Stacker Crane Automated Warehouses for High-Performance AS/RS

What an automated warehouse served by stacker cranes is and when it should be adopted

An automated warehouse served by stacker cranes is an AS/RS (Automatic Storage & Retrieval System) in which pallet handling is performed by one or more automated stacker cranes operating inside dedicated aisles.
The stacker crane performs integrated longitudinal, vertical and extraction movements, carrying out storage and retrieval operations with high precision and continuous uptime.

This type of system is ideal when:

• the goal is to exploit the maximum available warehouse height (up to ~45 m)
• a high throughput is required (many missions per hour)
• continuous, multi-shift or 24/7 operations must be ensured
• human error needs to be drastically reduced and flows standardized
• storage capacity must be increased by reducing the number of operating aisles

Benefits of automated warehouses served by stacker cranes

High storage density
Very narrow aisles and tall racking structures allow extremely efficient use of available volume.

High operating speed and throughput
Stacker cranes combine multiple movements into a single cycle, minimizing idle time and enabling a high number of missions per hour.

Reliability and precision
Guided movements, integrated sensors, anti-collision systems and real-time controls ensure high operational safety and accuracy.

Workforce optimization
Automation reduces operator presence inside the aisles, improving safety and lowering direct operating costs.

Configuration flexibility
Possibility to design single- or double-deep systems, apply the solution in cold storage, or configure it for complex layouts.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Energy efficiency, reduced need for traditional handling equipment and continuous operation lead to a faster return on investment.

Where automated warehouses served by stacker cranes are recommended

Automated AS/RS systems with stacker cranes—designed by Modulblok in partnership with leading automation providers—are particularly suitable for:

• large logistics operators and 3PLs with high pallet turnover
• companies in the food & beverage, pharmaceutical and chemical industries
• warehouses with growing volumes and limited floor space
• production plants integrating assembly lines and logistics buffers
• AS/RS projects requiring maximum performance, precision and continuous uptime