01
Unit Load AS/RS
Heavy-Duty Bulk Pallet Automation
Heavy-duty automated cranes and carriages for large unit loads and palletized cargo in tall, deep racks.
Payload 1,100–17,600+ lb · heights 25–100+ ft
High-Density Storage
Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
Maximum vertical capacity and throughput with computer-guided stacker cranes and robotic shuttles.
- Unit-load capacity
- 17,600+ lb
- High-bay storage heights
- 100+ ft
- Picker productivity with Goods-to-Person
- 3x–5x
- Deep-freeze capable
- -40°F
Overview
About Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
Unlock maximum vertical capacity and throughput with Metallum’s Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS). By replacing manual travel with computer-guided stacker cranes and rapid robotic shuttles, our solutions deliver seamless Goods-to-Person fulfillment with near-perfect inventory accuracy.
Whether deploying heavy-duty unit-load systems for high-bay pallet density or agile mini-load configurations for cartons and totes, we engineer tailored automation that slashes labor overhead and accelerates order velocity.
Types
System Types
02
Mini Load AS/RS
Agile Carton & Tote Handling
High-speed robotic shuttles and extractors for lightweight totes, trays and cartons — rapid SKU-level access for piece-picking.
Payload 40–440 lb · speeds up to 8,660 in/min
03
Shuttle & Crane Systems
Modular Multi-Tier Scalability
Vertical cranes combined with independent multi-directional tier shuttles so throughput and capacity scale independently.
Seasonal volume surges · phased warehouse expansion
04
High-Rise AS/RS
Ultra-Tall Vertical Cube (>40 ft)
High-bay crane architectures for structures from 40 to 100+ feet — maximum cubic volume per acre of land.
Clad-rack structures · extreme-density distribution centers
Features
Core Advantages
Vertical Space Optimization
Builds vertically into high-bay structures while minimizing aisle space.
Smaller footprint, multiplied storage capacity.
High-Velocity Order Retrieval
Fast cycle speeds with rapid horizontal and vertical acceleration engineered for demanding throughput.
Accelerates fulfillment and removes dispatch bottlenecks.
Near-100% Inventory Accuracy
Closed-loop digital tracking and computer-guided positioning eliminate picking mistakes and misplaced products.
Real-time SKU accuracy and easier audits.
Personnel-Free High-Bay Aisles
Removes forklift operators and workers from hazardous high-rack environments.
Fewer accidents, less rack damage and product loss.
Automated Repetitive Handling
Replaces forklift driving and manual handling with automated shuttles and stacker cranes.
Redeploys your workforce to higher-value tasks.
End-to-End Automation Flow
Interfaces with conveyor networks, AGVs, AMRs and sortation upstream and downstream.
Uninterrupted handling from receiving to shipping.
Compare
Compare AS/RS System Types
Choose the architecture that matches your loads, building height and growth plans.
Specification4 models |  Unit Load AS/RSHeavy-Duty Bulk Pallet AutomationGet a Quote |  Mini Load AS/RSAgile Carton & Tote HandlingGet a Quote |  Shuttle & Crane SystemsModular Multi-Tier ScalabilityGet a Quote |  High-Rise AS/RSUltra-Tall Vertical Cube (>40 ft)Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handling equipment | Heavy-duty automated cranes and carriages | High-speed robotic shuttles and extractors | Vertical cranes + independent multi-directional tier shuttles | High-bay stacker crane architecture |
| Load type | Large unit loads and palletized cargo | Totes, trays and cartons | ||
| Payload | 1,100 – 17,600+ lb | 40 – 440 lb | ||
| Storage height | 25 – 100+ ft | 40 – 100+ ft (clad-rack structures) | ||
| Speed | Up to 8,660 in/min | |||
| Best for | Bulk pallet automation in tall, deep racks | Rapid SKU-level access for piece-picking | Seasonal volume surges and phased warehouse expansion | Extreme-density distribution centers |
IncludedNot applicable or confirmed per project
Specifications
Stacker Crane Specifications
Equipment specification matrix for the stacker crane series.
Stacker Crane Models
| Model & series | Max load capacity | Max height | Speed parameters | Acceleration | Key features & options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Stacker (ES) | 1,102.3 – 3,306.9 lb | 275.6 – 984.3 in (23–82 ft) | Travel: 7,086.6 in/min Hoist: 2,362.2 in/min Fork: 2,362.2 / 31,181.1 in/min | Travel: 13.8 in/s² Hoist: 19.7 in/s² | Optional double-extension fork Vertical double wire rope hoist Double closed-loop servo control |
| Light Stacker (EM) | 44.1 – 440.9 lb | 118.1 – 315.0 in (9.8–26 ft) | Travel: 8,661.4 in/min Hoist: 2,362.2 in/min Fork: 2,362.2 / 31,181.1 in/min | Travel: 31.5 in/s² Hoist: 19.7 in/s² | High-speed tote, tray and carton handling Optional dual-drive asynchronous servo Optional fire-extinguishing / explosion protection |
| Overweight / Ultra-High Stacker (EH) | 44.1 – 440.9 lb | 118.1 – 315.0 in (9.8–26 ft) | Travel: 8,661.4 in/min Hoist: 2,362.2 in/min Fork: 2,362.2 / 31,181.1 in/min | Travel: 31.5 in/s² Hoist: 19.7 in/s² | Reinforced rigid mast design Optional dual-drive asynchronous servo Optional explosion protection for hazardous & lithium storage |
| Transfer Stacker (EP) | 1,102.3 – 17,637.0 lb | 275.6 – 984.3 in (23–82 ft) | Travel: 4,724.4 in/min Hoist: 1,181.1 in/min Fork: 1,181.1 / 2,362.2 in/min | Travel: 13.8 in/s² Hoist: 19.7 in/s² | Multi-aisle transfer: 4–8 rows across 2–4 roadways Optional dual-station cargo platform Tandem handling doubles throughput per cycle |
Speeds: travel / hoist / fork. Acceleration: travel / hoist.
Applications
Applications
Buffer Storage
Automated holding buffer between production lines and outbound distribution.
Order Fulfillment
Goods-to-Person picking hub feeding workstations without operator travel.
Cold Storage & WIP
Reliable operation in deep freeze (-20°F to -40°F) and clean manufacturing.
Integration
Subsystem Architecture
Every AS/RS is engineered from proven subsystems and controlled by our location engine.
01Sky & Ground Rail System
Floor-anchored bottom rail and overhead sky guide rail along dedicated high-bay aisles, from certified specialist suppliers.
- Uniform metallurgy
- Low vibration
- Sustained high-speed stability
02Pallet Stacker Machinery
High-rigidity vertical masts with precision hoists and high-speed telescopic forks operating in narrow aisles.
- Unit loads 44–17,600+ lb
- Lift heights to 984+ in
- Energy regeneration drive
03In/Out Warehouse Stations
Modular transfer stations from cost-effective fixed workstations to fully automated conveyor/AGV portals.
- Seamless AGV, AMR and conveyor interconnects
04Goods Shelving & Racks
High-grade structural steel racks with geometric tolerances engineered for stacker and shuttle clearance.
- Certified structural standards
- Extreme rigidity
05Control & Software Suite
Intelligent location control software with closed-loop positioning, connected directly to WMS and ERP.
- ERP/WMS API integration
- Real-time order & diagnostic tracking
Industries using Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
Plan your Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) project with our engineers
Share your facility layout, load profile and throughput targets — we will recommend the right configuration.
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