Warehouse Box Retrieval Using Image-Based Spacing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrations and manual operations in warehouses cause boxes to be displaced, leading to unsafe conditions for warehouse robots during retrieval, potentially damaging goods or causing shelves to fall.
Innovation Solution
A warehouse robot equipped with an image sensor performs spacing detection by acquiring a detection image of a target box and neighboring objects, determining box spacing, and only retrieves the box if the spacing meets predefined conditions to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the warehouse robot performs automated retrieval operations continuously, then productivity is improved, but the risk of goods displacement and retrieval safety hazards increases due to vibrations and manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of box spacing before retrieval operations. The image sensor captures images of boxes and calculates spacing distances in advance, allowing the robot to identify safe retrieval opportunities before attempting retrieval, thus preventing unsafe operations while maintaining continuous productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring box spacing through image capture and analysis. The calculated spacing information feeds back to the control unit, which adjusts retrieval decisions based on real-time spacing conditions, ensuring that retrieval operations only proceed when safe spacing conditions are met
2Speed
If the robot retrieves boxes without spacing detection, then operation speed is improved, but the likelihood of damaging goods or causing shelves to fall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical spacing measurement methods with optical detection using an image sensor. The camera captures images of boxes and their positions, and the control unit calculates spacing distances through image processing, enabling non-contact, rapid spacing assessment that maintains retrieval speed while eliminating mechanical interference and damage risk
3Reliability
If spacing detection is implemented using image sensors, then retrieval safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it captures images for spacing detection, identifies box positions, and provides visual data for retrieval planning. The control unit performs both image processing and spacing calculation using the same hardware resources, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced safety through multi-purpose utilization of the imaging system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the safety and efficiency of goods retrieval by preventing damage to goods and shelves through accurate detection of safe retrieval conditions, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a detection image, where the detection image includes an image of a target box and neighboring objects
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a box retrieval method and apparatus, a system, a robot, and a storage medium. The method is applied to a warehouse robot, and includes: acquiring a detection image, where the detection image includes an image of a target box and neighboring objects; determining a box spacing between the target box and each neighboring object according to the detection image; and if the box spacing satisfies retrieval conditions of a warehouse robot, retrieving the target box. Automatic detection of the box spacing is achieved with low detection cost and high detection accuracy, and goods is retrieved only when the spacing satisfies conditions, such that goods retrieval safety is increased, and the probability of goods damage and falling down of shelves during a retrieval process is greatly lowered.