The MDS ASRS is four-way shuttle system for high-density storage that moves away from crane-reliant automation. Developed from the team’s experience in ASRS solutions, the system is designed to simplify operations whilst improving warehouse productivity.
Since 2005, Dexion has delivered high-end solutions for major Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) installations to global brands across Asia Pacific. These projects rely on large-scale crane technology to manage pallet storage and retrieval in high bay warehouses, with heights reaching beyond 40 metres.
In conventional ASRS, a service requirement or failure in the crane system will cause operations to be halted along an entire aisle, disrupting workflow. Downtimes can bring financial losses and also affect the brand reputation for not fulfilling orders in a timely manner. Crane systems also come with high investments and are costly to build and maintain.
Dexion’s MDS ASRS introduces a different approach. Instead of cranes that move on rails embedded on warehouse floors, autonomous shuttles travel within compact racking systems in multi-directions across different levels.
Each shuttle comes in 16-wheel configuration that allows horizontal and vertical movement between levels, removing the need for additional material handling equipment. These shuttles operate independently which keeps productivity running even if a breakdown happens in one of the shuttles. In addition to its thoughtful mechanical design, another area of focus is the system software which has been developed from scratch.
Damian Cross, Group Managing Director of Dexion Asia Pacific emphasised the importance of this element, “The software is the critical part of any automation system. We developed both the shuttles and the software in-house. With our experience in the business, we were able to pre-empt potential issues and create a system that delivers reliability and security to our customers.”
With fewer moving parts and a simpler design, the MDS ASRS lowers maintenance demands and operating costs. Its modular design allows warehouses to start small and expand as storage needs grow.
“Our team provides 24/7 remote support, which includes real-time monitoring, proactive troubleshooting and fast interventions when required.” added Cross.
“This support offers peace of mind and assurance that we will be there to keep operations running without interruptions,” he added.
Dexion’s MDS ASRS tagline “Rethink ASRS” is a forward-looking perspective on how ASRS systems do not need to be complex and clunky. As the MDS ASRS demonstrates, it can be simple yet smart and highly efficient, delivering reliability and performance in today’s competitive marketplace.
