Efficient logistics returned goods sorting and racking system

By using arrayed UHF RFID readers and path planning technology, the problem of low sorting efficiency in intelligent sorting systems has been solved, enabling efficient sorting and shelving of returned garments, shortening the shelving cycle, and avoiding sales risks caused by dwell time.

CN120922579APending Publication Date: 2025-11-11WUXI HYESOFT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511098151.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-06
Publication Date
2025-11-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing intelligent sorting systems, the fixed location of RFID readers leads to low sorting efficiency, fails to effectively improve the efficiency of multi-lane operation, and results in excessively long shelf cycles for returned clothing, which can easily cause sales opportunities to be lost due to the retention time exceeding seasonal transition points.

Method used

An ultra-high frequency RFID reader employing an array of linearly polarized and circularly polarized antennas, combined with the RSSI value and signal stability of the RFID radio frequency signal, enables a sorting robot to read RFID tag information on clothing one-to-one. The upper computer processor plans the path to avoid misreading and, in conjunction with a handling robot, achieves efficient sorting and shelving of clothing.

Benefits of technology

This has shortened the restocking cycle of returned clothing from one week to within three days, or even on the same day, avoiding the problem of losing sales opportunities due to the retention time exceeding the seasonal change point and reducing the risk of clothing backlog.

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Abstract

The invention discloses an efficient logistics returned goods sorting and shelving system, and belongs to the technical field of intelligent warehouse management. According to the system, the sorting robot has an RFID scanning function, the sorting robot does not need to be put in a fixed position in the sorting process, equivalently, a single-lane driving road section in a multi-lane driving road section is removed, and the sorting robot can immediately run according to a target sorting address of the sorting robot after the to-be-sorted clothes are put in the sorting robot; when the sorted clothes of the same type reach a certain number, the upper computer processor dispatches the carrying robot to carry the whole clothes to the storage shelf to be shelved, through the efficient logistics goods returning, sorting and shelving system, the cycle of shelving the returned clothes again can be shortened to be within three days from the original one week, even the clothes can be shelved on the same day, and the efficiency of the logistics goods returning, sorting and shelving system is improved. Therefore, the problem that sales windows are lost due to the fact that the residence time exceeds the season replacement nodes is solved, and the garment overstock risk is greatly reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system, belonging to the field of intelligent warehouse management technology. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, online shopping has become the mainstream choice for consumers' daily consumption, especially in the apparel sector. Thanks to its convenience, wide variety of styles, and price advantages, the apparel e-commerce market continues to expand. However, the widespread adoption of this consumption habit has also been accompanied by a significant increase in return rates—the average return rate for women's apparel e-commerce has exceeded 50%, with some stores even reaching 80%-90%.

[0003] When a large number of returned goods flow into merchants' warehouses, their subsequent processing becomes a new operational pain point. Returned clothing typically undergoes a complex process of sorting, quality inspection, disinfection, ironing, repackaging, and restocking, significantly lengthening the shelf life. Goods may lose their sales window due to prolonged storage beyond seasonal transitions. For example, if summer bestsellers like short-sleeved shirts and light skirts take 2-3 weeks or even longer to sort after returns, they may become unsuitable for the current market as temperatures drop and consumer demand shifts to heavier autumn styles, leading to inventory buildup. Similarly, if winter down jackets or coats remain in spring due to sorting delays, their seasonal attributes misalign with consumer demand, further reducing the likelihood of resale. Therefore, to shorten the shelf life of returned goods as much as possible, major brands have widely adopted intelligent sorting systems. During the sorting process, intelligent handling robots (such as AGVs and AMR robots) sort the repackaged clothing into different categories and locations, then transport them to the corresponding storage locations for resale.

