Enroute order picking system

Abstract

A method (100) and an enroute picking system (10) are disclosed, the system comprising: a warehouse (12) for storing a plurality of different articles (20) in storage containers (18), each of the storage containers (18) containing several of the articles (20); a first and a second picking station (16-1, 16-2) where the articles (20) are placed into destination containers according to picking orders (24); a conveying system (46) connecting the warehouse (12) to the picking stations (16) and comprising at least one conveyor (28) and an AMR (14), the AMR (14) having a picking unit (32); and a controller (44) configured to cause the AMR (14) to transport one of the storage containers (18) to the first picking station (16-1) according to a first (24-1) of the picking orders (24);that the picking unit (32) removes one of the items (20') from the storage container (18) according to a second (24-2) of the picking orders (24), while the AMR (14) transports the storage container (18) to the first picking station (16-1); that the removed item (20') is transferred to one of the conveyors (28) that is different from the AMR (14); and that the transferred item (20') is conveyed to the second picking station (16-2) according to the second picking order (24-2).

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to an en-route picking system and an en-route picking procedure. The term "en-route picking" refers to a picking strategy in which one or more items are picked during a primary movement of a means of transport (e.g., an automated guided vehicle, an autonomous robot, a drone, etc.) to fulfill a secondary picking order. Typical areas of application include: distribution centers; e-commerce warehouses; production facilities with just-in-time delivery; and similar environments, to name just a few examples.

[0002] German patent DE 10 2008 046 325 A1 (SSI Schäfer) discloses a picking system with a robot gripper that picks items from storage containers on a feeder (continuous) conveyor according to picking orders and delivers the picked items either directly or indirectly, via intermediate (continuous) conveyors, to an order or destination container. The robot gripper represents the picking station where picking and delivery take place. Several robot grippers can be arranged in series along the feeder conveyor, each representing its own picking station. If several picking orders require the same storage container, the container must be moved to all stations, resulting in multiple storage and retrieval operations, which reduces throughput.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2016 110 820 A1 (SSI Schäfer) describes a so-called rendezvous order picking system. The corresponding system features an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system with a large number of AGVs (automated guided vehicles). The vehicles transport either storage containers or order containers. Vehicles carrying storage containers and vehicles carrying order containers are moved together in a coordinated manner within a defined operating area (travel area), allowing temporary picking stations to be created. At these stations, items can be removed from the storage containers and transferred to the order containers while the vehicles remain at the station. For this purpose, the relevant vehicles are moved into a limited and predefined area within the travel area and remain there until the items have been transferred according to the order. Thus, temporary stations are repeatedly created at different locations within the travel area.h. Dynamic picking stations. It can happen that a storage container is needed multiple times to fulfill several orders. In this case, the corresponding vehicle is successively moved to several stations, where it remains until the end (i.e., until the item is picked) of the respective order. The disadvantage is that certain storage containers are moved multiple times, which increases travel times and thus reduces throughput (number of completed picking orders per unit of time).

[0004] German patent DE 10 2021 132 413 B3 (SSI Schäfer) discloses a shuttle racking system with a multitude of shuttles that cooperate vertically between two adjacent racks in a racking aisle of a storage block using vertical grippers. An upper shuttle picks one or more items from a storage container on a lower shuttle and delivers the picked items either to a collection container on the lower shuttle or, at the end of the aisle, to an external conveyor. This conveyor then delivers the collection containers or the picked items to an external picking station where the actual picking takes place. In this way, certain storage containers can be ensured that they never leave the storage block. These containers remain within the storage block. A disadvantage of this solution is that as soon as two stations need to be visited because there are two incompatible picking orders, the corresponding storage container or...The collection container has to travel a long distance, resulting in a correspondingly long throughput time. While aisle-integrated pre-picking can also shorten the throughput time, it doesn't prevent the corresponding item (type) from still having to visit two destinations (stations) outside the aisle. Furthermore, this type of pre-picking or order preparation only works within the aisle. Additionally, the two cooperating shuttles must be in the same place at the same time. A time difference between picking and delivery is not permitted. In particular, only one item can be prepared for transfer to the lower shuttle at any given time.

