AGV Robotic Arm Gantry Batch Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) face inefficiencies in handling multiple stock keeping units (SKUs) in high-throughput situations, leading to higher costs and lower pick accuracy compared to human personnel, particularly in order fulfillment and warehousing due to limitations in flexibility and throughput.
Innovation Solution
An AGV system is developed with a robotic arm mounted on a gantry that allows for multiple degrees of freedom, enabling the robotic arm to efficiently batch process SKUs by moving in various spatial dimensions and orientations, and a loading table with conveyors to handle multiple SKUs simultaneously, reducing the need for manual handling and improving pick rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional AGV systems are used for material handling, then automation is achieved, but flexibility and throughput are insufficient for handling multiple SKUs in high-volume situations
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV system dynamically adapts its configuration by selectively positioning storage containers on the loading table based on order requirements. The robotic arm dynamically adjusts its picking sequence and targets different SKUs within the same trip, allowing the system to transition between handling single-SKU and multi-SKU orders efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading table is designed to universally accommodate multiple types of storage containers containing different SKUs simultaneously. The robotic arm serves multiple functions by既能 picking from containers at different positions又能 handling various SKU types, making the system versatile for different order configurations.
2Measurement precision
If traditional AGV systems make multiple return trips to handle multiple SKUs, then pick accuracy can be maintained, but productivity and throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple picking operations into a single AGV trip by loading multiple storage containers with different SKUs onto the loading table simultaneously. The robotic arm combines these picking tasks into one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate return trips while maintaining pick accuracy through systematic container positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm performs continuous picking operations across multiple storage containers without interrupting the AGV's forward motion or requiring return trips. The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning between picking different SKUs from different containers in a single uninterrupted cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual picking methods are used, then flexibility for handling multiple SKUs is achieved, but labor costs increase and pick accuracy varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service automation where the robotic arm autonomously identifies, selects, and picks the correct SKUs from the appropriate storage containers based on order requirements. The AGV independently navigates and positions containers without human intervention, providing consistent pick accuracy while maintaining the flexibility to handle varying order configurations.
4Productivity
If a robotic arm is added to the AGV to handle multiple SKUs, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the picking function from the navigation function, with the robotic arm handling SKU selection and the AGV handling transport. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through functional separation rather than integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV). A loading table is positioned on the AGV. The loading table is configured and sized to hold more than one storage container. A frame extends from the AGV. A robotic arm is mounted to the frame. In one form, the frame includes a gantry that moves relative to the rest of the AGV. Alternatively or additionally, the robotic arm is able to move relative to the gantry. By holding more than one storage container, the AGV facilitates automatic batch picking or placing of items. The gantry increases the degrees of freedom of movement of the robotic arm.