AI Compatible Key Hardware Design for Smart Warehouse: A Practical Implementation

This study conducted a hardware design approach of critical smart warehouse key components with the desire to best support digital transformation and AI implementation. Specifically, three important constituents related to the three main areas of a smart warehouse (i.e., mechanical, controller, and data collection algorithm), including telescopic fork mechanisms for AS/RS stacker cranes, multilayer industrial controller, and an effective algorithmic data collection solution was created and demonstrated. The strict requirements of pallet storage smart warehouse comprise (1) mechanical mechanism: high payload, high positioning accuracy, low taping deformation, high acceleration transmission, and low noise; (2) controller: industrial standard, cloud database communication, and storage, accurate inventory, stock keeping unit planning, inventory management, circulating conveyor system, and control of incoming and exiting items; (3) data collection: high capacity with 1000 pallets storage, pallet circulation, and management code reassignment, and continuous operation; and the desire for the compatibility and possibility of complementing IoT and AI add-ins in the future has been considered and guaranteed. The results show that the input design parameters and constraints are well captured and assured.