Containerized Robotic System With Integrated Utilities for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of conventional robotic systems in shipping and distribution environments is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring several weeks and significant technical expertise.
Innovation Solution
A containerized robotic system that is pre-configured to perform specific operations such as singulation, kitting, and palletization/de-palletization, allowing for rapid deployment within a few minutes by simply placing the system at the destination location and connecting power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional robotic systems are deployed in shipping and distribution environments, then the robot can perform tasks such as sorting and packing, but the deployment process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring several weeks and significant technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is pre-configured with all necessary components, software, and calibration data before deployment. The robot, sensors, and workspace are pre-integrated and pre-calibrated at the manufacturing location, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site assembly and configuration. This preliminary preparation enables the system to be deployed rapidly by simply connecting power and network at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is divided into modular, containerized components that can be independently packaged, transported, and deployed. The robot, sensors, controllers, and workspace elements are segmented into discrete units that can be assembled quickly at the destination without requiring complex integration procedures or specialized technical expertise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional robotic systems are deployed, then the robot can be customized for specific tasks, but the deployment process requires significant technical expertise and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with universal interfaces and standardized mounting configurations that allow it to perform multiple tasks across different shipping and distribution environments. The pre-configured sensor arrays and software frameworks enable the robot to adapt to various sorting and packing operations without requiring complex reconfiguration or specialized deployment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system uses pre-loaded software configurations and digital twins that replicate optimal performance parameters for different tasks. Instead of requiring manual programming and calibration at deployment, the system copies proven operational profiles and sensor calibration data from the manufacturing environment, enabling task customization without technical expertise.
3Loss of time
If the robotic system is pre-configured for rapid deployment, then deployment time is reduced to minutes, but the system must be transported in a containerized format
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is nested within a containerized platform that provides protection during transport and serves as the deployment vehicle. The robot, sensors, and components are compactly arranged within the container, which can be easily transported to the destination and quickly opened for deployment. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate packaging and transport of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system merges the robot, sensors, controllers, and workspace elements into a single integrated containerized unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate transport and assembly of multiple components, reducing deployment complexity despite the containerization requirement. The merged system can be deployed as a single unit by simply connecting power and network at the destination.
Data Source
AI summary
A containerized robotic system is disclosed. The containerized robotic system includes a base having a first attachment area configured to securely mount a robot and a second attachment area configured to securely mount a compressor, the base further including a set of one or more channels to provide an electrical connection to supply power to the robot and the compressor, respectively, and to provide compressed air from the compressor to the robot, a detachable superstructure configured to be removably connected to the base to define an enclosed space of sufficient size to accommodate at least the robot and the compressor, and a power distribution unit secured to the base and coupled to receive electrical power as input and to provide electrical power to the robot and the compressor via the set of one or more channels.