[0005] Furthermore, a shuttle-based rack storage system is known, see EP 3 564 165 A1 (Dematic), whose aisle-integrated shuttle can simultaneously carry an order container and a storage container. A shuttle-integrated robot gripper transfers items from the storage container to the order container according to a picking order. Picking takes place within the rack aisle. In other words, the picking station is located within the aisle, thus eliminating the need for external conveyor technology.

[0006] US 2019 / 0337534A1 (Amazon) concerns, according to its title, the on-demand distribution of items using intermodal transport and unmanned aerial vehicles.

[0007] It is therefore a task to provide an improved order picking system and procedure that is more efficient, reduces travel times and distances, and in particular increases throughput (completed order picking orders per unit of time).

[0008] This task is solved by an enroute picking system which features: a warehouse for storing a large number of different items (especially an assortment) in storage containers (e.g. containers, cartons, pallets, bags, etc.).), wherein each of the storage containers contains several of the items; a first and a second picking station where the items are placed into (in particular different) destination containers according to picking orders; a conveying system connecting the warehouse to the picking stations and comprising at least one conveyor and an AMR, the AMR comprising a picking unit; and a control system configured to cause: the AMR to transport one of the storage containers to the first picking station according to a first of the picking orders; the picking unit to remove one of the items from the storage container according to a second of the picking orders, while the AMR transports the storage container to the first picking station; the removed item to be transferred to one of the conveyors, which is different from the AMR; and the transferred item to be conveyed to the second picking station according to the second picking order.

[0009] During transport of a storage container from the warehouse to a picking station, both the AMR (Automated Moving Carrier) and the storage container are tied up, meaning they cannot be used for any other purpose. If an item is needed at another station at short notice, that other station must be visited separately. The present concept simplifies this process by removing the item required for the other station directly from the AMR while it is in motion and placing it at a transfer point on the AMR. This item can then be transported to the other station by removing it from the transfer point – for example, by stripping, inertial dispensing, or picking it up with a drone – without having to move the AMR to the other station.

[0010] This method is used to increase efficiency by minimizing unnecessary downtime and, in particular, by enabling parallel retrieval of items during transport (efficiency improvement). The combination of AMR and conveyor can minimize the need for additional transport equipment (resource optimization). The architecture is scalable, allowing it to adapt to different warehouse sizes and item types (flexibility). The frequency of manual intervention is reduced, minimizing errors and increasing speed (automation).

[0011] Preferably, the control system is further configured to: analyze the picking orders according to article types; generate a transport order and a withdrawal order to be sent to the AMR; and / or generate a corresponding conveying order to be sent to the conveyor.

[0012] The control system prioritizes picking orders based on item types and can optimize transport routes (dynamic optimization). Picking orders can be intelligently distributed, which can improve material flow (reducing bottlenecks). Automated control ensures that all picking orders are processed correctly (improved traceability).

[0013] In particular, the AMR is either an airborne AMR or a ground-based AMR.

[0014] Aerial AMRs enable access to items in hard-to-reach storage and transport areas (increased versatility). Ground AMRs are suitable for stable transport routes, while aerial AMRs can bypass obstacles (vertically) (adapting to the environment). Aerial AMRs are characterized by increased mobility.

[0015] Preferably, the AMR is a ground AMR and the conveyor to which the removed item is dispensed is an air AMR.

[0016] The respective strengths of ground-based and airborne AMR can be used to optimize material flow (combination of technologies). Airborne AMR can deliver items directly to hard-to-reach stations (faster item delivery).

[0017] In particular, the picking unit removes the item from the storage container, while the AMR transports the storage container to the first picking station without stopping.

