Vehicle production system and vehicle production system control method

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle production system for managing the number of parts loaded on pallets of logistics robots for transporting parts to multiple work spots of a smart factory, respectively, the vehicle production system comprising: a setting unit for setting the number of parts loaded on each pallet, determining the number of parts loaded on each pallet to be the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet, or a prime number smaller than same, and generating multiple combinations of the number of parts loaded on each pallet; and an analysis unit for selecting an alternative combination among the multiple combinations generated by the setting unit through a transportation simulation of logistics robots.

Description

Vehicle production system and vehicle production system control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle production system and a vehicle production system control method, and more particularly, to an invention applicable to a smart factory for producing vehicles.

[0002] Smart logistics vehicles are being introduced not only in general logistics warehouses and factories, but also in smart factories that manufacture products with different specifications using various parts, to ensure flexible and efficient supply and transport of parts.

[0003] Smart logistics vehicles are a general term for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and unmanned forklifts. These smart logistics vehicles can move and perform tasks under system control.

[0004] Meanwhile, smart logistics vehicles transport parts loaded on pallets to the location where the process is performed within the smart factory, and when parts are needed, smart logistics vehicles are called to the location where the process is performed within the smart factory.

[0005] Smart logistics vehicles operate with fewer processes than necessary due to efficiency issues such as cost and space, and operate with multiple parts on pallets.

[0006] However, if the call times of smart logistics vehicles overlap due to the need for parts, the number of calls becomes greater than the number of smart logistics vehicles in operation, causing a problem of logistics delay.

[0007] To solve these problems, increasing the number of smart logistics vehicles in operation reduces the operational efficiency of smart logistics vehicles due to increased operating costs and an increase in idle smart logistics vehicles, so a method to increase the operational efficiency of smart logistics vehicles is required.

[0008]

[0009] The matters described as background technology above are only intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention, and should not be taken as an admission that they correspond to prior art already known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0010] The present invention has been proposed to solve these problems, and aims to provide a vehicle production system and a vehicle production system control method that can prevent delays in the supply of logistics and improve the operational efficiency of logistics robots.

[0011]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle production system according to the present invention is a vehicle production system that manages the number of parts loaded on a pallet of a logistics robot that transports parts to each of a plurality of work spots of a smart factory, the vehicle production system includes: a setting unit that sets the number of parts loaded on each pallet, determines the number of parts loaded on the pallet as the maximum number that can be loaded on the pallet or a smaller prime number, and generates a plurality of combinations for the number of parts loaded on each pallet; and an analysis unit that selects an alternative combination from among the plurality of combinations generated by the setting unit through a transportation simulation of the logistics robot.

[0013] The setting section can be set to the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet or to the number of parts loaded on the pallet by selecting one of the nearest prime numbers that is smaller than the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet.

[0014] Through transportation simulation, the analysis department can select an alternative combination that minimizes the maximum number of calls made simultaneously to logistics robots or the average number of calls made per logistics robot.

[0015] The analysis unit may select multiple alternative combinations in the order of the maximum number of calls made simultaneously to logistics robots other than the alternative combinations, or in the order of the average number of calls made per logistics robot, or in the order of the standard deviation of the number of calls made per logistics robot.

[0016] The system further includes a logistics robot operation system that operates a logistics robot; and a management unit that receives an alternative combination from an analysis unit and transmits it to the logistics robot operation system; wherein the logistics robot operation system can operate the logistics robot based on the alternative combination.

[0017] The logistics robot system requests the management department to transmit an alternative combination based on the results of the logistics robot operation according to the alternative combination, and when there is a request for transmission of an alternative combination, the management department can transmit the alternative combination to the logistics robot operation system.

[0018] The analysis unit can perform a transport simulation by setting the simulation range to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the least common multiple of the number of transported parts for each pallet.

[0019] If the combination that minimizes the maximum number of calls made simultaneously to the logistics robot is selected as the alternative combination, the simulation range can be the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the least common multiple of the number of transported parts of each pallet.

