Dual-Robot Warehousing for Fixed and Portable Shelf Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing warehousing systems face limitations due to the height restrictions of shelves handled by warehousing robots, leading to inefficient use of warehouse space and low utilization rates.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent warehousing system employing multiple types of warehousing robots, including a first robot for handling fixed shelves and a second robot for portable shelves, allowing flexible handling of materials across different types of shelves, enhancing compatibility and utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single type of warehousing robot handling fixed shelves is used, then the robot structure can be simplified, but the warehouse space utilization becomes limited due to height restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot structureVSAvoidwarehouse space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces two types of warehousing robots with different functions: a first robot for fixed shelves and a second robot for portable shelves. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both fixed and portable storage solutions, thereby improving overall warehouse space utilization while maintaining manageable robot complexity through specialized design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The warehousing system is segmented into two distinct robot types, each optimized for specific shelf types. The first robot handles fixed shelves while the second robot handles portable shelves, allowing each robot to be designed with appropriate complexity for its specific task while collectively achieving high space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If only fixed shelves are used in the warehouse, then the robot handling process is simplified, but the warehouse utilization rate decreases due to height limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot handling processVSAvoidwarehouse utilization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates portable shelves that can be dynamically moved by the second robot, in addition to fixed shelves handled by the first robot. This dynamic element allows the warehouse to adapt its storage configuration, improving utilization rate while maintaining simplified handling processes through automated robot operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second robot acts as an intermediary that handles portable shelves, enabling the system to overcome height limitations of fixed shelves. This intermediary component allows the warehouse to utilize vertical space more effectively while keeping the overall handling process automated and simplified.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single type of shelf is used, then the system is easier to manage, but the compatibility and adaptability of the warehousing system are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidsystem management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The warehousing system is designed with universal capability to handle both fixed and portable shelves through two specialized robots. This multi-functionality enhances system adaptability and compatibility with different storage configurations, while the clear division of labor between robots keeps management complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3915904B1Intelligent warehousing system, goods picking and placing method, and background processing terminal of intelligent warehousing system
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HAI ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • EP3915904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3915904B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3915904B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

An intelligent warehousing system, a material fetching and placing method and a processing terminal thereof, where the intelligent warehousing system (100) includes a first warehousing robot (10) and a second warehousing robot (20), the first warehousing robot (10) is configured to receive a first scheduling instruction, move to a fixed shelf (50) to fetch and place a material box according to the first scheduling instruction, and handle the material box to a first target position; and the second warehousing robot (20) is configured to receive a second scheduling instruction, move to a portable shelf (30) according to the second scheduling instruction, and handle the portable shelf (30) to a second target position. Through the technical solution of the present application, compatibility of the intelligent warehousing system is improved, which may be applied to a warehouse with different shelves, thus improving the utilization rate of the warehouse.