Linear Gantry Object Processing for Faster Tote Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are limited by the time and resources required to move totes towards and away from individuals, and the speed at which people can process totes, especially when handling a large number of objects, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective system that assists in the processing of a variety of objects.
Innovation Solution
A storage, retrieval, and processing system incorporating programmable motion devices with end effectors that grasp and move objects within a linear gantry system, communicating with storage and destination bins, and utilizing a retrieval conveyance system to optimize object handling and distribution.
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 system requires significant time and resources to move totes and limits processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human hand-picking with an automated robotic end effector that uses vision guidance and programmable motion to grasp and transfer objects. The robotic system substitutes human manual dexterity with automated control systems, cameras, and robotic actuators, enabling faster and more consistent object handling without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the robotic end effector to autonomously identify, grasp, and transfer objects from source totes to destination totes without human assistance. The vision system automatically locates objects, the control system plans grasping motions, and the robotic actuator executes transfers, creating a fully automated object processing workflow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple people process totes in conventional AS/RS, then diverse object processing is possible, but the time and resources to move totes between people increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic end effector is designed with universal functionality to handle diverse objects through programmable motion and vision guidance. The same robotic system can process different types of objects by changing control parameters and grasp patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized human workers while maintaining versatility in object processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system acts as an intermediary between the robotic end effector and the objects being processed. The camera captures object positions and characteristics, the vision processing software interprets this data to determine optimal grasping points and transfer destinations, and this information guides the robotic actuator's motions, enabling accurate and efficient object handling without direct human intervention.
3Device complexity
If conventional AS/RS use fixed storage locations, then system structure is simple, but retrieval and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic totes that can be automatically repositioned and reconfigured based on processing requirements. Rather than fixed storage locations, totes are moved dynamically between different positions in the system using automated conveyance, allowing the most relevant totes to be brought to the processing station efficiently while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Data Source
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.