[0020] If the combination that minimizes the average number of calls per logistics robot is selected as an alternative combination, the simulation range can be the least common multiple of the number of transported parts of each pallet.

[0021] Pallets are classified according to the maximum number of loadable parts, and the setting section treats pallets classified as the same type of pallet as the same pallet, and sets the maximum number of loadable parts for each pallet or a prime number smaller than the maximum number of loadable parts as the number of parts loaded on the pallet, thereby generating a combination for the number of loadable parts for each pallet.

[0022] The setting section can be set to the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet, or to the number of parts loaded on the pallet as the nearest prime number less than that number.

[0023] The setting section can set the number of parts loaded on each pallet to 1 or 2 when the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet is 1 or 2.

[0024]

[0025] A method for controlling a vehicle production system for managing the number of parts loaded onto a pallet of a logistics robot transporting parts to each of a plurality of work spots of a smart factory, the method comprising: a step of a setting unit selecting a maximum number of parts that can be loaded onto a pallet or a smaller prime number thereof and setting the number of parts loaded onto the pallet to generate a plurality of combinations for the number of parts loaded onto each pallet; a step of an analysis unit performing a transport simulation of the logistics robot to select an alternative combination from among the plurality of combinations generated by the setting unit;

[0026] The step of generating multiple combinations of the number of parts loaded per pallet is:

[0027] The number of parts loaded on a pallet can be set to the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet, or one of the nearest prime numbers that is smaller than that number.

[0028] The steps to select an alternative combination are:

[0029] The combination that minimizes the maximum number of simultaneous calls to logistics robots or the average number of calls per logistics robot can be selected as an alternative combination.

[0030] At the stage of selecting an alternative combination,

[0031] The analysis unit may further include a step of selecting multiple alternative combinations in the order of the maximum number of calls that logistics robots are called simultaneously, selecting multiple alternative combinations in the order of the average number of calls per logistics robot, or selecting multiple alternative combinations in the order of the standard deviation of the number of calls per logistics robot.

[0032] After the step of selecting an alternative combination,

[0033] The logistics robot operation system may include a step of operating the logistics robot based on an alternative combination.

[0034]

[0035] According to the vehicle production system and vehicle production system control method of the present invention, the number of times that logistics robots are simultaneously called can be reduced by changing the pallet-specific loading amount of the logistics robots, thereby preventing delays in the supply of logistics while maintaining the number of logistics robots in operation.

[0036] Additionally, the operational efficiency of logistics robots can be improved by leveling the number of times they are called.

[0037]

[0038] Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of part of the interior of a smart factory.

[0039] Figure 2 is a table explaining the reasons for the inefficiency of conventional logistics robot control methods.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle production system and a vehicle production system control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 4 to 6 are materials to help understand the present invention.

[0042]

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0044] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. In addition, the attached drawings are provided solely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0045] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0046] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0048] Hereinafter, among the configurations of the present invention to be described, the setting unit, analysis unit, management unit, and logistics robot operation system may include a communication device for communicating with other controllers or sensors to control the functions in charge of, a memory for storing operating systems or logic commands and input / output information, and one or more processors for performing judgments, calculations, decisions, etc. necessary for controlling the functions in charge.

[0049] In addition, the following logistics robot is used as a general term for smart logistics vehicles such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and unmanned forklifts.

[0050]

[0051] Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of a portion of the interior of a smart factory. Referring to Figure 1, within the smart factory (100), there is a work spot (130) where processes necessary for vehicle production are performed. A logistics robot (170) transports necessary parts to the work spot (130) depending on the type of process required for vehicle production.

[0052] Specifically, to explain the parts transport procedure, the required parts are loaded onto a pallet, and the logistics robot can support and lift the lower part of the pallet loaded with parts to move the pallet to the work spot.

[0053] That is, when a logistics robot is called, it moves to the location where parts are loaded onto pallets, lifts the pallets loaded with parts, and moves them back to the work spot.

