Order pickers With the horizontal order picker, the operator is in a fixed position and the forks lift to allow horizontal movements; with the vertical order picker (see Figure 5.8c), the operator can be lifted to enable the retrieval of pallets at different heights.......
Stacker cranes These are systems integrated into automated storage and retrieval systems, also known as AS/RSs (see Figure 5.9), which are computer-controlled systems for storing and retrieving packages. They are made up of a platform (necessary to carry out the storage and retrieval operation of the load unit in the storage locations) fixed to a column crane that enables vertical transfer. The column is in turn fixed to the floor and to the ceiling by means of castors that allow the horizontal transfer movement of the stacker crane within the aisle. The advantages that this kind of system brings are that it provides the possibility of using narrow aisles, speed of movements and high precision in the load units’ storage and picking activities. In a highly sophisticated system, multiple stacker cranes can be assigned to one aisle.