Automated Storage & Retrieval
ACR/CTU Racking Systems
Robot-based automated container storage for high-density warehousing. ACR (Autonomous Case-handling Robots) and CTU (Case Transfer Unit) systems store and retrieve totes and cartons at speed — maximising storage in a fraction of the floor space. Supplied and integrated from our Dandenong South facility.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
ACR / CTU racking systems combine high-density steel racking with autonomous robots that store and retrieve goods automatically. ACR (Autonomous Case-handling Robots) travel the racking structure to pick individual cases and totes, while CTU (Case Transfer Unit) systems shuttle containers between storage locations and pick stations. Together they deliver goods-to-person picking — the product comes to the operator, not the other way around.
Designed for operations where floor space is tight and throughput matters, ACR/CTU systems store far more in the same footprint than conventional selective racking.
They suit e-commerce fulfilment, 3PL, cold storage, spare parts, pharmaceuticals, and any warehouse handling large volumes of totes or cartons. CH Racking & Displays supplies and integrates these systems from our Dandenong South facility across Melbourne and New Zealand.
Because the racking structure is purpose-built to the robots' travel paths and load specifications, every ACR/CTU installation is engineered to the site — from bay dimensions and level heights through to controls integration with your warehouse management system.
KEY FEATURES
Autonomous case handling
Robots pick and place totes and cartons automatically — no manual travel through aisles
High-density storage
Store far more in the same footprint — deep, tall racking with minimal wasted aisle space
Goods-to-person picking
Product is delivered to the operator at a pick station — faster picks, fewer errors
Scalable & WMS-integrated
Add robots or bays as volume grows; integrates with your warehouse management system
WHY AUTOMATE
What ACR / CTU systems deliver
Automated container storage changes the economics of a warehouse — more stock in less space, picked faster with fewer people walking the floor.
HOW IT WORKS
From storage to pick station in four steps
1
Store
Totes and cartons are placed into high-density racking, tracked by the control system.
2
Retrieve
On an order, an ACR robot locates and retrieves the required case from the racking.
3
Transfer
The CTU shuttles the container to a workstation via lifts and conveyor paths.
4
Pick
The operator picks at an ergonomic station; the container returns to storage.
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
Who uses ACR / CTU systems?
Best suited to operations handling large volumes of totes, cases, or cartons where floor space is limited and speed matters.
E-commerce fulfilment centres
Pharmaceutical & healthcare
Electronics & components
3PL & logistics operators
Spare parts & automotive
Publishing & media distribution
Cold & chilled storage
Retail & consumer goods DCs
High-volume general warehousing
SUPPLY & INTEGRATION
ACR / CTU supply and integration
CH Racking & Displays supplies and integrates ACR/CTU automated storage systems from our facility at 10–16 Evolution Drive, Dandenong South VIC 3175. Because every automated system is engineered to the site, we work with you from concept and layout through to racking supply, installation, and controls integration with your warehouse management system — serving Melbourne, Victoria, and New Zealand.
SYSTEM COMPARISON
ACR / CTU vs Conventional racking
ACR / CTU Automated System Recommended for Volume
Robot-driven, high-density, goods-to-person. Best for high-throughput operations with many SKUs and tight floor space.
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Up to 4× storage density in the same footprint
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Automated 24/7 pick and retrieval
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Far less operator walking time
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Scales by adding robots or bays
Conventional Selective Racking
Forklift-loaded, manually picked. Lower upfront cost and simple to operate, but less efficient at high volume.
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Lower storage density — wide aisles required
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Manual travel and picking
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Throughput limited by labour
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Lower upfront investment
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What is an ACR racking system?
ACR stands for Autonomous Case-handling Robot. An ACR racking system pairs high-density steel racking with robots that travel the structure to store and retrieve individual cases and totes automatically — delivering goods-to-person picking without operators walking the aisles.
How much more storage does an ACR/CTU system provide?
Automated container storage can achieve substantially higher density than conventional selective racking — often several times more in the same footprint — because it removes wide forklift aisles and uses the full height and depth of the racking. Actual density depends on your product profile, ceiling height, and system configuration.
Is ACR/CTU suitable for cold storage?
Yes — automated container storage is well suited to cold and chilled environments, where reducing the time people spend inside low-temperature areas is a major benefit. Systems can be specified for cold-storage operation as part of the design.
What is the difference between ACR and CTU?
ACR (Autonomous Case-handling Robots) pick and place individual cases within the racking. CTU (Case Transfer Unit) systems shuttle containers between storage locations and pick stations, often via lifts and conveyors. In practice the two work together — ACR handles case-level movement, CTU handles transfer to the operator.
Can an ACR/CTU system integrate with my WMS?
Yes. ACR/CTU systems are designed to integrate with your warehouse management system (WMS) so orders flow automatically from your existing software to the robots. Integration is scoped as part of the project design.
Do you supply ACR/CTU systems in Melbourne and New Zealand?
Yes — CH Racking & Displays is based in Dandenong South and supplies and integrates ACR/CTU automated storage systems across Melbourne, Victoria, New Zealand and for projects Australia-wide. Contact us to discuss your operation and arrange a consultation.