[0054] A logistics robot (170) connects (joins) a pallet, and places necessary parts on trays provided on the pallet. As there are many types of parts required to produce a vehicle, there are also many types of pallets.

[0055]

[0056] Figure 2 is a table explaining the reasons for the inefficiency of conventional logistics robot control methods. Referring to Figure 2, in the "F assembly" process, it is assumed that the required parts are X, Y, and Z, and that each part can be loaded onto type A, B, and C pallets.

[0057] Part X can be loaded up to 4 units on a type A pallet, Part Y can be loaded up to 8 units on a type B pallet, and Part Z can be loaded up to 2 units on a type C pallet.

[0058] In performing the F assembly process through parts X, Y, and Z, the logistics robot is called whenever parts X, Y, and Z are all exhausted. That is, referring to the process sequence, in sequence 1, X, Y, and Z are exhausted one by one, and in sequence 2, all of Z are exhausted, so the logistics robot in charge of transporting part Z will be called to the work spot. Similarly, in sequence 4, parts X and Z are both exhausted, so the logistics robot in charge of parts X and Z will be called to the work spot. Also, in sequence 8, parts X, Y, and Z are all exhausted, so the logistics robot in charge of transporting parts X, Y, and Z will be called to the work spot.

[0059] As above, when transporting parts according to the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on a pallet, the logistics robot may be called simultaneously in the process sequence corresponding to the least common multiple of the maximum number of parts, which may cause a delay in logistics transport.

[0060]

[0061] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention utilizes the characteristics of prime numbers that have only 1 as a divisor, so that instead of transporting parts according to the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on all pallets, some pallets transport parts according to the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on the pallet, and some pallets transport parts as a prime number less than the maximum number of parts.

[0062] More specifically, when transporting parts according to the maximum number of parts loaded on a pallet, the number of times the logistics robot is called for each process sequence that is the least common multiple of the maximum number of parts loaded is maximized, so the property of a prime number that has itself and 1 as divisors is utilized.

[0063]

[0064] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle production system and a vehicle production system control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the vehicle production system includes a logistics robot operation system (300) and a management system (500) that manages the number of parts loaded onto a pallet of the logistics robot. The management system (500) selects the number of parts to be loaded onto the pallet in use and transmits this to the logistics robot operation system (300). The logistics robot operation system (300), which receives the number of parts to be loaded onto the pallet in use from the management system (500), can then enable another robot device or worker to load the selected number of parts onto the pallet based on this.

[0066] Specific details regarding the logistics robot operation system (300) will be described later, and the management system (500) will be described in detail.

[0067] The management system (500) is a component of a vehicle production system and is a system that manages the number of parts loaded onto a pallet of a logistics robot (170). The management system (500) includes a management unit (510), a setting unit (530), and an analysis unit (550). For efficient operation of the logistics robot, when the management unit (510) requests the setting unit to determine the appropriate number of parts to be loaded, the setting unit (530) searches for and generates a combination of the number of parts to be loaded onto each pallet used.

[0068] Specifically, first, the setting unit (530) sets the number of parts loaded onto each pallet. The number of parts may be determined as the maximum number of parts that can be loaded onto a pallet or a smaller decimal number. Since a plurality of logistics robots (170) and corresponding plurality of pallets are provided within the smart factory (100), the setting unit (530) can generate multiple combinations regarding the number of parts loaded onto a pallet.

[0069] By utilizing the characteristics of prime numbers that have only themselves and 1 as divisors, the number of logistics robots (170) called simultaneously is reduced. However, if the number of parts on all pallets is set to a prime number, the number of calls to logistics robots may increase simultaneously for each prime process sequence. Therefore, by setting some of the pallets used to a prime number and some to the maximum number that can be loaded on the pallet, the maximum number of calls to logistics robots (170) called simultaneously can be reduced.

[0070] Here, the prime number may be less than the maximum number of parts that can be loaded onto the pallet, but preferably, it is the prime number that is closest to the maximum number of parts that can be loaded onto the pallet.