[0018] No additional stop is required for item retrieval, which reduces processing time per order (maximum efficiency). Items can be made available at the stations more quickly (reduced throughput time). Continuous movement saves energy compared to stop-and-go processes (low energy consumption).

[0019] Preferably, the storage container is only transported to the first picking station by the AMR.

[0020] Unnecessary movements of the AMR are minimized (optimization of the transport path). Energy consumption is reduced. Fewer stations result in fewer errors (increased process reliability). Eliminating return transport or detours ensures better material flow.

[0021] In particular, the storage containers are filled with items of a single type.

[0022] Inventory levels can be managed and reordered more easily (improved planning). Sorting within the container is not required (more efficient picking). The risk of incorrect picking can be reduced (lower error rate).

[0023] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for handling multiple picking orders at a first picking station and at a second picking station located remotely from the first picking station, wherein the first picking order at the first picking station and the second picking order at the second picking station are to be handled by dispensing items contained in the same storage container into destination containers, wherein the method comprises the steps of: determining, by control, a storage container required by the first picking order and the second picking order; generating, by control, a transport order (in particular for the previously determined storage container), a retrieval order (in particular for the previously determined storage container), and a conveying order (in particular for the item to be retrieved);Transporting the storage container by the AMR to the first picking station according to the transport order; picking (i.e., singulating) an item from the storage container by a picking unit of the AMR according to the picking order, while the storage container is being transported by the AMR to the first picking station; transferring the (picked) item to a conveyor separate from the AMR and conveying the (transferred) item to the second picking station according to the conveying order; picking another item from the storage container into one of the first of the target containers at the first picking station according to the first picking order; and picking (delivering) the (picked, transferred, and conveyed) item into one of the second of the target containers at the second picking station according to the second picking order.

[0024] Processing multiple orders simultaneously optimizes processing times (parallelization). Manual intervention is reduced and process reliability is increased. The process can be adapted for different warehouse sizes and levels of complexity (scalability). Furthermore, the system benefits described above are also achieved.

[0025] Preferably, the method further includes the step of forming, by means of a controller, a group of picking orders that includes the first and second picking orders.

[0026] Grouping reduces empty runs and improves resource utilization (more efficient route planning). Particularly urgent or structurally similar orders can be processed jointly (prioritization). This prevents AMR and funding from going unused (better system utilization).

[0027] In particular, the determination step includes at least one of the following: analyzing the group of picking orders for a storage container required by several of the picking orders; analyzing the group of picking orders for picking orders that require the same storage container for their completion; and / or analyzing the group of picking orders for an item type that is included in multiple picking orders and is stored in the same storage container.

[0028] Intelligent analysis leads to better distribution of transport orders (optimal allocation). A single storage container can be used for multiple orders simultaneously (avoiding duplication of effort). Fewer movements are required, and sorting effort is reduced (reduced complexity).

[0029] This type of order picking offers significant efficiency gains through parallel processes, intelligent control, and the combined use of AMR and other conveyors. Particularly noteworthy are the reduction of downtime, the optimization of transport routes, and the minimization of errors through automation.

[0030] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of an enroute order picking system; Fig. 2 a front view of an AMR; Fig. 3 a more detailed block diagram of an enroute order picking system; Fig. 4. A tabular illustration of a group of picking orders; and Fig. 5. A flowchart of a procedure for completing order picking tasks.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an en-route order picking system 10, which will subsequently be referred to simply as "system" 10. System 10 comprises a warehouse 12, at least one AMR (autonomous mobile robot) 14, and at least two picking stations 16. The picking stations 16 will subsequently be referred to simply as "stations" 16.

