Automated storage and retrieval systems have been
widely used in distribution and production environments
since their introduction in the 1950s. An automated storage
and retrieval system (AS/RS) usually consists of racks
served by cranes running through aisles between the racks.
An AS/RS is capable of handling pallets without the interference
of an operator, thus the system is fully automated.
Both in production and distribution environments AS/RSs
are used for putting products (e.g., raw materials or (semi-)
finished products) in storage and for retrieving those products
from storage to fulfill an order. Between 1994 and
2004, there has been a significant increase in the number
of AS/RSs used in distribution environments in the United
States (Automated Storage Retrieval Systems Production
Section of the Material Handling Industry of America,