Goods Sorting with Collection Orders for Faster Warehouse Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation warehousing management systems have a low degree of optimization in order picking operations, with a single order typically bound to a specific robot, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A goods sorting method and system that generates collection orders combining multiple sorting orders and allocates these orders to picking consoles based on priority and workload, optimizing the picking process by dynamically assigning tasks to robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single order is bound to a specific robot to complete picking operations, then the task can be tracked and managed individually, but the degree of optimization is low and order picking efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sorting orders into a single collection order that can be executed by one robot. Instead of assigning each sorting order separately to different robots, the system merges multiple orders into one unified task, allowing a single robot to complete multiple picking operations in sequence. This reduces the number of task assignments needed and improves overall picking efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes robots universal by enabling them to handle multiple different sorting orders within a single collection order. A robot is not dedicated to a single order type but can dynamically pick different goods for different customers based on the collection order instructions. This multi-functionality increases system flexibility and productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized order management
2Productivity
If multiple sorting orders are processed simultaneously by different robots, then picking throughput increases, but empty running and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sorting orders into collection orders that are strategically assigned to robots to minimize empty running. By combining orders that require picking from the same or nearby warehouse locations into single collection orders, the system reduces the number of times robots need to travel between warehouse and picking console, thereby reducing empty running time while maintaining high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary grouping of sorting orders into collection orders based on warehouse location and robot availability before assignment. This preliminary action optimizes the routing and reduces empty running by ensuring that robots are assigned collection orders with picking locations that minimize travel distance and time, thus improving throughput without increasing time loss
3Productivity
If collection orders are dynamically allocated to picking consoles based on workload, then picking efficiency improves, but the complexity of order management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the workload of each picking console and dynamically adjusts the allocation of collection orders accordingly. When a picking console completes its current tasks or has lighter workload, the system automatically assigns new collection orders to balance the load across the system. This feedback-driven dynamic allocation improves picking efficiency while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to a goods sorting method and a goods sorting system. The goods sorting method includes: generating at least one collection order, each collection order including a predetermined number of sorting orders and recording a plurality of stock keeping units; sending the collection order to at least one picking console in a preset collection order issuance mode; and moving a cargo box to a corresponding picking console so that goods corresponding to the stock keeping units recorded in the collection order are picked out. By means of the method, a large quantity of sorting orders can be processed simultaneously by generating and issuing the collection order, which greatly improves the efficiency of a picking operation.