[0033] Warehouse 12 serves as a source for storage containers 18, which contain several items 20, in particular of different item types 22. The first picking station 16-1 can be a first (material flow) destination (“destination #1”) for a first picking order 24-1 (see below). Fig. 4) represent. The second picking station 16-2 can represent a second destination (“Destination #2”) for a second picking order 24-2. The AMR 14 transports the storage container 18 along a - previously through an MFR 52 (see Fig. 3) planned - transport route 26 (see solid line in Fig. 1) to the first station 16-1. The storage container 18 can be transported back to warehouse 12 along a further transport route 26' (see dashed line) after the picking (removal of the item from storage container 18 and delivery to the target container not shown) at station 16-1 is completed, thus also fulfilling the corresponding picking order 24. It is understood that the storage containers 18 can comprise different types of storage containers, such as plastic containers, cartons, trays, pallets, overhead conveyor bags, and the like.

[0034] In general, during en-route picking, one or more items 20 are removed from a single storage container 18 according to one or more other orders 24-j – and thus singulated – while this storage container 18 is transported to its final destination by a means of transport, such as the AMR 14, according to an initial order 24-1. The removal or singulation is dynamic. The removed item(s) 20 are picked at a different destination. En-route picking is particularly useful when high throughput (transport per unit of time) is required and the items 20 need to be quickly assembled (i.e., picked), for example, for shipping or further processing. Unnecessary travel times are reduced, and continuous picking is enabled (increased efficiency).

[0035] Enroute order picking is in Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example of a (ground-based) AMR 14 in a front view. The ground-based AMR 14 cooperates with another conveyor 28, which can be implemented, for example, as a (flying) AMR 14, i.e., as a drone 30.

[0036] The dispensing AMR 14 is equipped with a picking unit 32, which comprises an arm 34 and a gripper 36. The arm 34 is designed to move in space to grasp and present the articles 20. The gripper 36 is an end effector and is designed to pick up, hold, and release articles 20 of varying shapes, which may be randomly distributed in the storage container 18. The picking unit 32 may also include a (3D) vision system 38. In particular, the picking unit 32 may be equipped with a (not shown) 3D image processing unit to reliably and quickly identify the articles 20 in the storage container 18 based on images provided by the vision system 38, so that the gripper 36 can be positioned accordingly for picking and then perform the picking action. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates, by way of example, a teddy bear as a removed item 20', which can be made available on an (optionally provided) platform 40 of the AMR 14 for handover to the next contributor 28. In the example of the Fig. 2. The drone 30 could pick up the removed article 20', for example, with a (not shown) gripper 36 and transport it to the second station 16-2 along a conveyor path 42 (see. Fig. 1) promote where the withdrawn, handed over and promoted item 20' can be placed into a (not shown) destination container to complete the second picking order 24-2.

[0037] It is understood that, depending on the type of the additional conveyor 28, the provision can take different forms. If the additional conveyor 28 is, for example, another floor-based AMR 14 (not shown) or a continuous conveyor (not shown), such as a roller conveyor, belt conveyor, chain conveyor, overhead conveyor, or similar, the transfer of the removed item 20' can be prepared accordingly. The platform 40 could, for example, be implemented by a powered conveyor to actively transfer the removed and separated item 20' to the additional conveyor 28. The transfer could also be passive, for example, by stripping or combing during the passage of the floor-based AMR 14.

[0038] Generally speaking, AMR 14 systems are widely used in modern intralogistics and manufacturing. They can be categorized in various ways, depending on their application and the technology used. There are different types of ground-based AMR 14 systems, such as AGV-based AMR systems or AI-controlled autonomous AMR systems. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) utilize a variety of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that move (involuntarily) along predetermined routes or follow markings, magnetic strips, QR codes, or similar features on the floor. AGVs are such AGVs that navigate along optically, magnetically, or capacitively detectable paths. AI-controlled ground-based AMR systems use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence (AI) to move flexibly and autonomously in their environments. Drones can be considered a special category of airborne AMR 14 systems.They are particularly useful in areas where ground-based AMR 14 systems reach their limits. Such AMR 14 systems are also used in the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a more detailed block diagram of the enroute picking system 10, which is located in Fig. 1 is only illustrated schematically.

