Analytical performance calculation approach for an RCS/RS with several robots

Abstract

Robot-operated automated container small parts storage (RCS/RS) systems offer numerous advantages. However, until now, neither simple nor quickly solvable analytical throughput calculation models have been developed. As a result, customers, suppliers, and consultants still rely on the results of manufacturers' numerical simulation models without knowing whether the system is operating at an optimal point. This paper presents a time-continuous and path-discrete cycle time model and, based on that, a single-queueing model that allows the throughput of an RCS/RS with multiple robots to be calculated analytically. The model, validated through discrete event simulation, offers the ability to implement any desired item access distribution.