[0071]

[0072] *Referring to FIG. 4, for example, to perform the “G process”, pallets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are used, and the maximum load of parts on pallet 1 is 2, the maximum load of parts on pallets 2 to 4 is 4, and the maximum load of parts on pallets 5 to 6 is 6.

[0073] Here, since 2 is a prime number in itself, the setting unit (530) can determine the number of parts loaded on pallet 1 as 2 (although 1 is not a prime number, since there is no prime number smaller than 1, the setting unit sets the number of parts loaded on each pallet to 1 or 2 when the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet is 1 or 2).

[0074] Since the maximum loading capacity of parts on pallets 2 to 4 is 4, the prime number adjacent to 4 and smaller than 4 is 3. Accordingly, the setting unit (530) can select the loading capacity of parts on pallets 2 to 4 as either 4 or 3.

[0075] Since the maximum loading capacity of parts on pallets 5 and 6 is 6, the prime number adjacent to 6 and smaller than 6 is 5. Accordingly, the setting unit (530) can select the loading capacity of parts on pallets 5 and 6 as either 6 or 5.

[0076] By this series of processes, the number of possible combinations of pallet-specific part loads that can be generated is 2. 5 = 32 A total of 32 can be created.

[0077]

[0078] The analysis unit (550) included in the management system (500) is configured to receive combinations generated by the setting unit (530), perform a transportation simulation, and select an alternative combination from among the combinations generated by the setting unit (530). Specifically, as in the example above, the analysis unit (550) can receive multiple combinations generated by the setting unit (530) from the setting unit (530), and perform a transportation simulation for each combination.

[0079] When the transport simulation for multiple combinations generated by the setting unit (530) is completed, the maximum number of calls to the logistics robot (170) at the same time for each combination generated by the setting unit (530) or the average number of calls per logistics robot (170) can be calculated.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, combination 2 among the multiple combinations generated by the setting unit (530) will be examined.

[0081] The load capacity of parts on pallet 1 was selected as 2, the load capacity of parts on pallet 2 was selected as 3, the load capacity of parts on pallet 3 to 4 was selected as 4, and the load capacity of parts on pallet 5 to 6 was selected as 6.

[0082] As a result of the transportation simulation for combination 2, the maximum number of calls in the transportation simulation for process G was 4, which appears in process sequence 6 (or in each process sequence that is a multiple of 6), and the average number of calls was 1.17.

[0083] Of course, the maximum number of calls to the logistics robots could be 6 in the 12-process sequence corresponding to the least common multiple of 2, 3, 4, and 6. However, all combinations have the maximum number of calls because all logistics robots are called in the sequence corresponding to the least common multiple of the number of parts loaded. In other words, observing the sequence corresponding to the least common multiple of the number of parts loaded is meaningless and can be ignored.

[0084] That is, when observing the maximum number of calls, it is appropriate to judge up to the sequence corresponding to the least common multiple of the number of parts loaded, but when observing the average number of calls, it is desirable to judge up to the sequence corresponding to the least common multiple of the number of parts loaded -1.

[0085]

[0086] The average number of calls shown in Figure 5 refers to the average number of calls for each loading number in the corresponding combination. That is, the least common multiple of the loading numbers 2, 3, 4, and 6 for each pallet in combination 2 is 12, which means that repeated calls are made every 12 times. Therefore, the average number of calls is 14 times in total within the 12 process sequences, so the average number of calls is 14 / 12 = 1.17.

[0087]

[0088] Meanwhile, the analysis unit (550) can select an alternative combination through transportation simulation, which is the combination that minimizes the maximum number of calls made simultaneously to the logistics robot (170) or the average number of calls made per logistics robot.

[0089] Preferably, it is consistent with the purpose of the invention to select a combination with the minimum number of calls simultaneously made to the logistics robot (170) as an alternative combination. However, in cases where it is difficult to select an alternative combination with the maximum number of calls, such as when the maximum number of calls simultaneously made is the same or when there exists a combination with the same maximum number of calls, a combination with the minimum average number of calls can be selected as an alternative combination.

