Overhead Grid Robot Control for Dense Warehouse Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage and retrieval systems have low storage density due to the need for aisle space, which limits their efficiency in handling large numbers of different products, especially in online retail and warehouse operations, where optimizing container placement and movement is crucial for scalability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a grid-like pathway structure above stacks for transporting devices to optimize container placement and movement based on factors like traffic flow, access frequency, and environmental considerations, incorporating pathfinding algorithms and machine learning techniques to coordinate and control the movement of robots and containers within a facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aisle space is provided to access products, then product accessibility is improved, but storage density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal aisle-based access to vertical stack-based access. Containers are stacked vertically in multiple tiers, and robots access them by moving along overhead pathways at different heights, eliminating the need for horizontal aisle space while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple identical robotic units that can independently navigate the grid pathways. These robots replicate the same functionality of picking, placing, and transporting containers, allowing parallel operations without requiring additional physical access corridors.
2Productivity
If multiple transporting devices are deployed, then system capacity is improved, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously receives real-time position data from all transporting devices via RFID tags and sensors. This feedback enables dynamic path adjustment and collision avoidance by recalculating routes when potential conflicts are detected, allowing multiple devices to operate safely in the same space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary path planning and conflict detection before transporting devices execute their movements. The control system anticipates potential collisions by analyzing planned trajectories against current device positions and adjusts routes in advance, preventing collisions before they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.