[0004] When intelligent handling robots sort repackaged garments to different locations, they typically need to obtain the corresponding target sorting address based on the RFID information of the garments to be sorted. The RFID tags on the garments usually use the UHF band, characterized by long-distance identification and simultaneous reading of multiple tags. However, in sorting scenarios, this presents the problem of RFID readers simultaneously reading multiple RFID signals. Since intelligent handling robots in sorting scenarios need to read the RFID tag of the garment they are currently handling one-to-one, existing sorting systems usually place RFID readers at fixed locations. For example, the utility model patent with announcement number CN221987268U provides an intelligent automated warehouse workstation, which places an RFID reader at the connecting platform, where each robot carrying a cargo box needs to have its RFID information read. While this method of placing RFID readers at fixed locations ensures one-to-one reading, in practical applications, each robot must pass through this point before starting sorting and transportation. This is equivalent to adding a single-lane section to a multi-lane road, preventing further improvement in sorting efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the current problem of low efficiency in return sorting, this invention provides an efficient automated return sorting system, including a host computer processor, a sorting robot, and a transport robot. The system is used to repackage returned garments and put them back on the shelves. The sorting robot is used to sort the garments to be put on the shelves into different locations according to their categories. The transport robot is used to transport the sorted garments of the same category to the corresponding warehouse shelves.

[0006] Both the sorting robot and the handling robot include a robot body and a cargo-carrying component; the cargo-carrying component is located on top of the robot body and is used to place the clothing to be sorted; the robot body is equipped with a controller, an ultra-high frequency RFID reader, a positioning module and a communication module. The ultra-high frequency RFID reader is used to read the information of the RFID tags of the clothing placed on the cargo-carrying component. The positioning module is used to determine the current position information of the sorting robot. The communication module is used to communicate with the host computer processor.

[0007] Optionally, the reading direction of the antenna of the UHF RFID reader of the sorting robot is limited to directly above the sorting robot to avoid the UHF RFID reader reading information from other clothing RFID tags other than the cargo-carrying components of the sorting robot.

[0008] Optionally, the antenna of the UHF RFID reader of the sorting robot is an array-arranged linearly polarized antenna, an array-arranged circularly polarized antenna, or an array arrangement combination of linearly polarized antenna and circularly polarized antenna.

[0009] Optionally, the UHF RFID reader of the sorting robot is connected to its controller. After the controller reads the RFID radio frequency signal of the RFID tag through the UHF RFID reader, it sends all the read RFID radio frequency signals to the host computer processor so that the host computer processor can determine the RFID radio frequency signal corresponding to the clothing in each cargo-carrying component of the sorting robot based on the RSSI value and / or signal stability of the RFID radio frequency signal.

[0010] Optionally, the host computer processor determines the RFID radio frequency signal corresponding to the clothing in each cargo-carrying component of the sorting robot through multiple verifications.

[0011] Optionally, the positioning module uses a high-frequency RFID reader or a UWB tag.

[0012] Optionally, when the positioning module uses a high-frequency RFID reader, corresponding RFID tags are set in the driving areas of the sorting robot and the handling robot.

[0013] Optionally, the RFID tag includes coordinate information and area property information, wherein the area property refers to whether the current coordinate location is in a high-speed area or a free area.

[0014] Optionally, the UHF RFID reader of the transport robot is connected to its controller. After the controller reads the RFID tags of all the garments being transported through the UHF RFID reader, it obtains the location of the corresponding warehouse shelf by interacting with the host computer processor, and then automatically navigates to transport the garments to the corresponding warehouse shelf location for re-shelfing.

[0015] This invention also provides an efficient logistics return sorting and shelving method, which is implemented based on the above-mentioned system, wherein the host computer processor pre-stores the warehouse location information corresponding to various types of clothing, and the method includes:

[0016] Step 1: Place the garments to be put on the shelves into the cargo-carrying component of the empty sorting robot;

[0017] Step 2: The sorting robot reads the RFID tags and, through multiple interactions with the host computer, determines the RFID tag information of the clothing in the cargo-carrying components.

[0018] Step 3: The host computer processor or the sorting robot processor plans the sorting path for the clothing in the cargo-carrying components, and the sorting robot transports the clothing to the corresponding location according to the sorting path;