[0090] That is, referring to Fig. 5, combination 32 can be selected as an alternative combination for the G process when the maximum number of calls is 3.

[0091] However, as described above, if the combination that minimizes the maximum number of calls made simultaneously to the logistics robot is selected as the alternative combination, the simulation range is a value corresponding to the least common multiple of the number of transported parts of each pallet - 1, and if the combination that minimizes the average number of calls made per logistics robot is selected as the alternative combination, the simulation range is preferably the least common multiple of the number of transported parts of each pallet.

[0092]

[0093] Meanwhile, the vehicle production system includes a logistics robot operation system (300) that operates a logistics robot (170). The logistics robot operation system (300) directly communicates with the management unit (510) of the management system (500), and the management unit (510) transmits the alternative combination selected by the analysis unit (550) to the logistics robot operation system (300). Accordingly, the logistics robot operation system (300) operates the logistics robot (170) by applying the alternative combination transmitted from the management unit (510).

[0094] The alternative combinations were selected through transportation simulation, and are only the results of the simulation. Unexpected variables may be applied in actual logistics robot operation, so the actual results may not match the results of the transportation simulation.

[0095] To cope with such cases, the analysis unit (550) may select multiple alternative combinations for operating the logistics robot (170) in addition to the alternative combinations. Specifically, the analysis unit (550) may select multiple alternative combinations in descending order of the maximum number of calls that the logistics robot (170) is called at the same time, or select multiple alternative combinations in descending order of the average number of calls per logistics robot (170), or select multiple alternative combinations in descending order of the standard deviation of the number of calls per logistics robot.

[0096] That is, the logistics robot operation system (300) can basically operate the logistics robot (170) based on the alternative combination selected by the analysis unit (550), but determines whether the alternative combination is suitable or not based on the results of actual operation of the logistics robot operation system (300), and if the alternative combination is determined to be suitable, requests transmission of an alternative combination to the management unit (510), and if there is a request for transmission of an alternative combination, the management unit (510) can transmit the alternative combination to the logistics robot operation system (300).

[0097] That is, the alternative combination can be selected based on the maximum number of calls of the logistics robot, the average number of calls per logistics robot, and the standard deviation of the number of calls per logistics robot. Since the purpose of the present invention is to minimize the number of logistics robots called simultaneously, the maximum number of calls of the logistics robot is determined as the highest priority, and thereafter, within the combinations with the same maximum number of calls of the logistics robot, the average number of calls per logistics robot can be observed to determine the priority of the combination.

[0098] If the average number of calls per logistics robot is the same or similar, priority can be determined based on the standard deviation.

[0099] That is, in a combination where the maximum number of calls to logistics robots and the average number of calls per logistics robot are the same, a low standard deviation reflects that the calls to logistics robots are appropriately distributed, resulting in efficient operation of logistics robots. A high standard deviation reflects that robots that receive frequent calls are continuously receiving calls, reflecting that there are some available logistics robots.

[0100] Therefore, if the maximum number of calls for a logistics robot and the average number of calls per logistics robot are the same, the combination with a lower standard deviation can be given a higher priority.

[0101]

[0102] Meanwhile, even if there is no request for transmission for an alternative combination, the management unit (510) transmits both the alternative combination and the substitute combination to the logistics robot operation system (300), so that the logistics robot operation system (300) can compare the results for the days when the logistics robot (170) was operated using the alternative combination and the days when the logistics robot (170) was operated using the substitute combination, and determine which combination is appropriate for the alternative combination and the substitute combination.

[0103]

[0104] Below, other embodiments of the transportation simulation for selecting alternative combinations performed by the analysis unit (550) will be described.

[0105] Referring to Fig. 5, the maximum number of calls or the average number of calls was calculated based on the results of performing up to the nth process sequence to complete the transport simulation for process G in the transport simulation according to the first embodiment.

