variety of cargo shapes, including Euro pallets, containers, rolls, cases, and irregular long objects.
  • Harsh Environment Ready: We provide specialized configurations for demanding applications, such as sub-zero refrigerated environments and hazardous goods storage.
  • Workflow Flexibility: Our systems are configured for intermediate buffering, high-speed Goods-to-Person (G2P) picking, and multi-floor production line supply.
  • Diverse System Architectures: From traditional stacker crane systems to advanced high-throughput shuttle and gantry robot systems.
A high-rise automated warehouse with stacker cranes operating in narrow aisles
The Automated Warehouse Ecosystem: An AS/RS is not just a storage machine; it is a holistic network that automates logistical tasks. It is the definitive key to solving labor shortages, reducing operational overhead, and increasing throughput in the modern supply chain.

Core AS/RS Components & System Architectures

Automating a warehouse requires a strategic combination of sophisticated robotics. Based on your payload, throughput, and building height, KenWei engineers deploy the following core architectures:

Mini-Load (Bucket Type) AS/RS

Designed for handling lightweight loads stored in totes, trays, or cartons. Ideal for storing irregularly shaped products, small electronic parts, and e-commerce fulfillment buffering.

Unit-Load (Pallet Type) AS/RS

A heavy-duty, high-rise system for efficiently storing palletized goods. It perfectly leverages vertical space (up to 40 meters) and integrates seamlessly with AGVs and pallet conveyors.

Vertical Lift Modules (VLM)

Flexible, enclosed systems that store products using dynamically adjusted trays. They are perfect for high-density storage on a very small footprint.

Mobile Shelf Robotics

Electric racks on autonomous mobile platforms create ultra-dense storage by eliminating fixed aisles entirely, bringing entire shelf units to the picker.

Goods-to-Person order picking station powered by AS/RS technology

Integrating the Symphony of Automation

Hardware alone cannot run a warehouse. True intralogistics automation is achieved when hardware and software work in perfect unison.

Advanced Goods-to-Person (G2P) Picking

Our picking stations are ergonomically designed to maximize human efficiency. Options include digital Pick-to-Light systems and weight-scale validation, which dramatically shorten picking times and push error rates to near zero.

Automated Conveyance (AGVs/AMRs)

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) act as the arteries of your warehouse. They eliminate unproductive forklift travel time by moving pallets directly to outbound docks using AI-driven path optimization.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Our proprietary Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the “brain” of the automated warehouse. This software centrally orchestrates all operations—inbound, outbound, slotting optimization, and inventory counting—and provides robust APIs for linking with your existing ERP.

Strategic Business Benefits of Warehouse Automation

  • Exponential Productivity: Automate repetitive material handling tasks to increase throughput by 300% and enable dark-warehouse (24/7) operations.
  • Massive Space Optimization: Build up, not out. Utilize vertical space effectively and reduce aisle requirements, saving up to 85% of valuable real estate.
  • Eradication of Human Error: Software-guided picking and automated routing greatly reduce mispicks, leading to fewer reverse logistics costs and higher customer satisfaction.
  • Uncompromised Safety: Remove forklifts from pedestrian areas and reduce the physical burden of heavy lifting, creating a drastically safer working environment.
  • Unmatched Quality Control: Ensure rigid First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or FEFO inventory management and maintain a secure, damage-free state for all stored goods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)?

AS/RS is a warehouse automation technology that uses computer-controlled robotics to automatically place and retrieve loads from defined storage locations, maximizing speed and density.

Q2: How does AS/RS improve warehouse space utilization?

By building vertically (often up to 40 meters) and eliminating the need for wide forklift aisles, an AS/RS can increase storage capacity by up to 85% within your existing facility footprint.

Q3: What types of AS/RS systems does KenWei offer?

We provide a comprehensive range including Unit-Load (Pallet) AS/RS, Mini-Load (Bucket Type) AS/RS, Shuttle systems, and modular Vertical Lift Modules (VLM).

Q4: What is Goods-to-Person (G2P) picking?

G2P is an ergonomic workflow where the automated system retrieves the exact item and delivers it directly to a stationary operator, eliminating walking and searching time.

Q5: Does the system integrate with existing ERP software?

Yes, our automation hardware integrates seamlessly with our Warehouse Management System (WMS), which features open APIs for bidirectional communication with SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, and other major ERPs.

Q6: Are AS/RS systems suitable for cold storage?

Absolutely. Automated systems are ideal for harsh environments like sub-zero cold storage, minimizing human exposure to extreme temperatures while maintaining high throughput.

Q7: How does warehouse automation impact order accuracy?

By utilizing software-guided retrieval, barcode scanning, and pick-to-light technology, AS/RS virtually eliminates human error, achieving order accuracy rates exceeding 99.9%.

Q8: What is the typical ROI for an AS/RS project?

While it varies by facility, most industrial and e-commerce clients achieve a full Return on Investment within 2 to 4 years through massive reductions in labor and land costs.

Q9: How long does it take to implement an AS/RS?

Implementation depends on the system’s scale. Modular systems can be installed in weeks, while large-scale Pallet AS/RS projects may take several months from design to commissioning.

Q10: How do I start planning an automated warehouse?

The first step is a data-driven site audit. Please visit our Contact Us page to schedule a comprehensive intralogistics analysis with our engineering team.

Design the AS/RS Architecture That Drives Your Business

KenWei provides best-in-class automated warehouse systems. We solve complex intralogistics bottlenecks with our advanced storage, picking, and sorting solutions. Stop expanding your footprint, and start optimizing it.

Request a Custom Engineering Consultation