Mobile Matrix Bin Sortation With Robotic Picking and Dynamic Bin Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object distribution systems require significant human labor, are inefficient in handling objects of varying sizes and weights, and necessitate a large number of collection bins, leading to high space and operational costs, while lacking flexibility in sorting diverse objects.

Innovation Solution

A programmable motion control system with a perception unit, acquisition system, and delivery system, utilizing a programmable motion device with an end effector to identify and deliver objects to specific processing bins, employing automated mobile carriers and motion planning to optimize sorting and reduce human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual sorting systems are used with human workers scanning and placing objects, then flexibility in handling various objects is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting throughputVSAvoidmanual labor requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the robotic arm autonomously performs object identification, grasping, and placement operations without human intervention. The perception unit automatically detects objects and their destinations, the robotic arm executes sorting actions, and the system continuously operates at high throughput speeds, replacing manual scanning and placement with autonomous robotic operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated robotic system. Human workers manually scanning and placing objects are replaced by a robotic arm equipped with a perception unit that automatically identifies objects, determines destinations, grasps them, and places them in correct bins. This substitution dramatically increases productivity while reducing manual labor requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of collection bins are deployed to handle diverse objects, then sortation capability is improved, but system complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesortation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of collection bins

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm serves as a universal sorting mechanism that can handle diverse objects and deliver them to multiple different destinations. Instead of requiring dedicated sorting mechanisms for each object type or destination, the single robotic arm with perception unit can adaptively sort any object to any bin, making the system highly versatile without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic destination assignment where bin assignments are not fixed but can be reconfigured based on current sorting needs. The perception unit dynamically identifies objects and their destinations, and the robotic arm dynamically adjusts its motion paths and placement locations. This dynamic approach allows the system to handle diverse objects efficiently with a manageable number of bins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If fixed or handheld barcode scanners are used for object identification, then code detection is achieved, but processing speed and automation level are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode detection accuracyVSAvoididentification throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual or handheld barcode scanning operations with an automated perception unit integrated with the robotic system. The perception unit automatically detects objects, reads their identification codes, and determines destinations without human intervention. This substitution enables continuous high-speed operation while maintaining accurate code detection, dramatically increasing identification throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260111017A1Systems and methods for processing objects, including automated mobile matrix bins

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system includes a perception unit for perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of a plurality of objects received from an input conveyance system, an acquisition system for acquiring an object from the plurality of objects at an input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, wherein the programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing bin, and the identified processing bin is associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location is provided as one of a plurality of processing bins, and a delivery system for bringing the identified processing bin toward the object, where the delivery system includes a carrier for carrying the identified processing bin toward the object.