[0040] In addition to the warehouse 12, the AMR 14 and the picking stations 16, the system 10 includes at least one controller 44 and one conveyor system 46. Furthermore, the system 10 can include a communication network 48, e.g. WLAN 6 / 6E or 5G for a fast and reliable connection with the AMR 14.

[0041] The control unit 44 can include an order management computer (AVR) 50, a material flow computer (MFR) 52 and / or a warehouse management computer (LVR) 54.

[0042] The AVR 50 is a (data processing) system (including software) designed for managing, controlling, and optimizing picking orders 24. Picking orders 24 are received (manually or automatically) and processed automatically, for example, by checking stock levels in warehouse 12 through communication with the LVR 54 and by generating corresponding transport orders in cooperation with the MFR 52. The MFR 52 can determine (also through simulation) which of the picking orders 24 is processed at which of the stations 16. The LVR 54 selects, for example, from a storage container list 56, one or more of the storage containers 18 according to the picking order 24. In other words, the LVR 54 selects one or more of the storage containers 18 containing the items 20 required by picking order 24 from the list 56, which specifies the corresponding storage locations of the selected storage containers 18 in warehouse 12.The MFR 52 plans and coordinates the corresponding material flow.

[0043] The conveying system 46 comprises at least one (additional) conveyor 28, in particular a plurality of conveyors 28, in addition to the at least one AMR 14. The conveying system 46 is suitable for connecting each of the stations 16 to the storage 12 in terms of material flow. Each of the AMR 14 is suitable for connecting each of the stations 16 to the storage 12 in terms of material flow. The at least one conveyor 28 is configured to receive the withdrawn item 20' from the at least one AMR 14. The transfer takes place at a transfer point 57 (see figure). Fig. 1), where AMR 14 and the other conduit 28 meet. The handover point 57 can be planned in advance (in terms of time and location) by MFR 52.

[0044] Several AMR 14 units can jointly form a Fleet 58 of AMR 14 units. The Fleet 58 can also include a Fleet Manager 60 and / or a Module 62 for AI or machine learning. The Fleet Manager 60 is configured to coordinate multiple AMR 14 units, optimize routes (transport routes 26 and / or conveyor routes 42), and / or manage charging cycles. Corresponding data analysis for control and efficiency improvement can be performed in real time. The Fleet Manager 60 avoids collisions between the AMR 14 units and can optimize priorities in the event of bottlenecks or congestion. The Module 62 can improve autonomous navigation through machine learning algorithms. Collaboration between multiple AMR 14 units is enhanced. Routes can be dynamically adjusted in the event of obstacles or disruptions.

[0045] The (additional) conveyor(s) 28 can be implemented by continuous conveyors, such as roller conveyors, belt conveyors, chain conveyors, etc., and / or discontinuous conveyors, such as the AMR 14 mentioned above. The in Fig. 1. The illustrated conveying pathway 42 can be formed by an interaction of several of the conveying elements 28, which cooperate and connect to each other accordingly.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a group 64 of exemplary j picking orders 24-1 to 24-j, where j is an integer generally greater than two and in the example of the Fig. 4 is greater than four. Each of the picking orders 24 generally consists of one or more order lines 66. Each of the lines 66 defines one of the article types 22 and an associated quantity or number of pieces 68. In the example of the Fig. Order 4, the first picking order 24-1, is a three-line order defining two pineapples, ten apples, and three pears. The second and fourth picking orders, 24-2 and 24-4 respectively, are each single-line orders. The third picking order, 24-3, is a two-line order. It should be noted that the product range chosen here from a food retailer is only an example. The product range could also include item 22 from a general retailer, a manufacturer, or similar.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a procedure 100 for completing or processing several picking orders 24 (i.e., a group 64), which include at least a first picking order 24-1 and a second picking order 24-2. The first picking order 24-1 is to be completed, for example, at the first picking station 16-1, which can be determined, for example, by the AVR 50. The second picking order 24-2 is to be completed, for example, at the second picking station 16-2. The second picking station 16-2 is located some distance from the first picking station 16-1. Completion is achieved by transferring the corresponding items 20, which are contained in an identical storage container 18, into several destination containers assigned to the corresponding orders 24.

