A systematic literature review on grid-based compact storage systems with temporary aisles

Abstract

Compact storage systems for small parts – in which unit loads are stored in a dense arrangement where access requires their temporary relocation – have gained increasing practical relevance in space-constrained environments. Despite the commercial success of systems such as AutoStore, OSRS, and PowerCube, academic research remains limited and fragmented, partly due to the absence of a standardized taxonomy and consistent terminology, and partly because relevant research questions span multiple disciplines, including operations research (modeling, complexity analysis, and storage and retrieval strategies) and robotics (shuttle control). To address this gap, this article presents a systematic literature review that (i) standardizes terminology and system definitions, (ii) describes and classifies existing system types, and (iii) consolidates and synthesizes the existing body of literature by organizing contributions into two core research perspectives: Physical Design, Analysis and Optimization, which addresses the physical configuration of the system, and Operational Strategy and Control, which addresses storage assignment policies, retrieval sequencing, and real-time control decisions. The review reveals two distinct system types, each with a different research emphasis. Nevertheless, both share similar shortcomings: limited cross-disciplinary integration and a lack of common benchmarks, which complicate progress. These findings suggest that establishing common problem formulations and taxonomic standards is a prerequisite for advancing both theoretical understanding and practical application of compact storage systems.