Mobile Manipulation Robot Autonomous Piece Picking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automation solutions for piece picking in logistics facilities are hindered by high upfront costs and inflexibility, requiring significant infrastructure modifications and being unsuitable for retail environments with static shelving, leading to reliance on manual labor due to these limitations.

Innovation Solution

A mobile robotic system with sensors and a manipulator arm that can autonomously navigate and interact with existing infrastructure, enabling robotic piece picking or put-away within logistics facilities, allowing for interchangeable use with manual picking and reducing the complexity and cost of autonomous navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current automation solutions are implemented for piece picking, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiece picking speedVSAvoidinfrastructure modification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical automation systems with a mobile robot equipped with sensors and a manipulator arm. The robot uses vision systems and navigation algorithms to autonomously locate and pick items, substituting heavy mechanical infrastructure with a more flexible, software-driven mobile platform that can operate in existing retail environments without major modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile robot provides dynamic adaptability to piece picking operations. It can be reprogrammed to handle different SKUs, adjust to changing storage layouts, and modify picking strategies in real-time based on task requirements, unlike fixed mechanical automation systems that require physical reconfiguration for changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If current automation solutions are implemented for piece picking, then productivity is improved, but adaptability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiece picking speedVSAvoidflexibility in retail environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile robot is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple functions: navigation to storage locations, item identification through vision systems, grasping with a manipulator arm, and integration with warehouse management systems. This multi-functional design allows a single system to adapt to various picking scenarios and retail environments without requiring specialized equipment for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables parameter changes in picking operations through software configuration. The robot can adjust picking speed, grasp force, navigation paths, and item selection criteria based on different tasks, SKUs, and environmental conditions, providing flexibility that mechanical systems achieve only through physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual piece picking is used, then adaptability is maintained, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in operationVSAvoidpiece picking speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile robot performs piece picking operations autonomously without continuous human intervention. It independently navigates to storage locations, identifies target items using vision systems, determines grasping points, executes picks, and returns to designated areas. This self-service capability maintains the adaptability of automated systems while eliminating the productivity limitations of manual labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If manual piece picking is used, then device complexity is avoided, but loss of time worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure requirementsVSAvoidtravel time between locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual human labor with a mobile robot that uses sensors, processors, and automated navigation to perform piece picking. This substitution maintains simplicity by avoiding complex mechanical automation infrastructure while dramatically reducing the time loss associated with human travel between storage locations through faster, continuous autonomous movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11348066B2System and method for piece picking or put-away with a mobile manipulation robot

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 IAM ROBOTICS

AI summary

A method and system for picking or put-away within a logistics facility. The system includes a central server and at least one mobile manipulation robot. The central server is configured to communicate with the robots to send and receive picking data which includes a unique identification for each item to be picked, a location within the logistics facility of the items to be picked, and a route for the robot to take within the logistics facility. The robots can then autonomously navigate and position themselves within the logistics facility by recognition of landmarks by at least one of a plurality of sensors. The sensors also provide signals related to detection, identification, and location of a item to be picked or put-away, and processors on the robots analyze the sensor information to generate movements of a unique articulated arm and end effector on the robot to pick or put-away the item.