[0048] In an (optional) step S10, the controller 44 can pre-create group 64 of picking orders 24, which comprises the first and second picking orders 24-1 and 24-2. Alternatively, the controller 44 receives group 64 from an external source. In a further (optional) step S12, the controller 44 can analyze group 64, for example, according to the article types 22 contained in orders 24 or according to other criteria, such as storage containers 18 (or the articles 20 or article types 22 contained therein) that are required to complete the orders 24 in group 64.

[0049] In step S14, the controller 44 can query whether there is at least one storage container 18 that is required by several picking orders 24 in group 64. If the storage containers 18 are filled with only one type of item, the query can be performed by analyzing whether several of the picking orders 24 contain the same item type 22. Alternatively, in step S14, the controller 44 could query whether there are several picking orders 24 in group 64 that require the same storage container 18, particularly at different stations 16. Both queries are also possible if the storage containers 18 are filled with a mix of items.

[0050] If the query in step S14 indicates that there is one or more storage container 18 that is / are required by several of the picking orders 24 of group 64 (S14: YES), the controller 44 determines at least this storage container 18 in step S16, see step S16. For the sake of simplicity, only a single storage container 18 is considered below, which is required by, for example, exactly two of the picking orders 24, where the second picking order 24-2 requires, for example, exactly one of the items 20 from the storage container 18.

[0051] In step S18, it can also be queried whether an (enroute picking) criterion is met that triggers enroute picking, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0052] In step S20, the controller 44 generates a (storage container) transport order, an (article) picking or singulation order, and a conveying order for the picked article 20. The transport order defines the route by which the storage container 18 is transported to its destination (e.g., station 16-1). The transport order can also define which of the AMR 14 transports this storage container 18 to its station 16, provided the conveying system 46 includes several AMR 14s. The transport order can be generated, in particular, by the MFR 52. The picking order defines the article 20 that is to be picked from the storage container 18 to be transported for the second picking order 24-2. The picking order specifically defines the corresponding article type 22. The picking order can include additional information that enables the picking unit 32 of the AMR 14 to recognize or identify the corresponding article 20.Furthermore, the withdrawal order can define a withdrawal time. The conveying order defines the path by which the isolated and withdrawn item 20 is conveyed from the transporting AMR 14 to its destination (e.g., station 16-2). The conveying order can also define which components of the conveying system 46, which differ from the transporting AMR 14, are involved in implementing the conveying path 42. Furthermore, the conveying order can define a time (in particular, a transfer time) or period when the withdrawn item 20 is to be conveyed to its destination. Note that in this disclosure, the distinction between "transporting" and "conveying" is made only to more clearly differentiate the path of the storage container 18 and the path of the withdrawn item 20.

[0053] Accordingly, in step S22, the controller 44 initiates the removal of the pre-defined item 20, while the corresponding storage container 18 is transported from the AMR 14 to station 16-1 (step S24). In step S26, the controller 44 initiates the transfer of the removed item 20 to the next conveyor 28 (see drone 30 in Fig. 2), which also occurs while storage container 18 is being transported to station 16-1. "During transport" means, in particular, that the transport preferably takes place without intermediate stops, i.e., without the AMR 14 stopping for the purpose of removal and / or transfer. It is understood, however, that the AMR 14 may stop (briefly) for the purpose of collision avoidance or similar reasons – i.e., for traffic-related reasons. Step S26 also includes the transfer of the received article 20 from the subsequent conveyor 28, and possibly further conveyors 28, to station 16-2.

