AGV Rack Transport Control for Dense Warehouse Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the volume of objects handled increases, storage space for racks needs to be expanded, leading to higher costs. Aligning racks at high density complicates retrieval and repositioning, especially from the back or middle of aligned groups.
Innovation Solution
A transport control system comprising a host server and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) controlled by an AGV controller. The system includes cameras and ID readers for tracking objects and racks, and a program that schedules AGV operations to improve storage, retrieval, and replacement efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If racks are aligned at high density to expand storage space, then storage capacity increases, but retrieval and repositioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage area is divided into multiple rack groups with aisles between them. Each rack group contains multiple racks arranged in rows, creating a segmented structure that allows access to individual racks while maintaining high density. This segmentation enables the AGV to retrieve racks from any position without moving other racks, resolving the contradiction between high storage density and retrieval ease.
2Quantity of substance
If storage space is expanded to handle increased object volume, then handling capacity increases, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes three-dimensional space utilization with racks arranged in multiple rows and columns forming rack groups. The AGV operates in the horizontal plane navigating between rack groups and under racks to retrieve them. This spatial arrangement maximizes storage capacity within the available footprint without requiring proportional expansion of the overall storage facility, thereby increasing handling capacity while controlling infrastructure costs.
3Quantity of substance
If racks are placed with no space in-between to increase density, then storage efficiency improves, but accessibility to back or middle racks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV serves as an intermediary mechanism for rack retrieval. Instead of requiring direct human access to racks in the back or middle of groups, the AGV navigates to the target rack position, retrieves the rack, and brings it to the pickup station. This intermediary approach maintains tight rack spacing for high storage efficiency while eliminating accessibility difficulties through automated retrieval.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transport control device that can enhance the efficiency of storing, retrieving and replacing an object is offered. According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a second recognition unit, an information processing unit, and an information output unit. The second recognition unit recognizes, by second recognition processing, a destination of an article with the destination not recognized by first recognition processing by a first recognition unit. The information processing unit generates recognition processing information proving that the second recognition processing has been executed by the second recognition unit. The information output unit outputs the recognition processing information.