Unmanned delivery system and method

By optimizing 5G industrial private networks, high-precision control of unmanned overhead cranes, and dynamic anti-collision strategies, combined with a safe operation mechanism for manual packaging areas, the problems of manual reliance, low efficiency, and safety hazards in traditional warehouse shipping have been solved. This has enabled full automation and intelligence of the warehouse shipping process, improving shipping efficiency and reducing labor costs and steel coil damage rates.

CN120964442APending Publication Date: 2025-11-18HEBEI IRON AND STEEL +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511268660.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-05
Publication Date
2025-11-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional warehouse delivery operations suffer from high reliance on manual labor, low efficiency, significant safety hazards, and severe information silos, making it difficult to achieve the requirements of fully unmanned, second-level response, and zero-error smart logistics.

Method used

By employing a 5G industrial private network, high-precision control of unmanned overhead cranes, dynamic anti-collision strategies, and a safe operation mechanism for the manual packing area, combined with intelligent scheduling algorithms, the entire process of warehouse delivery is automated and intelligent.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves delivery efficiency, reduces labor costs and steel coil damage rate, and realizes full-process automation and intelligence of unmanned warehouse technology, which has economic and social value.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an unmanned delivery system and method, and belongs to the technical field of logistics and unmanned equipment and methods. According to the technical scheme, a 5G industrial private network module is in communication connection with an unmanned crown block control module, a dynamic anti-collision strategy module, a scheduling system and a manual packaging area safe operation module; the unmanned crown block control module comprises an electronic anti-swing device, a clamp force sensing device and a laser positioning device, and automatic clamping and accurate coil falling of a steel coil are achieved. The dynamic anti-collision strategy module is connected with the unmanned crown block control module, and the minimum safe distance is 12 meters; the manual packaging area safe operation module is provided with a safe interlocking mechanism and an optimized layout structure, and cooperative operation of the unmanned crown block and a manual area is achieved. The method has the beneficial effects that the delivery efficiency is remarkably improved, the labor cost and the steel coil damage rate are reduced, the technical blank of unmanned warehouse areas containing artificial areas is filled up, and remarkable economic and social values are achieved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an unmanned delivery system and method, belonging to the technical field of logistics and unmanned equipment and methods. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional warehouse-based shipping operations suffer from the following pain points:

[0003] 1. High dependence on manual labor: Orders need to be checked manually and overhead cranes need to be operated, which can easily lead to errors or delays in delivery due to human error.

[0004] 2. Low efficiency: The overhead crane scheduling relies on experience, the path planning is not scientific, the empty running rate is high, and the energy consumption is large.

[0005] 3. Safety hazards: Manual operation of overhead cranes poses risks such as collisions during hoisting and damage to steel coils.

[0006] 4. Information silos: The lack of real-time linkage between warehouse location status, vehicle information, and order data leads to low inventory turnover.

[0007] In existing technologies, warehouse delivery often adopts a semi-manual mode, lacking deep integration with unmanned overhead cranes and intelligent scheduling systems, making it difficult to meet the requirements of modern smart logistics for "fully unmanned, second-level response, and zero-error" operations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an unmanned shipping system and method. Through a 5G industrial private network, high-precision control of unmanned overhead cranes, optimized dynamic anti-collision strategies, and a safe operation mechanism for manual packing areas, the system achieves automation and intelligence throughout the entire warehouse shipping process. The system incorporates core technologies such as 5G network deployment, intelligent logistics process integration, and intelligent scheduling algorithms. It significantly improves shipping efficiency, reduces labor costs and steel coil damage rates, fills the technological gap in unmanned warehouses with manual areas, and has significant economic and social value, effectively solving the aforementioned problems in the background technology.

[0009] The technical solution of this invention is: an unmanned delivery system, comprising a 5G industrial private network module, an unmanned overhead crane control module, a dynamic anti-collision strategy module, a scheduling system, and a manual packing area safety operation module. The 5G industrial private network module is communicatively connected to the unmanned overhead crane control module, the dynamic anti-collision strategy module, the scheduling system, and the manual packing area safety operation module. The unmanned overhead crane control module includes an electronic anti-sway device, a clamping force sensing device, and a laser positioning device to achieve automatic clamping and precise unwinding of steel coils. The dynamic anti-collision strategy module is connected to the unmanned overhead crane control module, with a minimum safe distance of 12 meters. The manual packing area safety operation module is equipped with a safety interlocking mechanism and an optimized layout structure to achieve collaborative operation between the unmanned overhead crane and the manual area.