[0054] When storage container 18 reaches station 16-1, the items 20 specified by the first picking order 24-1 can be picked at station 16-1 (step S28). The items 20 are removed from storage container 18 and placed in their assigned destination container, which can be transported via routes not shown, e.g., to a shipping area or goods issue area, to be sent to its originator (issuer of picking order 24-1).

[0055] Once the picked, transferred, and conveyed item 20 has reached stations 16-2, the item 20 specified by the second picking order 24-2 can be picked at station 16-2 (step S30). This item 20 is placed in its assigned destination container, which can then be transported to the shipping or goods issue area.

[0056] It is understood that the picking orders 24-1 and / or 24-2 can also be sub-orders that require the target containers assigned to them to be transported to yet another station 16 (e.g. to the station 16-3 not illustrated) in order to collect further items 20 from other sub-orders.

[0057] After picking in steps S28 and / or S30, step S32 can query whether there are one or more further picking orders 24 that are still outstanding. If the answer in step S32 is "YES", the process can return to the query in step S14 and repeat the procedure described above. Alternatively, if step S32 is "YES", the process can proceed directly to one of steps S16, S18, and / or S20, especially if step S14 simultaneously identified all storage containers 18 required by several of the picking orders 24. If there are no outstanding orders 24 (S32: NO), procedure 100 can be terminated.

[0058] Should the query in step S14 reveal that there is no (more) storage container 18 required by several picking orders 24 (S14: NO), the (remaining) storage containers 18 are moved to the corresponding stations 16 (step S34) in order to be picked at the station(s) 16 assigned to them (comparable to step S28).

[0059] Furthermore, it should be noted that en route order picking also takes place during the return transport of storage container 18 (see transport route 26' in Fig. 1) could take place. For example, it is possible that an item 20, which is located in the returned storage container 18, is needed again at one of the stations 16 to correct a picking error. In this case, the item 20 required for the correction could be taken, transferred and conveyed to the corresponding station 16, while the storage container 18 is transported back to warehouse 12 by an AMR 14 including the picking unit 32.

[0060] The criteria for carrying out enroute order picking mentioned in step S18 above will be examined in more detail below.

[0061] A first criterion could be that the item type 22 to be removed is only present in a small quantity n in the second picking order 24-2 (cf. quantity 68 in Fig. 4) is required, where n is an integer greater than zero. The number n is preferably one, two, three, four, or five. Picking orders #1 and #2 in Fig. Order #4 is a good example of this criterion because the second order, #2, only requires one pineapple. The same applies to orders #1 and #3. Fig. 4. Orders #2 to #4 are not suitable for enroute picking with each other.

[0062] A second criterion could be that the second picking order 24-2 is a so-called urgent order, which has a high priority in the order processing sequence.

[0063] Another criterion could be that the item 20 or item type 22, which is required multiple times, appears only in a few other picking orders 24, in particular only in a single other picked order 24.

[0064] Another criterion could be that storage container 18, which is currently being transported back to storage 12, is needed for error correction, as explained above.

[0065] Furthermore, it is possible to consider the efficiency gains. Values ​​can be calculated for conventional order picking, where the storage container 18 is transported sequentially to two stations 16, and for en-route order picking, where the storage container 18 is transported to only one of the stations 16, while one or more of the items 20 are separated and conveyed in isolation to the other station 16 en route. The associated routes 26 and / or 42 and / or actions (separation, etc.) can be assigned corresponding evaluation parameters that can be included in the calculation. These final evaluation values ​​can then be compared.

