AS/RS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems)
AS/RS replaces forklifts and manual picking with automated cranes, shuttles, or mini-load systems that store and retrieve loads on command. It's a capital-intensive leap, but for operations running 24/7 with high throughput demands, it eliminates labor constraints, maximizes cube utilization, and delivers consistent speed that manual systems can't match.
Learn more about as/rs (automated storage & retrieval systems) ↓AS/RS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems) Suppliers (37)
ABCO Systems
AR Racking Inc.
International manufacturer of industrial racking and storage systems with US operations in Charlotte, NC. Part of the Arania Group. Designs, manufactures, and installs a full range of storage solutions with a 5-year quality warranty.
Automha Americas
Manufacturer of semi-automated and fully automated warehouse storage and retrieval systems including pallet shuttle systems and deep-lane automated storage solutions.
BlueSkye Automation
Cisco-Eagle
Cisco-Eagle is a full-service material handling systems integrator and distributor providing pallet rack shelving conveyor mezzanine and warehouse automation solutions since 1970.
Element Logic
Engineered Products
EQSolutions
Warehouse systems integration division of Equipment Depot, America's largest material handling dealer group with 50+ locations. Designs and implements racking, shelving, mezzanines, AS/RS, and automated storage systems.
Frazier Industrial Company
Frazier Industrial is the largest producer of 100% structural steel pallet rack systems in North America. With 10 fabrication facilities they serve industries including manufacturing automotive cold storage and e-commerce.
GEBHARDT Intralogistics North America
German-headquartered ASRS manufacturer with US subsidiary in Streetsboro, OH. Designs and builds shuttle systems, stacker cranes, conveyor systems, and complete automated storage and retrieval solutions.
Hanel Storage Systems
HANSEN-RICE, INC.
Interlake Mecalux
Interlake Mecalux is among the leading companies in the storage systems market specializing in the design manufacturing and sale of steel racking warehouse automation and warehouse management software.
Jiangsu NOVA Intelligent Logistics Equipment Co., Ltd
Kardex
KNAPP Logistics Automation, Inc.
KNAPP is the reliable technology partner for value chain innovation. Headquartered in Austria with 49 subsidiaries worldwide, KNAPP provides proven software and hardware solutions for intelligent logistics automation, from production and distribution to the point of sale. A collaborative approach and excellent service position KNAPP as a trusted, stable partner for success in healthcare, retail, fashion and apparel, food retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and e-commerce. For more information visit: https://www.knapp.com/en/.
Logic Material Handling
Full-service material handling company offering pallet rack installation dismantling and relocation services with nationwide coverage from Saint Charles Missouri.
LTW Intralogistics
Austrian ASRS manufacturer (Doppelmayr Group) with US subsidiary since 2000. Manufactures stacker cranes and turnkey AS/RS systems for high-bay warehouses, cold storage, and heavy-load applications up to 18 tons.
NPSG Global
Numina Group Inc.
Roller Die + Forming
Sammons Warehouse Solutions
Sammons Warehouse Solutions is a systems integrator providing holistic warehouse solutions including AS/RS, conveyance, pallet racking, mezzanines, software, and controls.
SAVOYE Inc.
Shelving + Rack Systems
Established in 1979, provides new and used pallet racking, shelving, conveyor systems, and automated storage solutions. Full turnkey intralogistics provider with installation services.
SSI Schaefer
SSI Schaefer is a global leader in warehouse and logistics systems providing racking shelving automated storage and retrieval systems and warehouse management software. Founded in Germany in 1937.
Stanley Black & Decker Smart Storage Solutions
Steel King Industries
Steel King Industries is a leading single-source manufacturer of structural steel storage racks and material handling products. Founded in 1970 they manufacture all products in the USA using only US steel.
Stoecklin Logistics Inc.
Stow US Inc.
SupplyPoint
System Logistics Corporation
Twinlode Automation
UNIRAK
UNIRAK manufactures quality pallet rack and storage products made in the USA at their Taylor Michigan facility. They offer selective drive-in push-back carton flow and mezzanine systems with quick-ship options.
VARGO®
Vidir Solutions
Manufacturer of vertical automated storage and retrieval systems for a wide range of applications. Designs space-saving vertical carousels and lift modules for warehouse and industrial storage.
Webb-Stiles Company
Westfalia Technologies, Inc.
When to Choose AS/RS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems)
- ✓Labor is your biggest bottleneck — you can't hire or retain enough warehouse workers
- ✓You need consistent throughput around the clock (24/7 operations)
- ✓Accuracy requirements are extremely high (pharma, aerospace, electronics)
- ✓Your building height allows dense vertical storage (40-100+ feet)
- ✓You're handling high volumes of same-size loads (pallets or totes) repeatedly
Key Specs to Ask About
- •System type (unit-load crane, mini-load, shuttle, carousel, vertical lift module)
- •Throughput rate (loads per hour — both storage and retrieval)
- •Storage capacity (total positions and position dimensions)
- •Load size and weight range
- •WMS/WCS integration requirements
- •Maintenance and spare parts availability
- •Aisle configuration (single-deep, double-deep, multi-deep)
Common Applications
- •High-volume e-commerce fulfillment
- •Pharmaceutical and medical device distribution
- •Cold storage (reducing human time in freezer environments)
- •Automotive parts distribution
- •Manufacturing production line feeding
How It Compares
| Factor | AS/RS | Manual Rack + Forklifts |
|---|---|---|
| Labor requirement | Minimal — automated operation | Forklift operators for every aisle |
| Throughput consistency | 24/7 steady state | Depends on operator availability and skill |
| Capital cost | $$$$$ (millions for a full system) | $ (rack is cheap, labor is ongoing) |
| Flexibility | Low — systems are engineered for specific operations | High — add bays, change layouts easily |
| Space utilization | Extreme — 40-100+ feet, narrow aisles, no lighting needed | Good — but limited by aisle width and operator reach |
| Payback period | 3-7 years (driven by labor savings) | Immediate (low upfront cost) |
AS/RS trades flexibility and low upfront cost for labor reduction, consistency, and extreme density. It makes sense when labor is your biggest constraint and you have the volume to justify the investment. Manual rack makes sense for everything else.
Buyer Tips
Run the ROI math honestly. AS/RS makes sense when labor savings, accuracy improvements, and density gains together justify the investment — not just one factor alone.
Plan for maintenance from day one. These systems need dedicated technicians and a spare parts inventory on-site. Downtime on an AS/RS is far more disruptive than a forklift breaking down.
Your WMS must integrate tightly with the AS/RS controls. Budget for this integration work — it's often 15-25% of the total project cost and the piece most likely to cause delays.
Start with a simulation. Reputable integrators will model your SKU profile, order patterns, and throughput requirements before recommending a system type.
The first AS/RS installation in the US was built in 1962 for a manufacturing plant. Sixty years later, the technology has gone from novelty to necessity for high-volume operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an AS/RS system cost?
What's the typical ROI timeline?
Can AS/RS work in an existing building?
What happens when the system goes down?
Some of the world's largest automated warehouses operate in total darkness. The robots don't need lights, so they just... don't turn them on. Workers call them 'dark warehouses.'
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