Abstract: A storage container, which is for an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), is configured to be stacked in a stack of storage containers where an underlying storage container supports the storage container(s) positioned above. The storage container is adapted to be lifted by grippers on a lifting device such that the storage container can be lifted from above. The storage container includes a base, four sides, and four corner posts. The four sides are each hingedly connected to an edge of the base. The four corner posts are each configured to interconnect a pair of adjacent sides to each other in a horizontal direction when the sides are positioned substantially 90 degrees relative the base and relative each other.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure. The framework structure includes upright members, a storage volume comprising columns provided between the members, and a rail system provided on top of the members. Storage containers are stackable in stacks within the columns. The automated storage and retrieval system includes an access station and container handing vehicles configured to move on the rail system. The framework structure includes an access station compartment. The access station compartment comprises an access module, wherein the access module is one single independent access module with a self-supporting frame provided with wheels. The one single independent access module with a self-supporting frame is insertable into and retrievable out from the access station compartment.

Abstract: An access station, which is for presentation of a storage container from an automated storage and retrieval system to a picker, includes an access module, a drawer, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The access module includes a frame defining a drawer compartment provided within the frame. The drawer includes a drawer base and a drawer front. The drawer is movably connected to the frame. The first actuator is for moving the drawer relative to the frame between a presentation position in which the drawer is protruding from the drawer compartment and a retracted position in which the drawer is retracted within the drawer compartment. The drawer base includes a support on which the storage container can be supported in a front position or in a rear position. The second actuator is for moving the storage container from the front position to the rear position.

Abstract: A system for providing secure storage and retrieval of storage containers linked to different users includes an automated storage and retrieval system, a main control system, and a user interface. The automated storage and retrieval system has a framework structure defining a storage grid for storing storage containers arranged in stacks in storage columns and at least one container handling vehicle configured to raise storage containers from and lower storage containers into the storage columns and to transport storage containers to a container transport assembly connecting the automated storage and retrieval system to a plurality of interaction areas for accessing and transferring storage containers to and from the automated storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A method and computer program product controls the transferring of a storage container for storing items by transferring the storage container via access station at an interaction area among a plurality of interaction areas of an automated storage and retrieval system. The storage container is linked to a user and items stored. The method performed by the computer program product includes specific modules performing different steps of the method. The modules include a user identification module processing user identification data and giving access to the system, a registration module registering items to be stored in an inventory database, a search module for searching for stored items in the inventory database, a presentation module presenting search results and items stored, and an execution module generating instructions that via a communication module is instructing a system controller of the automated storage and retrieval system to retrieve or store a specific storage container.

Abstract: A station for providing access to contents in a storage container of an automated storage and retrieval system comprising:—an access barrier comprising an opening, and a plurality of covers, wherein each cover is arranged to be selectively deployed to close off a respective portion of the opening;—a loading mechanism arranged to receive the storage container and move it to the opening of the access barrier; and—a housing which is able to prevent access to the opening of the access barrier; wherein the station (10) is arranged to transition between;—a loading configuration in which access to the opening of the access barrier is prevented by the housing, and—an access configuration in which the opening of the access barrier is presented to thereby enable access to contents of the storage container through the opening.