[0106] However, according to the second embodiment, the transport simulation can be performed by setting the simulation range to a range smaller than n, without having to perform the n-th process sequence to complete the simulation.

[0107] Specifically, the scope of the simulation can be determined by subtracting 1 from the least common multiple of the number of transported parts of each pallet. Referring to Fig. 5, the least common multiple of the transported parts of each pallet corresponding to combination 2 is 12, which corresponds to the least common multiple of 2, 3, 4, and 6.

[0108] Therefore, since combination 2 is performed up to process sequence n by repeating the movement of the entire logistics robot every process sequence 12, there is no problem in calculating the maximum number of calls or the average number of calls up to process sequence 11, and according to the second embodiment, there is an advantage in that the time consumed in calculating the results of the transportation simulation can be reduced.

[0109]

[0110] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in generating multiple combinations in the setting unit (530) according to the first embodiment, 32 combinations were generated by considering the number of cases of all palettes used.

[0111] However, according to the third embodiment, when generating multiple combinations in the setting unit (530), the pallets are classified according to the maximum number of loadable parts, and pallets classified as the same type of pallet are treated as the same pallet, so that multiple combinations can be generated in the setting unit (530).

[0112] Specifically, according to the first embodiment, among pallets 2 to 4, each having a maximum part loading capacity of 4, a combination in which the part loading capacity of pallet 2 is selected as 3 and the part loading capacity of pallets 3 to 4 is selected as 4, and a combination in which the part loading capacity of pallet 4 is selected as 3 and the part loading capacity of pallets 2 to 3 is selected as 4 are distinguished as different combinations.

[0113] However, according to the third embodiment, the above combinations are distinguished as the same combination. That is, according to the third embodiment, palettes 2 to 4 are classified as palettes corresponding to group Q, so palettes 2 to 4 are not distinguished from each other.

[0114] According to this third embodiment, 1 combination is created in group P, 4 combinations are created in group Q, and 3 combinations are created in group R, and accordingly, the setting unit (530) can create 1 X 3 X 4 = 12, a total of 12 combinations.

[0115] While the first embodiment has the advantage of considering the characteristics of parts loaded onto a pallet, the third embodiment may better align with the purpose of the present invention, which aims to reduce the maximum number of simultaneous calls to the logistics robot (170). Furthermore, the third embodiment has the advantage of reducing the time required to generate combinations in the configuration unit (530).

[0116]

[0117] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, a vehicle production system control method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0118] First, a request for setting the number of parts to be loaded onto a pallet required for process execution is transmitted from the logistics robot operation system (300) to the management system (S100). Specifically, a request for setting the number of parts to be loaded onto a pallet is transmitted to the management unit within the management system, and at this time, information regarding the pallets used for process execution (types of parts to be loaded, maximum number of parts to be loaded onto a pallet) is also transmitted from the logistics robot operation system (300) to the management unit (510).

[0119] The management unit (510) requests the setting unit (530) to create multiple combinations of the number of parts loaded per pallet (S200). At this time, information about the pallet may be transmitted together to the setting unit (530).

[0120] As described above, the setting unit (530) selects the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on a pallet or a smaller prime number, and sets the number of parts loaded on the pallet to search for and generate multiple combinations of the number of parts loaded on each pallet (S300);

[0121] When the creation of multiple combinations is completed, the setting unit (530) transmits the generated multiple combinations to the analysis unit (550) and performs a request (S400) for selecting an alternative combination. The analysis unit (550) that has received the multiple combinations performs a transport simulation of the logistics robot (170) for the multiple combinations and performs a step (S500) of selecting an alternative combination from among the multiple combinations generated by the setting unit (530).

[0122] In the step (S500) where the analysis unit (550) selects an alternative combination, the analysis unit (550) can select a combination that minimizes the maximum number of calls made simultaneously to logistics robots or the average number of calls made per logistics robot (170) as the alternative combination.

