Autonomous Baggage Carts With Vision-Guided Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional baggage handling systems (BHS) are resource-intensive, prone to routing errors, and require significant manual labor, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of automated and autonomous material handling equipment, including conveyors and baggage carts equipped with SLAM, GPS, and computer vision, along with Mecanum wheels, to enhance automation, reduce manual handling, and improve routing accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional baggage handling systems are used, then manual labor is required for baggage handling, but this increases operational costs and reduces worker safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baggage handling system performs operations autonomously without human intervention. The robotic arm automatically grasps, lifts, and places baggage items on conveyors based on routing information, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling of baggage is replaced with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm uses computer vision and control systems to perform tasks previously done by human workers, substituting mechanical automation for human labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional baggage handling systems are used, then routing errors occur, but implementing automated systems increases resource requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses computer vision cameras to continuously monitor and track baggage items throughout the handling process. This visual feedback allows the control system to verify routing decisions, ensure correct placement, and detect any errors, thereby improving routing accuracy through real-time monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system reads and processes routing information for baggage items before handling begins. By pre-processing routing data and planning handling sequences in advance, the system ensures accurate routing while optimizing resource usage through efficient task sequencing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If manual labor is used for baggage handling, then operational flexibility is maintained, but worker safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker safetyVSAvoidhandling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system autonomously performs all baggage handling operations including grasping, lifting, and placing items. This self-service capability eliminates worker exposure to heavy lifting and potential injuries while maintaining continuous operational productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the conveyor system and baggage items. It safely handles heavy and potentially hazardous baggage items, protecting workers from direct contact with objects that could cause injury during transfer operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If conventional systems are used, then resource consumption is high, but automated systems require significant initial investment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated baggage handling system is divided into modular functional components: computer vision subsystem, robotic manipulation subsystem, conveyor integration subsystem, and control software. This segmentation allows for targeted optimization of each module and facilitates maintenance and upgrades without requiring complete system replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12583690B2Automated baggage handling carts and systems

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LTD

AI summary

Automated and/or autonomous material handling equipment include conveyors and/or baggage carts that can be used in material handling systems for safe and efficient package movement and management within facilities such as warehouses, airports, campuses and/or other locations. In some examples, material handling systems include a conveyor that can be tilted and/or raised in a motorized and automated manner. In some embodiments, the autonomous baggage carts include a cart body defining an interior space configured for receiving baggage items, driven wheels attached to the cart body, an onboard microcomputer and antenna configured for wireless communication with a remotely located computerized baggage handling management and control logistics system, and a door conveyor movably attached to the cart body. In some examples, an automated conveyor system described herein can be used separately from the baggage cart.