Load Transport Remote Handover for Irregular Logistics Tasks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated logistics systems struggle to efficiently handle complex tasks, such as non-standard containers or irregularly shaped goods, due to the disproportionate effort required in equipment and programming, and the limitations in considering all eventualities for safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A load transport device equipped with a central control unit, communication unit, optical camera, actuators, and sensor units, which can operate autonomously and switch to remote-controlled mode when necessary, allowing human operators to intervene and control the device via a separate control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fully automated systems are equipped with highly integrated sensors, actuators, and control units to perform complex tasks, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and programming effort increase disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides automation into two segments: fully autonomous mode for standard tasks and remote-controlled mode for complex tasks. The load transport device includes a control unit that can operate independently for routine operations, while also providing interfaces for remote human control when automation is insufficient, thus segmenting the automation levels to avoid excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between autonomous and remote-controlled modes based on task requirements. The control unit can transition from fully autonomous operation to remote-controlled operation, allowing the degree of automation to be flexible rather than fixed, thereby avoiding the need for overly complex permanent automation for all scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated systems are programmed to handle all eventualities including non-standard containers and irregularly shaped goods, then task versatility is improved, but programming effort and system complexity increase disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
A remote human operator serves as an intermediary for handling non-standard or complex situations. Instead of programming the automated system to handle every possible edge case, the system provides remote control interfaces that allow human operators to intervene when encountering irregular containers, spherical goods, or undefined movement patterns, thus achieving versatility without proportional programming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its level of autonomy based on the complexity of the task. For standard tasks, it operates fully autonomously, but for complex tasks involving non-standard containers or irregular goods, it transitions to remote-controlled mode, allowing versatility while avoiding the need to pre-program all possible scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If remote control interfaces are provided for human operators to control load transport devices, then ease of operation for complex tasks is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional communication and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it acts as the autonomous control system for standard operations and simultaneously serves as the interface for remote human control. By making the control unit universal, the system avoids adding separate dedicated remote control hardware, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous control system and remote control interface are merged into a single integrated control architecture. The control unit handles both autonomous decision-making and remote operator commands, consolidating functions rather than duplicating systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining both autonomous and remote-controlled capabilities.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) for carrying out work processes in a logistics environment, comprising a load transport device (20), comprising a central control unit (202), at least one communication unit (204), at least one optical camera (206), a plurality of actuators and/or working devices (210); and at least one sensor unit (212) which is operationally coupled to the central control unit (202), wherein the load transport device (20) is configured to be operated at least temporarily in an autonomous mode; as well as an operating device (30) located remotely from the load transport device (20), comprising a communication unit (304), a display unit (306) which is configured to display image data recorded by the at least one optical camera (206) of the load transport device (20) and transmitted by means of the communication units (204, 304), and an operating unit (308).which is configured to receive control commands from an operator, wherein the central control unit (202) of the load transport device (20) is further configured to switch the load transport device (20) from autonomous mode to remote-controlled mode based on detections made by the at least one sensor unit (212) and at least one predetermined criterion, in which the operation of the load transport device (20) can be controlled by means of control commands entered at the remote operating device (30). The invention further relates to a method for operating such a system.