[0123] Meanwhile, in the step (S500) where the analysis unit (550) selects an alternative combination, the analysis unit (550) may further include a step of selecting multiple alternative combinations in the order of the maximum number of calls that the logistics robot (170) is called at the same time, or selecting multiple alternative combinations in the order of the average number of calls per logistics robot (170), or selecting multiple alternative combinations in the order of the standard deviation of the number of calls per logistics robot.

[0124] That is, as described above, the alternative combination is selected through a transportation simulation, and is merely a result of the simulation. In actual operation of the logistics robot (170), unexpected variables may result in results that do not match the simulation.

[0125] To prepare for such cases, the analysis unit (550) may select multiple alternative combinations for operating the logistics robot (170) in addition to the alternative combinations. Specifically, the analysis unit (550) may select multiple alternative combinations in descending order of the maximum number of simultaneous calls to the logistics robot (170) other than the alternative combinations, or select multiple alternative combinations in descending order of the average number of calls per logistics robot (170), or select multiple alternative combinations in descending order of the standard deviation of the number of calls per logistics robot.

[0126] Meanwhile, after the step of selecting an alternative combination (S500), the logistics robot operation system (300) may include a step (S800) of operating the logistics robot based on the alternative combination.

[0127] Specifically, when an alternative combination is selected (S500), the analysis unit (550) transmits the selected alternative combination to the management unit (510), and when an alternative combination is selected, the alternative combination is also transmitted to the management unit (510).

[0128] The management unit (510) that receives the alternative combination transmits the alternative combination to the logistics robot operation system (300) (S700), and the logistics robot operation system (300) applies the alternative combination and operates the logistics robot (170) (S800).

[0129] When the operation of the logistics robot (170) is completed, the operation result is evaluated, and whether the alternative combination is suitable or not is determined and transmitted to the management unit (510) (S1000). If the alternative combination is determined to be suitable, the logistics robot operation system (300) requests the management unit (510) to transmit an alternative combination, and the management unit (510) can transmit the alternative combination to the logistics robot operation system (300) (S1100).

[0130]

[0131] Fig. 6 shows the results of an operational simulation using an embodiment of the present invention. Comparing Figs. 2 and 6, in the "F assembly" process, referring to Fig. 2 before applying an embodiment of the present invention, the maximum number of calls for the logistics robot (170) is 3 times for each of the 8 process sequences, but referring to Fig. 6 after applying an embodiment of the present invention, the maximum number of calls for the logistics robot (170) is only 2 times in the 6 process sequence, and thereafter, the maximum number of calls is only 3 times in the 42 process sequence.

[0132] That is, although there are cases where the maximum number of calls increases, the maximum number of calls occurring in the 42 process sequence is negligible when considering the entire process sequence.

[0133]

[0134] In this way, according to the vehicle production system and vehicle production system control method of the present invention, the number of times the logistics robot (170) is simultaneously called can be reduced by changing the pallet-specific loading amount of the logistics robot (170), thereby preventing delays in the supply of logistics while maintaining the number of logistics robots (170) in operation.

[0135]

[0136] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously improved and modified without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

[0137]

[0138] [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 100: Smart Factory

[0140] 130: Work Spot

[0141] 170: Logistics Robot

[0142] 300: Logistics Robot Operation System

[0143] 500: Management System

[0144] 510: Management Department

[0145] 530: Settings section

[0146] 550: Analysis Department

Claims

1. A vehicle production system that manages the number of parts loaded on a pallet of a logistics robot that transports parts to each of multiple work spots in a smart factory. A setting section that sets the number of parts loaded on each pallet, determines the number of parts loaded on the pallet as the maximum number that can be loaded on the pallet or a smaller prime number, and generates multiple combinations for the number of parts loaded on each pallet; and A vehicle production system including an analysis unit that selects an alternative combination from among multiple combinations generated by a setting unit through a transport simulation of a logistics robot.

2. In claim 1, A vehicle production system characterized in that the setting unit sets the number of parts to be loaded on the pallet by selecting the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet or one of the nearest prime numbers that is smaller than the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet.

