Mobile Matrix Carriers for Automated Object Sortation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object distribution systems rely heavily on human labor, are inefficient in handling varying object sizes and weights, and require a large number of collection bins, leading to high operational and capital costs, as well as inflexibility in processing diverse objects.
Innovation Solution
A programmable motion device system that includes a perception unit for identifying objects, an acquisition system for grasping objects using an end effector, and a delivery system with movable carriers to efficiently direct objects to specific processing locations, optimizing the use of space and reducing manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human workers manually sort objects to collection bins, then objects can be distributed to destinations, but labor costs and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where objects are automatically identified via barcode scanning, routed through the matrix carrier network, and delivered to collection bins without human intervention. The programmable motion devices and mobile carriers operate autonomously to perform sortation tasks that traditionally required manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical sortation by human workers is replaced with an automated system comprising barcode scanners, programmable motion devices, mobile carriers, and control systems. This substitution eliminates the need for human labor in object distribution while maintaining or improving efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of collection bins are used to handle diverse objects, then all object types can be sorted simultaneously, but space requirements and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static collection bins with dynamic mobile carriers that move along matrix tracks. Carriers can be dynamically assigned to different destinations and reused across multiple sortation cycles, eliminating the need for dedicated collection bins for each destination and significantly reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile carriers serve multiple destinations and can be reassigned dynamically based on sortation needs. A single carrier can deliver objects to different collection bins on different tracks at different times, providing universal functionality that replaces the need for numerous dedicated collection bins.
3Measurement precision
If fixed or handheld barcode scanners are used for object identification, then codes can be read, but processing speed and automation capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Manual or handheld barcode scanning is replaced with fixed barcode scanners integrated into the automated system. These fixed scanners continuously read codes as objects pass through the induction area, enabling high-speed automated identification without the speed limitations of manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed barcode scanner operates continuously as objects move through the system, providing uninterrupted code detection. This continuous scanning capability eliminates the intermittent nature of manual scanning and significantly increases object identification throughput.
4Ease of operation
If objects are processed in arrival order with inflexible sequences, then simple sortation can be achieved, but flexibility in handling varying object sizes and weights is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic routing where the matrix carrier network can be reconfigured through programming to accommodate different object types, sizes, and weights. Collection bin assignments and carrier routes are dynamically adjusted based on object characteristics and destination requirements, providing flexibility without sacrificing operational simplicity.
Data Source
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, and 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. The programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing location. The identified processing location is associated with the identifying indicia and the identified processing location is provided as one of a plurality of processing locations. The system also includes a delivery system for receiving the object in a carrier and for delivering the object toward the identified processing location.