The future of warehousing will not be defined by storage capacity alone, but by how intelligently every pallet, tote, carton, and order can move through the facility.As global supply chains become more complex, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are becoming an important part of modern warehouse automation. Companies are looking beyond conventional pallet racking and manual handling to improve storage density, inventory accuracy, order processing, and labor efficiency. China has also become an important sourcing market for automated warehouse systems, offering solutions that combine storage equipment, robotics, software, and system integration.
For international buyers, however, choosing an ASRS manufacturer in China is not simply about comparing equipment prices. The more important questions are whether the supplier can understand the warehouse process, customize the system, integrate WMS/WCS/ERP platforms, complete installation and commissioning, and provide reliable technical support after delivery.
This guide reviews several established names in the ASRS and warehouse automation sector and highlights what global buyers should evaluate before selecting a China ASRS manufacturer.
What Is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System?
An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) is a computer-controlled warehouse solution designed to automate the storage and retrieval of goods. Depending on the application, an ASRS can handle pallets, totes, cartons, trays, bins, or smaller components.
Modern ASRS solutions may combine stacker cranes, shuttle systems, AGVs, AMRs, conveyors, automated picking stations, and warehouse software. The system receives storage or retrieval instructions, identifies the correct inventory location, transports goods automatically, and updates inventory information through integrated software.
For warehouses with limited floor space or high inventory turnover, high-density automated storage can make better use of vertical space while reducing unnecessary manual movement.
Top ASRS Manufacturers and Suppliers for Global Buyers
The following table is intended as a practical shortlist rather than a strict worldwide ranking. Different manufacturers have different strengths, technologies, geographic coverage, and project capabilities.
| Manufacturer | Country / Region | Main ASRS & Automation Capabilities | Suitable Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riches Logistics | China | AS/RS, automated warehouses, AGV/AMR, WMS, WCS, intelligent sorting | Manufacturing, FMCG, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, 3PL |
| Daifuku | Japan | Unit-load ASRS, material handling, warehouse automation | Manufacturing, distribution, large logistics facilities |
| SSI SCHAEFER | Germany | ASRS, storage systems, shuttle and software solutions | Industrial warehouses, distribution centers |
| Dematic | Germany / Global | ASRS, conveyors, software, material handling | Large distribution and fulfillment operations |
| Swisslog | Switzerland | ASRS, robotics, warehouse software | E-commerce, healthcare, distribution |
| KNAPP | Austria | Automated storage, picking, software and robotics | Retail, pharmaceutical, e-commerce |
| Vanderlande | Netherlands | Automated logistics and warehouse systems | Distribution, airport and parcel logistics |
| Mecalux | Spain | Automated storage, racking and warehouse software | Industrial and distribution warehouses |
| Murata Machinery | Japan | Automated storage and material handling | Manufacturing and industrial logistics |
| Hai Robotics | China | Goods-to-person robotics and automated storage | E-commerce, 3PL and high-SKU warehouses |
Industry comparisons commonly identify companies such as Daifuku, Dematic, SSI SCHAEFER, KNAPP, Swisslog and others among major warehouse automation suppliers. The appropriate supplier ultimately depends on load type, throughput, software integration, warehouse layout, and service requirements rather than company size alone.
Riches Logistics – China ASRS Manufacturer for Customized Warehouse Automation
Riches Logistics is a China-basedautomated storage and retrieval system manufacturer and warehouse automation solution provider with more than 15 years of digital logistics expertise. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on intelligent warehousing, WMS, AS/RS, AGV/AMR robotics, intelligent sorting, and data visualization.
Its approach is different from simply supplying racks or individual warehouse machines. Riches provides a broader project service covering warehouse planning, system design, equipment integration, implementation, commissioning, and subsequent technical support.
Riches ASRS solutions can integrate crane-based storage, shuttle robots, cube-based storage, AGVs/AMRs, conveyors, and WMS/WES/WCS software. The systems are designed to handle different cargo types, including pallets, totes, trays, bins, cartons, and small parts.
For global buyers, this makes Riches particularly relevant when a project requires more than a standard ASRS rack system. The company can customize the warehouse automation architecture according to storage density, SKU characteristics, throughput, building conditions, and operational workflows.
Its solutions are used across manufacturing, cross-border e-commerce, FMCG, pharmaceutical, and other industrial applications. Riches also emphasizes integration with existing ERP, WMS and WCS platforms, allowing automated warehouse equipment to communicate with the customer's broader business systems.
Daifuku
Daifuku is a long-established material handling and warehouse automation supplier with extensive experience in automated storage, transportation, and distribution systems.
Its portfolio covers large-scale automated logistics applications and unit-load storage. For buyers managing complex manufacturing or distribution facilities, its experience in large automation projects can be an important consideration.
SSI SCHAEFER
SSI SCHAEFER combines storage equipment with warehouse automation and software technologies. Its solutions cover automated storage, shuttle systems, conveyors, picking, and warehouse management.
The company is often considered for projects where storage infrastructure and automation need to be designed as one integrated system.
Dematic
Dematic focuses on integrated material handling and warehouse automation. Its capabilities include ASRS, conveyors, sortation, picking technologies, controls, and software.
It is particularly relevant for large fulfillment and distribution environments where several automation technologies need to work together under centralized control.
Swisslog
Swisslog provides automated warehouse and distribution solutions that combine ASRS, robotics, software, and material handling technologies.