3. In claim 1, A vehicle production system characterized in that the analysis unit selects, through transportation simulation, an alternative combination that minimizes the maximum number of calls to logistics robots simultaneously or the average number of calls per logistics robot.

4. In claim 3, A vehicle production system characterized in that the analysis unit selects multiple alternative combinations in the order of the maximum number of calls in which logistics robots are called simultaneously, other than the alternative combinations, or in the order of the average number of calls per logistics robot, or in the order of the standard deviation of the number of calls per logistics robot.

5. In claim 4, Logistics robot operation system that operates logistics robots; and It further includes a management department that receives an alternative combination from the analysis department and transmits it to the logistics robot operation system; A logistics robot operation system is a vehicle production system characterized by operating logistics robots based on alternative combinations.

6. In claim 5, A vehicle production system characterized in that the logistics robot system requests the management unit to transmit an alternative combination based on the results of the logistics robot operation according to the alternative combination, and when there is a request for transmitting an alternative combination, the management unit transmits the alternative combination to the logistics robot operation system.

7. In claim 3, A vehicle production system characterized in that the analysis unit performs a transport simulation by setting the least common multiple of the quantity of transported parts of each pallet or the least common multiple minus 1 as the simulation range.

8. In claim 7, A vehicle production system characterized in that, when a combination in which the maximum number of simultaneous calls to the logistics robot is minimized is selected as an alternative combination, the simulation range is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the least common multiple of the number of transported parts of each pallet.

9. In claim 7, A vehicle production system characterized in that, when the combination with the minimum average number of calls per logistics robot is selected as an alternative combination, the simulation range is the least common multiple of the number of transported parts of each pallet.

10. In claim 1, A vehicle production system characterized in that the pallets are classified according to the maximum number of loadable parts, and the setting unit treats pallets classified as the same type of pallet as the same pallet, and sets the maximum number of loadable parts on each pallet or a prime number smaller than the maximum number of loadable parts as the number of parts loaded on the pallet, thereby generating a combination for the number of loadable parts per pallet.

11. In claim 8, A vehicle production system characterized in that the setting section sets the number of parts loaded on the pallet to the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet or to the number of parts loaded on the pallet that is smaller than the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet and is the nearest prime number.

12. In claim 11, A vehicle production system, characterized in that the setting unit sets the number of parts loaded on each pallet to 1 or 2 when the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet is 1 or 2.

13. A vehicle production system control method for managing the number of parts loaded on a pallet of a logistics robot transporting parts to each of multiple work spots in a smart factory, A step of generating multiple combinations of the number of parts loaded per pallet by setting the number of parts loaded on the pallet as the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on the pallet or one of a smaller prime number; A method for controlling a vehicle production system, comprising: a step in which an analysis unit performs a transport simulation of a logistics robot and selects an alternative combination from among multiple combinations generated by a setting unit; 14. In claim 13, The step of generating multiple combinations of the number of parts loaded per pallet is: A vehicle production system control method characterized in that the number of parts loaded on a pallet is set by selecting the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet or one of the nearest prime numbers smaller than the maximum number of parts that can be loaded on each pallet.

15. In claim 13, The steps to select an alternative combination are: A vehicle production system control method characterized in that a combination in which the maximum number of simultaneous calls to logistics robots or the average number of calls per logistics robot is minimized is selected as an alternative combination.

16. In claim 15, At the stage of selecting an alternative combination, A vehicle production system control method, characterized in that the analysis unit further includes a step of selecting a plurality of alternative combinations in the order of the maximum number of calls in which logistics robots are called simultaneously, or selecting a plurality of alternative combinations in the order of the average number of calls per logistics robot, or selecting a plurality of alternative combinations in the order of the standard deviation of the number of calls per logistics robot; 17. In claim 13, After selecting an alternative combination, A method for controlling a vehicle production system, characterized in that it includes a step of operating a logistics robot based on an alternative combination by a logistics robot operation system.

Images