Automated storage and retrieval system and a method of transporting storage containers between an automated storage and retrieval grid and a second location

Abstract

An automated storage and retrieval system includes an automated storage and retrieval grid and a delivery system. The automated storage and retrieval grid includes a container handling vehicle rail system and a delivery column. The container handling vehicle rail system is for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles. The delivery column is adapted for transport of a storage container from a container handling vehicle to a delivery port situated at a lower end of the delivery column, and further adapted for transport of a storage container from the delivery port to the container handling vehicle. The storage container is configured to be stored in a stack of storage containers beneath the container handling vehicle rail system. The delivery system includes a remotely operated delivery vehicle, which includes a container carrier adapted to support the storage container. The delivery vehicle is further adapted to transport the storage container between a delivery port and a second location for handling of the storage container by at least one of a robotic operator and a human operator.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.