[0019] Step 4: When the quantity of a certain type of clothing sorted to the same location exceeds the predetermined quantity, the handling robot will move all the clothing sorted to that location to the corresponding storage location.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] By configuring the antenna shape and type of the RFID reader to limit its reading direction to directly above the sorting robot, and determining the target signal based on the RSSI value and stability of the RFID radio frequency signal, combined with multiple verification steps of the target signal, misreading is completely avoided. This allows for the creation of a sorting robot with RFID scanning capabilities. The sorting robot no longer needs to deliver goods to a fixed location, essentially eliminating a single-lane section in a multi-lane road. After receiving the garments to be sorted, the sorting robot can immediately proceed to its target sorting address. Once a certain quantity of the same type of garment has been sorted, the host computer processor schedules a transport robot to move the entire shipment to the warehouse shelves for shelving. Through this efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system, the restocking cycle for returned garments can be reduced from one week to within three days, or even on the same day. This avoids the problem of missing sales opportunities due to excessive storage time beyond seasonal transitions, significantly reducing the risk of garment overstocking. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the implementation environment of the efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a sorting robot in the efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna configuration of the sorting robot provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration of the antenna for the sorting robot provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] This embodiment provides an efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system, including a host computer processor, a sorting robot, and a handling robot. The system is used to repackage returned clothing and put it back on the shelves. The sorting robot sorts the clothing to be put on the shelves into different locations according to their categories, and the handling robot transports the sorted clothing of the same category to the corresponding warehouse shelves so that the clothing can be put back on the shelves. The clothing that has been put back on the shelves can then re-enter the sales process.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the complete and efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system has two areas: a storage rack area and a sorting area. The sorting area has a loading port and an unloading area. The unloading area has several cartons 3 positioned at different locations according to the type of clothing. Several sorting robots 1 move between the loading port and the unloading area, transporting clothing from the loading port to the unloading area and storing it in different cartons 3. When a carton 3 contains a certain quantity of clothing, a handling robot 6 transports it to the corresponding storage rack 7 in the storage rack area for shelving. Figure 1 After being returned and repackaged, the clothing is placed in large basket 5.

[0031] The garment can be dispensed manually or by the robotic arm 2. The location of the dispensing port can be set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, the robotic arm 2 is used as an example. A first dispensing port and a second dispensing port are set accordingly.

[0032] Clothing manufacturers typically store garments for sale on different storage shelves 7 in their warehouses, categorized by type. Upon receiving an order, they select the appropriate garments from the corresponding shelves according to the order, pack them together, and ship them. Returned and repackaged garments need to be stored on the appropriate storage shelves 7 before re-entering the sales process. In the efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system provided in this embodiment, the sorting robot 1 operates in the sorting area to sort garments for shelving into different boxes 3, while the handling robot 6 moves between the two areas to transport the sorted garments in the boxes 3 from the sorting area to the storage shelf area.

[0033] Both the sorting robot 1 and the handling robot 6 include a robot body and a cargo-carrying component. The cargo-carrying component is located on top of the robot body and is used to place the clothing to be sorted. The robot body is equipped with a controller, an ultra-high frequency RFID reader, a positioning module, and a communication module. The ultra-high frequency RFID reader is used to read the information of the RFID tags of the clothing placed on the cargo-carrying component. The positioning module is used to determine the current position information of the sorting robot. The communication module is used to realize communication with the host computer processor.

[0034] The sorting robot 1 can be either an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) or an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot). However, currently, neither AGVs nor AMRs used in sorting scenarios have RFID scanning capabilities because they cannot meet the requirement of one-to-one reading of their cargo-carrying components. This invention addresses this requirement by limiting the reading direction of the UHF RFID reader antenna and employing a specific reading algorithm to prevent misreading, thus enabling the sorting robot to have RFID scanning functionality. Considering the characteristics of AGVs and AMRs, as well as the overall system cost, this embodiment uses an AGV for sorting and an AMR for handling as an example.

[0035] Considering that AGVs typically use magnetic navigation, a magnetic navigation carpet is laid in the sorting area.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the cargo-carrying component of the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is a flipped pallet. The AGV includes a vehicle body 12 and a flipped pallet 11, with the flipped pallet 11 located on top of the vehicle body 12. In practical applications, the cargo-carrying component can also be selected from other forms, such as roller assemblies, depending on the needs of the actual scenario. The AMR (Automatic Mobile Robot) is a robot with autonomous navigation capabilities. Its cargo-carrying component is defined by its ability to carry a cargo box 3 containing several garments. For example, it can be a robotic arm type or a forklift type; this application does not limit this.

