The company Etra d.o.o. works in the field of automatisation and robotisation of industrial processes. Etra d.o.o. has been present on the market for over 20 years and is one of the leading companies offering comprehensive industrial applications on the Slovenian and foreign markets. The aim of project I participated in was to design an automated high rack warehouse, from the planning to the final implementation phase. This Master's thesis includes a description of the rack warehouse, which serves to store bales of plastic sheeting. The warehouse enables storage of up to 2,300 pallets of various dimensions. The paper elaborates on the classification algorithms for pallets and the control system operation.
This paper firstly describes the hardware attached to the electrical and software parts. It also includes a description of the Siemens S7-414 controller and communication protocols that are used for the communication with peripheral units and a description of the software for PLC programming (STEP 7) and control systems (WinCC).
Subsequent chapters describe and outline the methods and algorithms for automatic warehouse operation. The warehouse is integrated into the client’s working process, so that it does not cause additional costs and time delays. Stacking algorithms allow a dynamic creation of storage cell positions, which results in higher density of stored products and increases flexibility in regards to product size. At the same time the algorithms sort identical or similar products together, thereby optimizing the operation of the warehouse. Collection algorithms ensure smooth supply of products in accordance with all export requirements. At the same time they allow different collection strategies, for example the collection of the selected range, according to the work order, the oldest cargo, etc. The warehouse is autonomous and the operators communicate and pass on their requirements exclusively through the internal logistics system.
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