Autonomous Mobile Picking Robots With Marker-Based Warehouse Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current warehouse automation systems require significant infrastructure modifications and are not viable for retail centers due to accessibility issues, and they face challenges in efficiently locating inventory items as facilities grow.
Innovation Solution
The development of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and autonomous mobile manipulation robots (AMMRs) that can dynamically respond to changes in pick or put-away volume and work alongside human labor, using a system of markers for robot localization and region of interest segmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If current automation systems are deployed, then picking and put-away operations are automated, but significant infrastructure modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical automation systems with autonomous mobile robots that use sensors, processors, and navigation algorithms to perform picking and put-away operations. The AMRs navigate autonomously using marker-based localization and SLAM techniques, eliminating the need for fixed automated storage and retrieval systems while achieving full automation of material handling tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces autonomous mobile robots as intermediary devices between storage locations and picking/put-away points. These robots serve as flexible mediators that can adapt to various warehouse layouts and operations without requiring permanent infrastructure changes, bridging the gap between static storage and dynamic order fulfillment.
2Productivity
If large-scale automated storage and retrieval systems are used, then picking speed is improved, but the systems cannot be used within retail facilities with simple static shelving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic autonomous mobile robots instead of fixed automated systems. The AMRs can adapt their paths, speeds, and operations in real-time based on their environment, allowing them to work in both traditional warehouses and retail facilities with simple shelving. The robots' ability to dynamically adjust to different layouts enables high picking speeds while maintaining versatility across facility types.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous mobile robots are designed as universal platforms that can perform picking, put-away, and navigation tasks across diverse facility types. The same AMR platform can operate in both distribution centers with automated systems and retail stores with manual shelving, eliminating the need for facility-specific automation infrastructure while maintaining high productivity.
3Measurement precision
If robotic systems query stored maps on every localization attempt, then localization accuracy is maintained, but system response time decreases as facilities grow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary localization using marker detection before the robot needs to query stored maps. By placing markers throughout the facility and using vision systems to detect them, the robot establishes its position quickly without needing to access or process large map databases, significantly reducing localization time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual markers as simplified copies or representations of location information. Instead of querying complex stored maps, the robot detects marker patterns that encode position and orientation data, creating a lightweight localization system that is much faster than map-based approaches while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for autonomous picking or put-away of items, totes, or cases within a logistics facility. The system includes a remote server and at least one manipulation robot. The system may further include at least one transport robot. The remote server is configured to communicate with the various robots to send and receive picking data, and the various robots are configured to autonomously navigate and position themselves within the logistics facility.