[0037] To address the requirement of sorting robots to read RFID tag information from garments on their cargo-carrying components one-to-one, this application designs its antenna as an array of linearly polarized antennas, an array of circularly polarized antennas, or an array combination of linearly polarized and circularly polarized antennas, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, where Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an array of linearly polarized antennas, consisting of nine linearly polarized antennas 100 arranged in an array. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a combination of linearly polarized and circularly polarized antennas, consisting of eight linearly polarized antennas 100 and one circularly polarized antenna 200. Figure 4 The combination shown is in Figure 3 Based on the combination shown, the central linearly polarized antenna 100 is replaced with a circularly polarized antenna 200 to achieve multi-angle signal reception. It should be noted that when using an array of circularly polarized antennas, the reading direction can be limited by defining the beam angle of the circularly polarized antenna.

[0038] The sorting robot's reading algorithm logic is as follows:

[0039] Step 1: Compare the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) values ​​of each RFID radio frequency signal acquired by the UHF RFID reader at the same time. The RFID radio frequency signal contains information such as the style, size, color, material, fabric, grade, and production date of the clothing.

[0040] Step 2: Select the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest RSSI value as the target signal, and analyze it to determine the target sorting address corresponding to the garment; the target sorting address is the location of the corresponding cargo box 3 in the sorting area where the garment is stored;

[0041] In this step, the most stable RFID radio frequency signal can also be selected as the target signal.

[0042] Step 3: Plan a route for the AGV based on the target sorting address and the AGV's current location, and send the route information to the AGV so that the AGV can transport the current goods to the target sorting address according to the planned route.

[0043] Step 4: After the AGV has traveled the predetermined distance, it will determine again whether the target signal is still the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest RSSI value. If the target signal is still the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest RSSI value, the AGV will continue to travel. Otherwise, the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest RSSI value at the current moment will be selected for parsing. The corresponding target sorting address will be determined based on the parsed address information or cargo information. The path will be replanned for the AGV based on the target sorting address and the current position of the AGV.

[0044] Similarly, in this step, the most stable RFID radio frequency signal can be selected as the target signal.

[0045] This re-judgment step can further prevent misreading. In practical applications, the target signal determined by N consecutive judgments can be set to be the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest RSSI value, which means that there is no misreading. N can be 2 or a value greater than 2 depending on the actual situation.

[0046] If multiple RFID radio frequency signals with the largest RSSI value are acquired by the UHF RFID reader at the same time, the correct target signal is determined by multiple judgments, or the judgment is made based on the stability of the RFID radio frequency signal, such as if the RSSI value of the RFID radio frequency signal is consistently stable within the error range.

[0047] The entire sorting process includes:

[0048] After being returned and repackaged, the garments are placed in the large cargo basket 5. The robotic arm 2 then places each package onto the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) trolley 1. The AGV trolley's UHF RFID reader reads its RFID radio frequency signal and, through information exchange with the host computer processor, obtains the planned route information. The AGV trolley then transports the corresponding packages along the path laid out by the magnetic navigation carpet 4 to the target sorting address for unloading. Specifically, this includes:

[0049] Step S1: Place the returned and repackaged garments into the flipping tray of the AGV trolley. The garment's RFID tag includes information such as the garment's style, size, color, material, fabric, grade, and production date.

[0050] In step S2, the AGV controller uses an ultra-high frequency RFID reader to read RFID tags, obtain RFID radio frequency signals, and sends the obtained RFID radio frequency signals to the host computer processor. At the same time, it also sends the current position information of the AGV to the host computer processor. The AGV uses its own positioning module to obtain the current position information.

[0051] Step S3: The host computer processor compares the RSSI values ​​of each RFID radio frequency signal acquired by the UHF RFID reader at the same time.

[0052] Step S4: The host computer processor selects the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest RSSI value as the target signal, and parses it to determine the target sorting address corresponding to the garment.

[0053] Step S5: The host computer processor plans a path for the AGV based on the parsed target sorting address and sends the planned path information to the AGV controller.

[0054] Step S6: After the AGV vehicle controller travels a predetermined distance or at a predetermined interval according to the planned path information, it uses the UHF RFID reader to read each RFID radio frequency signal again and sends each RFID radio frequency signal to the host computer processor.

[0055] Step S7: The host computer processor compares the RSSI values ​​of each RFID radio frequency signal and verifies whether the target signal selected in step S3 is the same signal as the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest current RSSI value.

[0056] Step S8: If the target signal selected in step S3 is the same as the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest current RSSI value, the AGV will continue to travel according to the planned path information; otherwise, proceed to step S9.