[0066] It goes without saying that there are other criteria that are crucial in determining whether en-route order picking makes sense or not. One or more of these criteria could be taken into account in the decision. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 (Enroute order picking) systems 12 warehouses 14 AMR 16 (picking) stations 18 storage containers 20 articles 22 (article) type 24 Picking order 26, 26' Transport route 28 sponsors, plus one more 30 drones 32 Pick Unit 34 Arm 36 grippers 38 (3D) vision system 40 platform 42 Funding path 44 Control 46 Conveyor system 48 Communication network 50 contract administration lawyers 52 Material Flow Calculators (MFR) 54 warehouse management computers (LVR) 56 Storage Container List 57 Handover point 58 Fleet of AMR 60 fleet managers 62 Module for AI and / or machine learning Group 64 out of 24 Line 66 of 24 68 Quantity / Number 100 (order picking) procedures

Claims

Enroute order picking system (10) comprising: a warehouse (12) for storing a variety of different items (20) in storage containers (18), each of the storage containers (18) containing several of the items (20); a first and a second picking station (16-1, 16-2) where the items (20) are placed into target containers according to picking orders (24); a conveying system (46) connecting the warehouse (12) to the picking stations (16) and comprising at least one conveyor (28) and an AMR (14), the AMR (14) having a picking unit (32); and a controller (44) configured to cause the AMR (14) to transport one of the storage containers (18) to the first picking station (16-1) according to a first (24-1) of the picking orders (24);that the picking unit (32) removes one of the items (20') from the storage container (18) according to a second (24-2) of the picking orders (24), while the AMR (14) transports the storage container (18) to the first picking station (16-1); that the removed item (20') is transferred to one of the conveyors (28) that is different from the AMR (14); and that the transferred item (20') is conveyed to the second picking station (16-2) according to the second picking order (24-2). Enroute order picking system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control (44) is further configured to: analyze the picking orders (24) according to article types (22); generate a transport order and a pick order to be sent to the AMR (14); and / or generate a corresponding conveying order to be sent to the conveyor (28). Enroute order picking system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the AMR (14) is an airborne AMR (14) or a ground-based AMR (14). Enroute picking system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the AMR (14) is a ground AMR (14) and wherein the conveyor (28) at which the picked item (20') is dispensed is a flight AMR (14). Enroute picking system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the picking unit (32) removes the article (20') from the storage container (18), while the AMR (14) transports the storage container (18) to the first picking station (16-1) without intermediate stops. Enroute order picking system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage container (18) is transported by the AMR (14) only to the first picking station (16-1). Enroute order picking system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage containers (18) are filled with articles (20) of a single type. Method (100) for completing multiple picking orders (24) at a first picking station (16-1) and at a second picking station (16-2) located remotely from the first picking station (16-1), wherein the first picking order (24-1) at the first picking station (16-1) and the second picking order (24-2) at the second picking station (16-2) are to be completed by dispensing items (20) contained in an identical storage container (18) into destination containers, wherein the method (100) comprises the steps: determining (S16), by a controller (44), a storage container (18) required by the first picking order (24-1) and the second picking order (24-2); generating (S20), by the controller (44), a transport order, a retrieval order, and a conveying order; transporting (S24) the storage container (18) by the AMR (14) to the first picking station (16-1) according to the transport order;Retrieval (S22) of an item (20') from the storage container (18) by a picking unit (32) of the AMR (14) according to the picking order, while the storage container (18) is transported by the AMR (14) to the first picking station (16-1); Transfer (S26) of the item (20') to a conveyor (28) separate from the AMR (14), and conveying of the item (20') to the second picking station (16-2) according to the conveying order; Picking (S28) of another item (20') from the storage container (18) into a first of the target containers at the first picking station (16-1) according to the first picking order (24-1); and Picking (S30) of the item (20') into a second of the target containers at the second picking station (16-2) according to the second picking order (24-2). Method (100) according to claim 8, further comprising: forming (S10) by the control (44) a group (64) of picking orders (24) comprising the first and second picking orders (24-1, 24-2). Method (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the determining step (S16) comprises at least one of the following steps: analyzing the group (64) of picking orders (24) for a storage container (18) required by several of the picking orders (24); analyzing the group (64) of picking orders (44) for picking orders (44) that require the same storage container (18) for their execution; and / or analyzing the group (64) of picking orders (24) for an article type (42) that is included in several picking orders (44) and that is stored in the same storage container (18).

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