Phase II Proposal for the Fully Automated Cargo Handling System

Automated or semi-automated storage and retrieval systems (S-AS/RS) improve the efficiency of and reduce manpower required for storing, retrieving and tracking inventory. Implementation of such a system is one objective of the next generation CVNX aircraftcarrier. A preliminary design for this type of a material handling system was developed by BEC in Phase I of this SBIR, combining known technologies from several industries. This system will decrease the time needed to re-supply the ship and retrievesupplies on demand, while increasing the stowage capacity of the ship, and the computer inventory system will easily and reliably track material usage and capacity, making inventory management reliable and dependable. The design was based on severalinspections of Naval ships and input from Naval personnel, in addition to working closely with New Port News, Northrop Grumman and NAVSEA Staff. In Phase II of this SBIR the design of the system will be demonstrated and a scaled, proof of concept prototypewill be designed, constructed, and tested. This will result in a cost effective, rugged, user-friendly, and operationally reliable S-AS/RS, which satisfies shipboard constraints and restrictions. The system configuration increases storage capacity andstorage efficiency while meeting the time constraints of the ORD.BENEFITS: Once developed, the BEC AS/RS concept will result in labor, space, and economic savings to the Navy. The concept can also be directly applied to the storage and retrieval ofmunitions aboard Naval Ships. The system efficiencies discussed in this report will carry over directly into munitions handling, and markedly improve the Navy's ability to automatically transfer munitions and supply them during critical need times. The useof one material handling system throughout the ship would also have tremendous benefits.The development of the BEC AS/RS can have enormous impact on a multitude of industries in addition to obvious choices such as Navy ships, commercial cargo ships and cruise liners. Anticipated commercial applications include any environment that requiresroutine transfer of materials, including land based warehousing, and automated vehicle storage and retrieval.