Automated storage systems play a key role in modern distribution and production logistics. Shuttle storage systems are gaining increasing importance, as they combine high storage density with short storage and retrieval times. In such systems, automated shuttles operate on multiple storage levels along storage aisles and transport load carriers between storage locations and transfer stations. The different levels are interconnected via lifts.
Modern shuttle systems often include additional cross-aisle connections between storage aisles. This enables shuttles to switch between aisles and process transport orders more flexibly. However, this increased flexibility also leads to higher control complexity. In particular, conflicts or blockages between shuttles may occur under high system utilization. A key aspect in this context is dispatching control, where decisions are made regarding the assignment of storage and retrieval orders to individual shuttles. Different dispatching strategies can have a significant impact on performance indicators such as throughput, order lead time, and waiting times within the system.
The objective of this thesis is to model a shuttle storage system and to compare, further develop, and analyze different strategies for assigning storage and retrieval orders to shuttles. Within the scope of simulation experiments, the impact of different dispatching rules on system performance is evaluated.
The thesis provides practical insights into the simulation of modern intralogistics systems.
If you are interested, please contact Judith Schulze.