[0010] The 5G industrial private network module includes a manual and automatic dual-mode switching mechanism:

[0011] a) Manual mode allows switching between 5G / WiFi access via a physical network cable;

[0012] b) Automatic mode monitors network status through a virtual machine and seamlessly switches to the WiFi backup link within 1 second in the event of a 5G failure.

[0013] The unmanned overhead crane control module also includes an automatic driving module, an automatic steel coil gripping and handling module, and an automatic control module for the crossing vehicle. The automatic driving module is communicatively connected to the traveling devices of the overhead crane's main trolley and auxiliary trolley. The automatic steel coil gripping and handling module avoids damage to the steel coil through a clamping force sensing device. The automatic control module for the crossing vehicle works in conjunction with the overhead crane's L2 system to execute crossing commands.

[0014] The dynamic collision avoidance strategy module includes a first-level hardware collision avoidance and a second-level software collision avoidance. The first-level hardware collision avoidance dynamically calculates the pause distance, with a minimum of 12 meters. The second-level software collision avoidance is based on dynamic distance optimization, reducing the collision avoidance distance from 25 meters to 16 meters.

[0015] The safety operation module of the manual packaging area includes a safety interlock mechanism that allows the overhead crane to enter only when no personnel have entered the packaging area and the safety door is closed; the optimized layout structure is a 4-zone, 12-saddle integrated layout structure; it also includes a business management system that automatically allocates packaging positions and supports manual review and adjustment.

[0016] An unmanned delivery method includes the following steps:

[0017] (1) Vehicle forecasting and entry inspection are synchronized to the MES and warehouse system;

[0018] (2) The driver swipes his card to trigger the loading process, and the overhead crane automatically performs the loading task;

[0019] (3) After loading is completed, a code slip is generated, the vehicle is remotely measured and released;

[0020] (4) Dynamically adjust the priority of overhead crane work orders to support flexible scheduling in emergency delivery scenarios.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are: by using a 5G industrial private network, high-precision control of unmanned overhead cranes, optimization of dynamic anti-collision strategies, and a safe operation mechanism for manual packing areas, the entire process of warehouse delivery is automated and intelligent; the system includes core technologies such as 5G network deployment, intelligent logistics process integration, and intelligent scheduling algorithms, which significantly improves delivery efficiency, reduces labor costs and steel coil damage rate, fills the gap in unmanned warehouse technology with manual areas, and has significant economic and social value. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1This is a diagram of the 5G network topology in the reservoir area of ​​this invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the 5G / WiFi primary / backup redundancy switching of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is the architecture diagram of the intelligent warehouse area management system of this invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the shipping process for this invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the main interface of the overhead crane management and control system (CMCS) of this invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the manual packaging area of ​​the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is the interface of the business management system for the packaging area of ​​this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the invention's embodiments clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only a small part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0030] An unmanned delivery system includes a 5G industrial private network module, an unmanned overhead crane control module, a dynamic anti-collision strategy module, a scheduling system, and a manual packing area safety operation module. The 5G industrial private network module is communicatively connected to the unmanned overhead crane control module, the dynamic anti-collision strategy module, the scheduling system, and the manual packing area safety operation module. The unmanned overhead crane control module includes an electronic anti-sway device, a clamping force sensor, and a laser positioning device to achieve automatic clamping and precise unwinding of steel coils. The dynamic anti-collision strategy module is connected to the unmanned overhead crane control module with a minimum safe distance of 12 meters. The manual packing area safety operation module is equipped with a safety interlocking mechanism and an optimized layout structure to achieve collaborative operation between the unmanned overhead crane and the manual area.

[0031] The 5G industrial private network module includes a manual and automatic dual-mode switching mechanism:

[0032] a) Manual mode allows switching between 5G / WiFi access via a physical network cable;

[0033] b) Automatic mode monitors network status through a virtual machine and seamlessly switches to the WiFi backup link within 1 second in the event of a 5G failure.

[0034] The unmanned overhead crane control module also includes an automatic driving module, an automatic steel coil gripping and handling module, and an automatic control module for the crossing vehicle. The automatic driving module is communicatively connected to the traveling devices of the overhead crane's main trolley and auxiliary trolley. The automatic steel coil gripping and handling module avoids damage to the steel coil through a clamping force sensing device. The automatic control module for the crossing vehicle works in conjunction with the overhead crane's L2 system to execute crossing commands.

[0035] The dynamic collision avoidance strategy module includes a first-level hardware collision avoidance and a second-level software collision avoidance. The first-level hardware collision avoidance dynamically calculates the pause distance, with a minimum of 12 meters. The second-level software collision avoidance is based on dynamic distance optimization, reducing the collision avoidance distance from 25 meters to 16 meters.

