AGV Control Handover for Automated Cross-Warehouse Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting goods between warehouses are not fully automated, leading to inefficiencies as AGVs are controlled by one RCS to a handover area but then require manual handling by workers to complete the transfer to the target storage space.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where AGVs transfer control from a source RCS to a target RCS at the handover area, allowing the target RCS to take over and complete the transportation to the target storage space, enabling fully automated transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If workers manually move objects from the handover area to the target storage space, then the system can complete the transportation process, but the automation level is reduced and efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be controlled by the source RCS to transport objects to the handover area, then take over control autonomously to complete the transport to the target storage space. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for manual intervention and achieves full automation across the entire transportation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The AGV autonomously transfers control from the source RCS to itself at the handover area, and then independently navigates to the target storage space under the target RCS. This self-service capability allows the AGV to complete the entire transportation process without human intervention, thereby achieving full automation while maintaining high productivity.
2Extent of automation
If the AGV transfers control from source RCS to target RCS at the handover area, then full automation is achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct parts: the source RCS that controls the AGV to the handover area, and the target RCS that takes over for the final leg to the target storage space. This segmentation allows each RCS to operate independently within its zone, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling full automation through the handover mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover area serves as an intermediary zone where control transitions from the source RCS to the target RCS. This intermediary mechanism facilitates a smooth transfer of control authority, allowing the AGV to maintain autonomous operation while switching between different control systems, thereby managing complexity through a structured transition protocol.
3Device complexity
If manual handling is used at the handover area, then the system is simpler to implement, but the transportation process is interrupted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV maintains continuous autonomous operation throughout the entire transportation process, from the source warehouse through the handover area to the target storage space. The control transfer between source RCS and target RCS occurs seamlessly without interrupting the AGV's useful action of transporting objects, thereby eliminating time loss while keeping the system implementation relatively simple through the use of existing RCS infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides a method, apparatus and system for controlling transportation between warehouses. The method includes: receiving, from the source RCS, first transportation information which includes information of a first to-be-transported object; transporting the first to-be-transported object to a handover area; transferring control over the AGV from the source RCS to the target RCS; receiving a location of a first target storage space from the target RCS; transporting the first to-be-transported object from the handover area to the first target storage space. In the present application, the AGV transfers the control over itself from the source RCS to the target RCS after moving the to-be-transported object to the handover area, such that the target RCS could take over the AGV and control the AGV to transport the first to-be-transported object from the handover area to the first target storage space. In this way, a fully automatic transportation is achieved, improving the efficiency of transporting and warehousing compared to manual transporting.