Autonomous Mobile Robot Storage System for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems in intralogistics are inefficient for picking items due to long retrieval times and limited processing capacity, especially when multiple container handling vehicles interfere with each other.
Innovation Solution
A storage system that includes a compact storage system with a handling device for removing items and a shelf warehouse for temporary storage, utilizing a warehouse management system with autonomous transport robots to separate storage and retrieval operations, allowing for efficient and quick item preparation and picking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple container handling vehicles are used to increase processing capacity, then the storage and retrieval operations can be performed in parallel, but the vehicles interfere with each other when retrieving and storing items or storage containers, which limits processing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage facility into multiple storage columns with dedicated access paths, and separates the handling function into autonomous mobile robots that operate independently. This segmentation allows multiple handling operations to occur simultaneously without interference, as each robot has its own mobility and can navigate to different storage locations independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional horizontal storage arrangements to a vertical storage structure with multiple levels. Storage containers are stacked vertically in columns, and handling robots move along vertical and horizontal paths to access containers. This three-dimensional arrangement increases storage density while providing multiple access dimensions, reducing interference between handling operations.
2Volume of stationary object
If a compact storage system with vertical stacking of storage containers is used, then space utilization is maximized, but the storage and retrieval of items takes a comparatively long time
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions storage containers in vertical stacks within easily accessible storage columns. When retrieval is needed, the autonomous mobile robot can directly access the top container of a stack and remove it quickly. For deeper containers, the system uses temporary relocation to the rack storage facility, which is optimized for fast access. This preliminary organization of storage containers minimizes retrieval time while maintaining compact vertical storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack storage facility acts as an intermediary between the compact vertical storage columns and the retrieval point. When containers need to be retrieved from deep within vertical stacks, they are temporarily moved to the rack storage facility, which provides direct access to the retrieval area. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential removal of containers from deep stacks, significantly reducing retrieval time.
3Productivity
If storage containers are not assigned a fixed storage location (dynamic warehouse), then space utilization is improved, but the handling time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each autonomous mobile robot is equipped with navigation and identification systems that allow it to independently locate storage columns, navigate to them, and identify specific storage containers based on retrieval requests. The robots autonomously plan their paths and execute handling operations without requiring complex centralized coordination for each movement, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dynamic storage flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses identification devices on storage containers and corresponding detection systems on the handling robots to track the location and status of each container. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to maintain real-time knowledge of container positions, enabling dynamic storage allocation while simplifying handling operations through automated location tracking and routing.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system (1) for storing and retrieving articles (2), comprising a storage facility (10) for storing articles (2), comprising at least one handling device (20) for removing articles (2) from the storage facility (10), and comprising a rack storage system (50.1, 50.2) with a storage room (55) with a plurality of vertically arranged shelves (51) with storage locations (52) for placing and temporarily storing articles (2) which have been removed from the storage facility (10).