[0036] The safety operation module of the manual packaging area includes a safety interlock mechanism that allows the overhead crane to enter only when no personnel have entered the packaging area and the safety door is closed; the optimized layout structure is a 4-zone, 12-saddle integrated layout structure; it also includes a business management system that automatically allocates packaging positions and supports manual review and adjustment.

[0037] An unmanned delivery method includes the following steps:

[0038] (1) Vehicle forecasting and entry inspection are synchronized to the MES and warehouse system;

[0039] (2) The driver swipes his card to trigger the loading process, and the overhead crane automatically performs the loading task;

[0040] (3) After loading is completed, a code slip is generated, the vehicle is remotely measured and released;

[0041] (4) Dynamically adjust the priority of overhead crane work orders to support flexible scheduling in emergency delivery scenarios.

[0042] This invention achieves automation and intelligentization of the entire warehouse delivery process through the following innovative technologies:

[0043] 1. Highly reliable industrial private network based on 5G: Construct a 5G network covering the entire reservoir area to support real-time data interaction between overhead cranes and ground systems.

[0044] 2. High-precision control system for unmanned overhead crane: integrates technologies such as electronic anti-sway, clamp force sensing, and laser positioning to achieve automatic clamping and precise unwinding of steel coils.

[0045] 3. Dynamic anti-collision strategy optimization: By dynamically calculating the distance between overhead cranes, the minimum safe distance is shortened to 12 meters, improving the utilization rate of overhead cranes.

[0046] 4. Intelligent scheduling and path planning: Based on library map management and multi-vehicle collaborative algorithms, it automatically allocates stacking positions and avoids dynamic obstacles.

[0047] 5. Safety operation mechanism of manual packaging area: Through multiple interlocks and layout optimization, seamless coordination between unmanned overhead cranes and manual areas is achieved.

[0048] In practical applications, this invention includes the following steps and modules:

[0049] Step 1: Deployment of 5G Industrial Private Network

[0050] Design the 5G network topology for the storage area (such as...) Figure 1 Deploy CPE devices and AR routers to enable high-speed communication between the overhead crane and the PLC and server.

[0051] It adopts a manual / automatic dual-mode switching mechanism:

[0052] Manual mode: Physical network cable switches between 5G / WiFi access;

[0053] Automatic mode: The virtual machine monitors the network status and seamlessly switches to the WiFi backup link within 1 second in case of 5G failure.

[0054] Step Two: Streamlining the Smart Logistics Process

[0055] Business processes (such as) Figure 4 ):

[0056] Once the steel coils are off the production line, authority is transferred to the sales department.

[0057] The logistics company generates a loading bill of lading, triggering a vehicle forecast.

[0058] Vehicles are inspected upon entry (unmanned weighing system), and the information is synchronized to the MES and warehouse system;

[0059] The driver swipes his card to trigger the loading process, and the overhead crane automatically executes the loading task.

[0060] Once loading is complete, a code slip is generated, and the vehicle is remotely measured and released.

[0061] Step 3: High-precision control of unmanned overhead crane

[0062] Core functions:

[0063] Autonomous driving (large vehicles / small vehicles moving);

[0064] Automatic steel coil clamping, handling, and unwinding (warehousing / loading);

[0065] Automatic control of vehicles crossing over;

[0066] Multi-device interlocking and fault alarm.

[0067] Key technologies:

[0068] Electronic anti-sway technology: eliminates swaying during steel coil hoisting;

[0069] Laser scanning positioning: achieving millimeter-level accuracy;

[0070] Clamping force sensing: prevents damage to steel coils.

[0071] Step 4: Intelligent Dispatch System for the Reservoir Area (CIDS)

[0072] Functional modules:

[0073] Library configuration management: digitally mapping library location parameters;

[0074] Overhead crane scheduling: intelligent stacker allocation, automatic work order generation, and coordinated transportation equipment;

[0075] Warehouse location management: Visualizes warehouse location status and automatically plans picking routes;

[0076] Handheld terminal: Supports mobile inventory management and manual intervention.

[0077] Step 5: Optimize Dynamic Collision Avoidance Strategy

[0078] Level 1 hardware collision protection:

[0079] Before optimization: Fixed pause distance 24 meters;

[0080] After optimization: The pause distance is dynamically calculated (minimum 12 meters) and adjusted based on factors such as crane speed, spacing, and direction of movement.

[0081] Level 2 software collision avoidance:

[0082] The collision avoidance distance has been reduced from 25 meters to 16 meters, improving traffic efficiency.