[0057] In step S9, the AGV controller uses the positioning module to obtain the current position information of the AGV and sends it to the host computer processor, repeating steps S4 to S8.

[0058] In the above steps, the AGV reduces the probability of misreading by determining that the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest current RSSI value is the same signal by making two consecutive judgments (i.e., N=2). In practical applications, the value of N can be adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, if there is still a certain misread rate after two consecutive judgments, then N can be 3 or a larger value. If the misread rate is zero after two consecutive judgments, then no further adjustment is needed. Of course, it is also possible to consider N=1 and then check at some point whether the RFID radio frequency signal with the largest current RSSI value is the previously determined target signal.

[0059] Furthermore, when congestion occurs during the sorting process, the AGV can resend its current location information and target signal to the host computer processor so that the host computer processor can replan the path. Moreover, when the host computer processor replans the path, it can take into account the situation of the magnetic navigation carpet 4 that is occupied in the sorting area and replan another path.

[0060] During the sorting process, the host computer processor monitors the operation of the AGVs within the sorting area to determine whether congestion has occurred. Specific methods for determining congestion include, but are not limited to:

[0061] ① The average delivery time of all AGVs in the sorting area exceeds the preset threshold;

[0062] ② The number of AGVs within a certain size range in the sorting area continuously exceeds the maximum allowed number of AGVs;

[0063] If congestion occurs in the sorting system, it can be resolved by adjusting the location of the loading or unloading ports. Since each AGV has its own scanning function, setting up a loading port at any other location in the sorting area will not affect the host computer processor's path planning. For example, if congestion occurs near the second loading port, the second loading port can be moved to location B. Or, if a large number of packages are loaded into a certain box 3 in the unloading area during a certain period, causing congestion on the path to that box, the box 3 can be moved to location A. When the return volume surges, loading ports can be added at any time, such as temporarily setting up a loading port at location C, so that a new sorting task can start immediately after the AGV unloads.

[0064] After adjusting the location of the loading or unloading port, the pre-stored loading port location and the corresponding cargo box address in the upper computer processor can be directly changed to the target sorting address in the sorting area. All AGVs in the current sorting area will reread the RFID radio frequency signal, and the upper computer processor will replan their paths, thereby solving the congestion problem.

[0065] To further improve sorting efficiency, a high-speed zone and a free zone can be set within the sorting area. Within the high-speed zone, all AGVs must move in the same direction. Figure 1 The arrows indicate the area; in the free area, the AGV can move freely.

[0066] The positioning module of the sorting robot uses a high-frequency RFID reader or a UWB tag. When a high-frequency RFID reader is used, corresponding RFID tags are set in the driving area of ​​the sorting robot and the handling robot. The RFID tags contain coordinate information and area property information. The area property refers to whether the current coordinate position is a high-speed area or a free area.

[0067] The UHF RFID reader of the handling robot is connected to its controller. After the controller reads the RFID tags of all the garments being handled by the UHF RFID reader, it interacts with the host computer to obtain the location of the corresponding warehouse shelf for that type of garment. Then, it automatically navigates and transports the garments to the corresponding warehouse shelf location for restocking.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] This embodiment provides an efficient logistics return sorting and shelving method, based on the system implementation provided in Embodiment 1. The host computer processor pre-stores the warehouse location information corresponding to various types of clothing, including:

[0070] Step 1: Place the garments to be put on the shelves into the cargo-carrying component of the empty sorting robot;

[0071] Step 2: The sorting robot reads the RFID tags and interacts with the host computer multiple times to determine the RFID tag information of the clothing in the cargo carrier component, so as to determine the location of the corresponding cargo box in the sorting area based on the RFID tag information.

[0072] The sorting robot and the host computer interact multiple times. Based on the RSSI value and stability of the RFID signal, the robot determines the RFID tag corresponding to the clothing transported by its cargo-carrying component. The specific method is described in Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0073] Step 3: The host computer processor or the sorting robot processor plans the sorting path for the clothing in the cargo-carrying components, and the sorting robot transports the clothing to the corresponding location according to the sorting path.

[0074] Typically, AGVs do not have autonomous navigation capabilities. Therefore, if a sorting robot uses an AGV, the host computer processor plans the sorting path for it. However, AMR robots have autonomous navigation capabilities. If a sorting robot uses an AMR robot, the AMR robot's processor plans the sorting path autonomously.

