Context-Aware Edge Resource Placement on Material Handling Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial environments, there is a need for dynamic placement of edge computing resources to meet varying computational demands across different portions of a physical environment, as existing devices may not suffice during changes in production levels or equipment availability, necessitating the identification and strategic deployment of additional edge computing resources.
Innovation Solution
A method that analyzes the physical environment to determine the need for additional edge computing resources and automatically situates them on material handling devices, which then transport these resources to the required locations, ensuring timely and efficient distribution to meet computational demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If additional edge computing resources are deployed to meet varying computational demands, then computational capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts edge computing resource deployment based on real-time computational demands. The processor continuously monitors computational requirements and automatically deploys or retrieves edge devices from material handling devices, transforming a static infrastructure into a dynamic, demand-responsive system that adapts computational power to actual needs without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service automation where the processor autonomously identifies computational demand gaps, selects appropriate edge computing resources, and orchestrates their deployment to specific locations. This self-managing approach eliminates complex manual deployment processes, allowing the system to enhance computational capabilities while keeping deployment complexity manageable through automated decision-making and execution
2Adaptability or versatility
If edge computing resources are dynamically placed on material handling devices, then adaptability to changing production needs is improved, but reliability of material handling operations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments edge computing resources from the core material handling operations by placing them on separate material handling devices that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows computational resources to be dynamically allocated to different locations without interfering with the primary material handling functions, maintaining reliability while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses material handling devices as intermediary carriers for edge computing resources. These devices serve dual purposes: their primary function is material handling (ensuring reliability), and their secondary function is to transport and deploy edge computing resources (providing adaptability). The intermediary role of material handling devices allows both objectives to coexist without conflict
3Productivity
If edge computing resources are automatically situated on material handling devices, then deployment speed is improved, but loss of time for resource allocation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning edge computing resources on material handling devices before they are needed at specific locations. The processor anticipates computational demands and proactively deploys resources to potential future locations, reducing the time required for resource allocation when demands actually arise. This advance preparation eliminates deployment delays while maintaining rapid response capability
Data Source
AI summary
A processor may analyze a physical environment. One or more portions of the physical environment may have an edge computing resource requirement. The processor may determine, based on the analyzing, one or more additional edge computing resources to be placed in a surrounding area associated with the one or more portions of the physical environment. The processor may situate, automatically, the one or more additional edge computing resources on a material handling device in the surrounding area and that is directed toward the one or more portions of the physical environment.