Loft-Floor Robot Control for Track-Free Multi-Storey Warehousing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional shuttle vehicle systems in warehousing require high precision and flatness, leading to high construction costs and maintenance complexity, and manual operation is dangerous due to system failures.
Innovation Solution
A robot control system with self-driven robots that move on loft floors, utilizing a lifting machine and control device to transport containers between storeys without the need for shuttle tracks, enhancing flexibility and reducing construction costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If three-dimensional shuttle vehicle is used for multi-layer picking, then automated picking is achieved, but construction cost increases due to high requirements on shelf precision and ground flatness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex three-dimensional shuttle vehicle system and its associated track infrastructure. Instead, it employs independent mobile robots that autonomously navigate on loft floors using conventional elevators and existing floor spaces, eliminating the need for precision-engineered shuttle tracks and specialized shelf structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical shuttle vehicle system with autonomous mobile robots equipped with sensors, processors, and navigation capabilities. These robots use conventional elevator systems and floor-based navigation instead of dedicated mechanical tracks, substituting complex mechanical infrastructure with flexible autonomous systems.
2Extent of automation
If three-dimensional shuttle vehicle system is implemented, then container transportation between storeys is enabled, but device complexity increases due to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container transportation function into independent mobile robot units that operate autonomously. Each robot is a self-contained system with its own navigation, lifting, and transportation capabilities, eliminating the need for a centralized complex mechanical system. This modular approach simplifies maintenance as individual robots can be serviced or replaced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robots are equipped with autonomous navigation systems, sensors, and decision-making capabilities that allow them to self-manage their operations. They independently navigate to destinations, coordinate with elevators, and manage container handling without requiring complex centralized control systems or frequent human intervention for routine operations.
3Extent of automation
If three-dimensional shuttle vehicle is used, then multi-layer picking is achieved, but adaptability decreases due to fixed track infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mobile robots that can adapt their paths and operations in real-time based on changing conditions. Unlike fixed-track shuttle vehicles, these robots can navigate different routes, access different locations, and adjust their behavior dynamically, providing flexibility for various picking scenarios and future reconfigurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robots are designed as multi-functional units capable of performing various tasks including navigation, container handling, coordination with elevator systems, and communication with central control. This universal design allows the same robot platform to serve multiple functions and adapt to different operational requirements, unlike specialized shuttle vehicles designed for single-purpose track-based operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a robot control system and method, a computing device, and a storage medium. The robot control system includes a storage region, a lifting machine (104), a control device (105), and at least one self-driven robot (103). The storage region includes a loft having at least two storeys and is configured to store a container (101), and there is provided a passage (102) on the floor of each of the at least two storeys of the loft for the at least one self-driven robot (103) to move through. The lifting machine (104) is configured to transport the at least one self-driven robot (103) or the container (101) to a target storey corresponding to a transportation task. The control device (105) is configured to assign the transportation task to the at least one self-driven robot (103) and plan a travel route on the target storey for the self-driven robot (103) according to the transportation task, and dispatch the at least one self-driven robot to travel according to the travel route to perform the transportation task. The at least one self-driven robot (103) is configured to reach a location of a target container (101) on the target storey corresponding to the transportation task according to the travel route corresponding to the transportation task to pick up the target container (101), and transport the target container (101) to a destination of the transportation task according to the travel route. The control device (105) is communicatively connected to the lifting machine (104) and the at least one self-driven robot (103).