Its solutions are suited to industries requiring automated picking, dense storage, and coordinated warehouse workflows.
KNAPP
KNAPP specializes in intelligent warehouse automation, goods-to-person systems, picking, storage, and software. Its solutions are commonly associated with retail, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce operations.
For high-SKU environments, software coordination and accurate order fulfillment are particularly important when evaluating this type of automation provider.
Vanderlande
Vanderlande develops automated logistics systems for warehouses, distribution centers, airports, and parcel operations. Its capabilities extend beyond storage to transportation, sortation, and fulfillment.
For global logistics operations with complex material flows, a supplier with broad system integration capabilities can be advantageous.
Mecalux
Mecalux combines automated storage technology with industrial racking and warehouse management software. Its portfolio covers conventional and automated storage applications.
This combination can be useful for companies considering a gradual transition from traditional racking toward warehouse automation.
Murata Machinery
Murata Machinery provides automated material handling and storage solutions, particularly for industrial and manufacturing environments.
Its experience in factory logistics makes it relevant for businesses connecting warehouse automation with production material flows.
Hai Robotics
Hai Robotics is known for robotic goods-to-person warehouse solutions, particularly for tote and carton handling. Robotic storage can be attractive for high-SKU operations where flexibility and dense utilization are major priorities.
How to Choose the Right ASRS Manufacturer in China
Selecting an ASRS supplier in China should begin with the warehouse operation rather than the equipment catalog.
Start by identifying whether the warehouse mainly handles pallets, totes, cartons, trays, bins, or small components. Load dimensions, weight, packaging stability, and SKU characteristics directly influence the ASRS architecture.
Storage capacity alone does not determine whether a system is suitable. Buyers should evaluate required pallet positions, SKU quantity, inbound volume, outbound volume, peak-hour throughput, order lines, and retrieval frequency.
A modern automated warehouse depends heavily on software. Confirm whether the supplier can integrate WMS, WCS, WES, ERP, AGV/AMR control systems, and existing enterprise platforms.
Riches, for example, provides integration capabilities covering ERP, WMS and WCS environments and uses WCS technology to coordinate equipment such as AS/RS, conveyors, sorters and AMRs.
International buyers should ask who is responsible for warehouse planning, engineering design, equipment integration, installation, commissioning, operator training, and after-sales service.
A supplier that only manufactures individual equipment may require several additional contractors before the warehouse becomes operational. A turnkey automated warehouse solution provider can reduce coordination between different parties.
Warehouse requirements change as inventory and order volumes grow. A modular ASRS design should allow additional storage positions, robots, conveyors, software functions, or picking stations to be added without redesigning the entire system.
Why Global Buyers Consider Chinese ASRS Manufacturers
Chinese warehouse automation suppliers have become increasingly attractive to international buyers because the Chinese market has developed a broad manufacturing ecosystem covering storage equipment, robotics, conveyors, controls, software, and system integration.
However, the most competitive quotation is not necessarily the best solution. The total project value should include engineering quality, integration capability, commissioning, spare parts, technical support, system reliability, and future scalability.
For buyers sourcing China automated storage and retrieval systems, the key is to compare complete project capabilities rather than individual machine prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASRS
ASRS can be designed for pallets, totes, cartons, trays, bins, containers, and small parts. The appropriate technology depends on product dimensions, load weight, SKU characteristics, and required throughput.
Yes. Modern ASRS projects can connect with WMS, WES, WCS and ERP platforms through standard or customized interfaces. Integration should be confirmed during the engineering stage rather than after equipment installation.
Yes. ASRS is not limited to large distribution centers. Compact shuttle systems, tote automation, VLMs, and robotic storage can be designed for facilities where floor space is limited and vertical space needs to be utilized efficiently.
Traditional pallet racking normally requires forklifts or manual handling for storage and retrieval. ASRS combines storage infrastructure with automated equipment and control software, allowing inventory movement to be managed with significantly less manual intervention.
Compare system design capability, load handling technology, throughput, storage density, software integration, customization, installation capability, after-sales support, spare parts availability, and experience with similar warehouse environments. Price should be evaluated together with the complete project scope.
Riches combines more than 15 years of digital logistics experience with AS/RS, WMS, WCS, AGV/AMR, intelligent sorting, warehouse planning, system integration, and implementation capabilities. Its ASRS solutions can be customized for different cargo types and warehouse layouts, while its one-stop service covers planning, design, deployment, commissioning, and post-project support.
Conclusion
The best ASRS manufacturer in China is not necessarily the company offering the lowest equipment quotation. Global buyers should look for a partner capable of understanding the complete warehouse process, selecting the right storage technology, integrating software and automation equipment, and supporting the project throughout its operational lifecycle.
For companies seeking a customized automated storage and retrieval system, Riches offers a combination of digital logistics experience, AS/RS technology, WMS/WCS integration, AGV/AMR robotics, warehouse planning, and turnkey implementation. Its solutions are designed to help manufacturers, e-commerce operators, FMCG companies, pharmaceutical businesses, and logistics providers build denser, more transparent, and more scalable warehouse operations.
When comparing China ASRS manufacturers for global supply needs, buyers should therefore evaluate technology, integration, engineering, service, and long-term scalability together. The right automation partner is the one that can turn warehouse requirements into a reliable operating system-not simply deliver a piece of equipment.






