Method for monitoring a storage system using an aerial drone

The use of an aerial drone system allows for precise localization and visual inspection of malfunctioning vehicles in automated storage systems, addressing the challenge of visual confirmation in low-ceiling environments and enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

JP7763781B2Active Publication Date: 2025-11-04AUTOSTORE TECH AS
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022565800
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-06-08
Filing Date
2021-04-27
Publication Date
2025-11-04
Estimated Expiration
2041-04-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in accurately locating and visually inspecting malfunctioning autonomous container handling vehicles, particularly in large systems with low ceiling heights where visual confirmation is difficult and requires costly shutdowns.

Method used

Employing an aerial drone equipped with a camera and navigation capabilities to locate and inspect malfunctioning vehicles by navigating the skeletal grid pattern, using optical sensors or pre-programmed search patterns, and optionally assisted by a human operator.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise identification and inspection of malfunctioning vehicles without system shutdowns, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by reducing the need for manual inspections.

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Abstract

A method for monitoring an automated storage and retrieval system (1) utilizing an aerial drone (400) to locate and inspect for anomalies in the system's operation. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: a. launching an aerial drone (400) equipped with a camera (415) to an altitude within an airspace (408) located between an upper surface (410) of the framework structure (100) and a ceiling (412) or a roof obstruction (414) directly below the ceiling; b. navigating the drone (400) to a suspected location of an anomaly in the system or other aspect of the system requiring inspection; c. using the drone to locate the anomaly or aspect of the system requiring inspection; and d. using the aerial drone's camera to conduct a visual inspection of the anomaly or aspect of the system requiring inspection.
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