Cooperative Robotic Container Lifting for Larger Storage Bins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional automated storage and retrieval systems are limited by the standardization of storage containers, which restricts the ability to adapt to varying sizes and shapes of items, necessitating separate systems and robots for larger containers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where multiple robotic container-handling vehicles cooperate to lift larger storage containers, allowing for flexible use of different sizes and shapes by distributing the weight across multiple robots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standardization of storage containers is implemented, then system scalability and ease of operation are improved, but adaptability to varying sizes and shapes of items deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying sizes and shapesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple robotic container-handling vehicles are combined to lift a single large storage container simultaneously. Each robot positions itself at a different corner or side of the container and applies lifting force through coordinated control, enabling the system to handle containers exceeding the capacity of individual robots while maintaining standardization of the robots themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static one-to-one robot-container matching to dynamic multi-robot collaboration. The control system dynamically assigns multiple robots to specific containers based on size, weight, and position requirements, allowing flexible adaptation to varying container dimensions without changing the physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple robotic vehicles cooperate to lift larger containers, then adaptability and storage capacity are improved, but coordination complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the position, orientation, and lifting force of each robotic vehicle involved in container handling. Real-time feedback from sensors on the container and robots allows the central controller to adjust individual robot actions to maintain balanced lifting and proper container orientation, coordinating multiple units without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If standard container sizes are used, then ease of manufacture and system standardization are improved, but versatility for different item sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem standardizationVSAvoidversatility for different item sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic container-handling vehicles are designed as universal units capable of handling multiple container sizes through coordinated multi-robot operation. Instead of manufacturing different robot types for different container sizes, the system uses the same standardized robot design that can adapt to various container dimensions by working in groups, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4696617A1Methods and robotic container-handling vehicles for lifting a storage container

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

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AI summary

The disclosure relates to methods for handling a storage container in an automated storage and retrieval system, the methods comprising lifting the storage container using a plurality of robotic container-handling vehicles in cooperation, and relates to corresponding vehicles, storage containers and systems.