[0083] Step Six: Safe Operation of the Manual Packaging Area

[0084] Solution:

[0085] Safety interlock mechanism: The overhead crane is allowed to enter only when no personnel have entered the packing area and the safety door is closed;

[0086] Layout design: 4-zone, 12-saddle "one-stop" layout (e.g.) Figure 6 ), optimize logistics routes;

[0087] Business management system: Automatically assigns packaging slots, supports manual review and adjustments (e.g.) Figure 7 ).

[0088] Step 7: Priority Scheduling of Overhead Crane Work Orders

[0089] Function: Dynamically adjust work order priority in CMCS to support flexible scheduling in scenarios such as urgent shipments and production line blockages.

[0090] Step 8: Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance

[0091] Strategy: Based on historical data and real-time environment, merge or add / remove avoidance points to optimize path planning efficiency.

[0092] Work process:

[0093] 1. System Deployment: Deploy 5G base stations, CPE devices, and AR routers in the reservoir area to build a network covering the entire area.

[0094] 2. Process testing: Simulate the entire process of vehicle prediction, empty vehicle inspection upon entry, and automatic loading to verify system stability.

[0095] 3. Dynamic collision avoidance verification: Through multi-day concurrent operation tests, the safety and efficiency improvement of the 12-meter minimum spacing were verified.

[0096] 4. Manual Area Joint Testing: Simulate personnel intrusion in the packaging area to test the safety interlock response speed and the crane emergency stop mechanism.

[0097] This invention achieves full automation and intelligence in the warehouse delivery process through 5G industrial private networks, high-precision control of unmanned overhead cranes, optimized dynamic collision avoidance strategies, and a safe operation mechanism for manual packing areas. The system incorporates core technologies such as 5G network deployment, intelligent logistics process integration, and intelligent scheduling algorithms, significantly improving delivery efficiency, reducing labor costs and steel coil damage rates. It fills the technological gap in unmanned warehouses with manual areas and has significant economic and social value.

Claims

1. An unmanned delivery system, characterized in that: The system includes a 5G industrial private network module, an unmanned overhead crane control module, a dynamic collision avoidance strategy module, a scheduling system, and a manual packing area safety operation module. The 5G industrial private network module is communicatively connected to the unmanned overhead crane control module, the dynamic collision avoidance strategy module, the scheduling system, and the manual packing area safety operation module. The unmanned overhead crane control module includes an electronic anti-sway device, a clamp force sensor, and a laser positioning device to achieve automatic clamping and precise unwinding of steel coils. The dynamic collision avoidance strategy module is connected to the unmanned overhead crane control module, with a minimum safe distance of 12 meters. The manual packing area safety operation module is equipped with a safety interlocking mechanism and an optimized layout structure to achieve collaborative operation between the unmanned overhead crane and the manual area.

2. The unmanned delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The 5G industrial private network module includes a manual and automatic dual-mode switching mechanism: a) Manual mode allows switching between 5G / WiFi access via a physical network cable; b) Automatic mode monitors network status through a virtual machine and seamlessly switches to the WiFi backup link within 1 second in the event of a 5G failure.

3. The unmanned delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unmanned overhead crane control module also includes an automatic driving module, an automatic steel coil gripping and handling module, and an automatic control module for the crossing vehicle. The automatic driving module is communicatively connected to the traveling devices of the overhead crane's main trolley and auxiliary trolley. The automatic steel coil gripping and handling module avoids damage to the steel coil through a clamping force sensing device. The automatic control module for the crossing vehicle works in conjunction with the overhead crane's L2 system to execute crossing commands.

4. The unmanned delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dynamic collision avoidance strategy module includes a first-level hardware collision avoidance and a second-level software collision avoidance. The first-level hardware collision avoidance dynamically calculates the pause distance, with a minimum of 12 meters. The second-level software collision avoidance is based on dynamic distance optimization, reducing the collision avoidance distance from 25 meters to 16 meters.

5. The operating method of a power distribution cabinet with temperature monitoring and early warning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The safety operation module of the manual packaging area includes a safety interlock mechanism that allows the overhead crane to enter only when no personnel have entered the packaging area and the safety door is closed; the optimized layout structure is a 4-zone, 12-saddle integrated layout structure; it also includes a business management system that automatically allocates packaging positions and supports manual review and adjustment.

6. A method for unmanned delivery, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: (1) Vehicle forecasting and entry inspection information are synchronized to the MES and warehouse system; (2) The driver swipes his card to trigger the loading process, and the overhead crane automatically performs the loading task; (3) After loading is completed, a code slip is generated, the vehicle is remotely measured and released; (4) Dynamically adjust the priority of overhead crane work orders to support flexible scheduling in emergency delivery scenarios.