[0075] After the sorting path is planned, the sorting robot transports the garments to the corresponding location according to the sorting path and puts them into the cargo box at that location.

[0076] Step 4: When the quantity of a certain type of clothing sorted to the same location exceeds the predetermined quantity, the handling robot will move all the clothing sorted to that location to the corresponding storage location.

[0077] When the quantity of a certain type of clothing sorted to the same location exceeds the predetermined quantity, the host computer processor dispatches a handling robot to move the entire box at that location to the warehouse shelf area. The handling robot also reads the RFID tags of the clothing in the box through an UHF RFID reader, obtains the corresponding warehouse location information by interacting with the host computer processor, and autonomously navigates to the corresponding warehouse location for shelving.

[0078] Based on the efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system provided in this application, the cycle for restocking returned clothing can be reduced from one week to within three days, or even on the same day, thus avoiding the problem of losing sales opportunities due to the retention time exceeding the seasonal change node.

[0079] Some steps in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using software, and the corresponding software program can be stored in a readable storage medium, such as an optical disc or a hard disk.

[0080] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A highly efficient logistics return sorting and shelving system, characterized in that, The system includes a host computer processor, a sorting robot, and a handling robot. The system is used to repackage returned clothing and put it back on the shelves. The sorting robot is used to sort the clothing to be put on the shelves into different locations according to their categories. The handling robot is used to transport the sorted clothing of the same category to the corresponding warehouse shelves. Both the sorting robot and the handling robot include a robot body and a cargo-carrying component; the cargo-carrying component is located on top of the robot body and is used to place the clothing to be sorted; the robot body is equipped with a controller, an ultra-high frequency RFID reader, a positioning module and a communication module. The ultra-high frequency RFID reader is used to read the information of the RFID tags of the clothing placed on the cargo-carrying component. The positioning module is used to determine the current position information of the sorting robot. The communication module is used to communicate with the host computer processor.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reading direction of the antenna of the UHF RFID reader of the sorting robot is limited to directly above the sorting robot to avoid the UHF RFID reader reading information from other clothing RFID tags other than the cargo-carrying components of the sorting robot.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The antenna of the UHF RFID reader of the sorting robot is an array of linearly polarized antennas, an array of circularly polarized antennas, or an array combination of linearly polarized antennas and circularly polarized antennas.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sorting robot's UHF RFID reader is connected to its controller. After the controller controls the UHF RFID reader to read the RFID radio frequency signal of the RFID tag, it sends all the read RFID radio frequency signals to the host computer processor so that the host computer processor can determine the RFID radio frequency signal corresponding to the clothing in each cargo-carrying component of the sorting robot based on the RSSI value and / or signal stability of the RFID radio frequency signal.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The host computer processor determines the RFID radio frequency signal corresponding to the clothing in each cargo-carrying component of the sorting robot through multiple verifications.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning module uses a high-frequency RFID reader or a UWB tag.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the positioning module uses a high-frequency RFID reader, corresponding RFID tags are set in the driving areas of the sorting robot and the handling robot.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The RFID tag contains coordinate information and area information, where the area information refers to whether the current coordinate location is in a high-speed area or a free area.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The UHF RFID reader of the transport robot is connected to its controller. After the controller reads the RFID tags of all the garments being transported through the UHF RFID reader, it obtains the location of the corresponding warehouse shelf by interacting with the host computer processor, and then automatically navigates to transport the garments to the corresponding warehouse shelf location for restocking.

10. An efficient logistics return sorting and shelving method, characterized in that, The method is implemented based on the system described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the host computer processor pre-stores the storage location information corresponding to various types of clothing, and the method includes: Step 1: Place the garments to be put on the shelves into the cargo-carrying component of the empty sorting robot; Step 2: The sorting robot reads the RFID tags and, through multiple interactions with the host computer, determines the RFID tag information of the clothing in the cargo-carrying components. Step 3: The host computer processor or the sorting robot processor plans the sorting path for the clothing in the cargo-carrying components, and the sorting robot transports the clothing to the corresponding location according to the sorting path. Step 4: When the quantity of a certain type of clothing sorted to the same location exceeds the predetermined quantity, the handling robot will move all the clothing sorted to that location to the corresponding storage location.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Intelligent stereoscopic warehouse workstation and intelligent stereoscopic warehouse

    CN221987268U