Dockable AMV Robot Bus for Flexible Pallet Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics systems in commercial facilities rely heavily on manual operation and lack efficient collaboration between automated mobile vehicles and robots for seamless article handling and transport.
Innovation Solution
A logistics management system that integrates automated mobile vehicles with fungible automated mobile robots, enabling them to dock and undock dynamically for various material handling tasks, including palletizing and depalletizing, through a facility management controller that directs real-time operations and facilitates communication and power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manually operated transport equipment is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and automation level are low
Solution Approach 1:
The transport equipment is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, allowing it to move articles between storage locations without human operators. The system self-manages navigation, obstacle detection, and task execution, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining continuous operation capability that improves productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operation is replaced with automated control systems including sensors, processors, and communication modules. The human operator's mechanical actions are substituted with electronic control signals that manage navigation, article handling, and coordination with the central facility controller
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized equipment is used for specific tasks, then task performance is optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport equipment is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform various material handling tasks including navigation, article transport, stacking, and interaction with different storage locations. A single equip ment type replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining task adaptability through software configuration and interchangeable end effectors
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment features dynamically adjustable parameters including speed, navigation paths, and operational modes that can be modified in real-time based on task requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical platform to optimize its performance for different tasks without requiring hardware changes
3Productivity
If human operators perform all tasks, then system simplicity is maintained, but loss of time and efficiency are high
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous operation without breaks, shifts, or fatigue-related delays. Multiple transport units can operate simultaneously and continuously move articles between locations, eliminating idle time associated with human operators and maximizing productive action throughout operational hours
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and communication systems that provide real-time feedback to the facility controller about location, task status, and operational conditions. This feedback enables dynamic coordination and optimization of multiple units, reducing waiting time and improving overall operational efficiency through intelligent dispatching
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated mobile vehicle (AMV) including a frame forming a pallet bed for a pallet, and having an automated mobile robot bus, separate and distinct from the pallet bed, a drive section coupled to the frame to provide automated vehicle mobility, and a controller operably coupled to the drive section to effect automated vehicle mobility, wherein, the robot bus has a bus interface for docking independent automated mobile robots (AMR) to the frame so that the AMR is carried by the frame, wherein the AMR has independent automated mobility so that undocked from the frame, the AMR is free to roam independent from the AMV, and wherein the AMR is fungible for docking with the frame from a number different AMRs, to effect a predetermined material handling characteristic, and wherein the controller is coupled to the AMR to manage control of the predetermined material handling characteristic with the AMR undocked from the frame and moving as a unit apart from the frame.