Apparatus and method for automated warehousing

摘要

An automated storage and order filling apparatus and method for operating the same are disclosed for handling products with minimal handling and human intervention. The apparatus includes an in-feed conveyor system, an out-feed conveyor system, a plurality of moveable storage racks having individually addressable storage locations, a robotic arm for removing products from the in-feed conveyor and placing products in the storage racks and on the out-feed conveyor, a reader and a computer processing system for controlling the aforementioned devices. The computer processing system is preferably programmed to assign a priority to each product received from the in-feed conveyor. The priority of the product determines where the apparatus will place the product in the storage racks. After a customer order is received, the apparatus will pick a selection of the stored products in accordance with the order.