Bidirectional Extendible Robot Arm for Dense Warehouse Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems have limited vertical extension and lateral reach, leading to reduced warehouse space utilization due to the need for increased aisle width and spacing between objects, which limits the number of objects that can be stored and retrieved efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with an extendible arm and end effector capable of grasping objects, allowing for vertical and lateral displacement of objects within the warehouse, including a lift mechanism with a counterweight configuration to enhance vertical displacement and a modular object manipulator for efficient object placement and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If existing automated storage and retrieval systems are used, then objects can be stored and retrieved, but the vertical extension and lateral reach are limited, reducing warehouse space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system extends operation into the vertical dimension through an extendible arm that can reach multiple shelf levels, and into the lateral dimension through bidirectional extension capabilities. This multi-dimensional reach eliminates the need for multiple ground-level robots and maximizes utilization of vertical warehouse space.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm features dynamic extendibility with telescopic sections that can adjust length during operation. The arm transitions between retracted and extended states to adapt to different storage positions, enabling both vertical and lateral movement to access objects at various heights and distances from the base.
2Volume of stationary object
If aisle width is reduced to increase storage space, then more storage area is available, but existing systems require increased aisle width for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in the vertical dimension rather than requiring lateral movement space. By reaching upward and outward with an extendible arm, the robot performs storage and retrieval operations without needing wide aisles, allowing racks to be placed closer together and maximizing floor space utilization.
3Quantity of substance
If spacing between objects on object supporter is reduced to increase storage capacity, then more objects can be stored, but existing systems require increased spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The precision grasping system enables the robot to accurately locate and grasp individual objects regardless of their spacing. The end effector with adaptive gripping mechanisms can handle objects in tight configurations by precisely positioning itself relative to each object, eliminating the need for additional spacing that would be required by less precise systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a robot of a robotic system for moving objects such as packages, containers, totes, cases, bins, and/or boxes in a site, such as a warehouse, for fulfillment automation. The robot includes a base, a lift mechanism, and an object transitioning apparatus. The lift mechanism is coupled to the base. The lift mechanism is configured to vertically displace the object transitioning apparatus, relative to the base. The object transitioning apparatus includes an object manipulator for grasping an object. The object manipulator includes an extendible arm and an end effector for grasping the object. Lateral displacement of the end effector is effected by extension and retraction of the extendible arm. The extendible arm is laterally extendible, relative to the base, in a first direction, and also in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.