Autonomous Mobile Picking Robots for Static-Shelf Warehouses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current warehouse automation systems require significant infrastructure modifications and are not viable for retail facilities with static shelving, and they struggle with item localization and pick accuracy, especially as inventory grows.

Innovation Solution

The development of autonomous mobile robots equipped with sensors and processors that can dynamically navigate and map 3D logistics facilities, using a finite set of markers for localization and region of interest segmentation, allowing them to work alongside human workers and adapt to changing volumes and labor availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current automation systems are deployed, then picking efficiency is improved, but infrastructure modification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepicking efficiencyVSAvoidinfrastructure modification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical automation systems with autonomous mobile robots that use sensors, processors, and navigation algorithms to perform picking operations. The robots substitute mechanical infrastructure with intelligent mobile units that can navigate and operate in existing warehouse environments without requiring extensive structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic autonomous robots that can adapt their paths and operations in real-time based on sensor data and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high picking efficiency without rigid fixed infrastructure, as the robots can flexibly navigate around existing shelving and storage structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If current automation systems are deployed, then picking accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different facilities decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepicking accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different facilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous mobile robot is designed with universal capabilities to operate across different facility types including warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores. The system uses standardized sensor arrays and navigation algorithms that can adapt to various shelving configurations and storage layouts, enabling the same robot platform to achieve accurate picking operations in diverse environments without facility-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts operational parameters such as navigation speed, sensor sensitivity, and picking precision based on the specific facility environment detected by sensors. This parameter adaptation allows the robot to maintain high picking accuracy while accommodating different facility characteristics, from large distribution centers to compact retail stores with static shelving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If manual labor is used, then infrastructure requirements are minimized, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure requirementsVSAvoidpicking productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous mobile robot performs picking operations independently without requiring human operators or complex supporting infrastructure. The robot navigates autonomously using sensor data, identifies target items, and executes picking actions on its own, thereby maintaining minimal infrastructure requirements while dramatically increasing productivity compared to manual labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual human labor with autonomous robotic systems that use sensors and processors instead of human cognition and physical action. This substitution eliminates the need for human workers while maintaining simple infrastructure requirements, achieving high productivity through intelligent automation rather than mechanical automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If current automation systems are deployed, then labor costs are reduced, but implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabor efficiencyVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses relatively simple, cost-effective autonomous mobile robots rather than expensive fixed automation infrastructure. The robots are designed to be affordable units that can be deployed in multiple locations, replacing the need for costly large-scale automation systems while still achieving significant labor efficiency improvements and reducing implementation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11602857B2Autonomous mobile robotic systems and methods for picking and put-away

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 IAM ROBOTICS

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.