Linear Gantry Object Processing to Reduce Tote Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are limited by the time and resources required to move totes to and from individuals, and they do not efficiently process a wide variety of objects, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective system that integrates object processing.
Innovation Solution
A storage, retrieval, and processing system utilizing programmable motion devices with end effectors to grasp and move objects along a linear gantry, combined with a retrieval conveyance system and destination bins, enabling efficient storage, retrieval, and processing of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional AS/RS bring totes to people for item picking, then people can process items manually, but the time and resources required to move totes to and from each person increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bringing totes to people for picking, the system inverts the approach by bringing people (via mobile processing stations) to the storage locations. The mobile processing station moves along the storage structure, allowing workers to access items at their location, thereby eliminating tote transport time while maintaining manual picking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile processing station acts as an intermediary between the storage system and workers. It combines storage bin access, processing surfaces, and worker mobility into a single moving unit that reduces the time required to move items from storage to processing by bringing the processing capability directly to the storage location
2Productivity
If conventional AS/RS use separate transport systems and picking stations, then automated transport can move totes efficiently, but the system cannot process a wide variety of objects efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile processing station is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines storage bin receptacle, processing surface, and transport capability into a single mobile platform. This allows the same system to handle various object types (packages, totes, containers) and perform multiple operations (storage, retrieval, processing, sorting) without requiring separate specialized systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static picking stations to a dynamic mobile processing station that can move along the storage structure. This mobility allows the system to adapt to different object locations and types, processing a wide variety of objects efficiently by bringing processing capability directly to where items are stored rather than requiring all items to be brought to fixed processing points
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins being in communication with a retrieval conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and is adapted for movement of the programmable motion device along a first direction, and a plurality of destination bins that are provided in at least one linear arrangement along the first direction of movement of the programmable motion device.