Automated storage and retrieval system comprising container identification means and methods of identifying a container or a vehicle

A method of identifying at least one storage container in an automated storage and retrieval system, the automated storage and retrieval system comprising guiding assembly comprising a first guiding system arranged in a first horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second guiding system arranged in a second horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, and a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns below the first and second guiding systems, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening of a plurality of adjacent grid cells, the grid cells forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane, a transport mechanism for transporting a vehicle along the first and second guiding systems in the first and second directions, the vehicle comprising a lifting device for picking up storage containers from the storage columns to a position above the highest level of the storage columns using a lifting device comprising a lifting frame connectable to a storage container, the method comprising:

• controlling a vehicle to a position above a storage column in which storage column a storage container is assumed to be found,
• lowering the lifting frame to a position of a storage container,
• utilizing at least one reader which is powered and signally connected to onboard controls and communications systems of the vehicle via cables arranged in lifting bands, wherein the at least one reader is positioned on the lifting frame to read storage container information comprised in at least one label positioned inside of the storage container such as to identify the storage container.

A vehicle operable on an automated storage and retrieval system, the vehicle comprises:

• a transport mechanism for transporting the vehicle along a first guiding system in a X direction and a second guiding system in a Y direction, which Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction,
• a lifting device for picking up storage containers from storage columns arranged below the vehicle to a position above the highest level of the storage columns,
• wherein the lifting device comprises a lifting frame connectable to a storage container via lifting bands comprising powering and control cables for controlling a gripping device on the lifting frame,
• wherein the vehicle further comprises at least one reader for reading at least one label positioned inside a storage container such as to identify the storage container, and
• wherein the at least one reader is arranged on the lifting frame of the vehicle and is powered and signally connected to onboard controls and communications systems of the vehicle via cables arranged in the lifting bands.