Modular AGV Item Retrieval for Narrow-Aisle Order Fulfillment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory management systems face inefficiencies in processing high-volume and high-velocity goods, as they often require human agents to manually navigate and retrieve items, leading to fatigue and reduced productivity, especially when handling small orders or navigating narrow aisles.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid modular storage fetching system utilizing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and a robot execution system (REX) that autonomously retrieves and delivers items from storage areas to a pick-cell station, optimizing the workflow and reducing labor costs by generating task lists and navigating through the facility efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human agents manually navigate and retrieve items using drag-along carts, then flexibility in handling various order sizes is maintained, but agent fatigue increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through autonomous robots that navigate aisles, retrieve items, and deliver them to packing stations without human intervention. The robots independently locate items using guidance systems and autonomously transport them, eliminating the need for human agents to manually navigate and retrieve items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human-operated drag-along carts with autonomous robotic vehicles equipped with sensors, guidance systems, and automated navigation capabilities. These robots use optical, acoustic, or electromagnetic fields for navigation rather than manual mechanical propulsion.
2Extent of automation
If robots retrieve entire shelving units, then item retrieval is automated, but excessive items are brought to agents and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the shelving unit into individual item-level modules. Each robotic vehicle is assigned to retrieve only specific items needed for particular orders rather than entire shelving units. The guidance system enables precise navigation to locate and retrieve only the required items at their exact storage positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different levels of automation and control to different parts of the system. High-velocity items in frequently accessed aisles receive dedicated autonomous robotic attention with precise item-level retrieval, while the system adapts its retrieval strategy based on local demand patterns and order requirements.
3Power
If forklifts move pallets of items, then bulk item transport is efficient, but small order fulfillment becomes impractical and narrow aisle navigation is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its transport capacity to match order requirements. Robotic vehicles can transport single items, multiple items, or entire shelving units depending on the specific order needs. The guidance system enables these vehicles to navigate narrow aisles and access items in locations inaccessible to traditional forklifts, providing versatile adaptability across different order sizes and aisle configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid modular storage fetching system with a robot execution system (REX) is described. In an example implementation, a REX may induct, into the hybrid modular storage fetching system, an order identifying items to be fulfilled by automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at an order fulfillment facility. The REX may generate at task list including tasks for a first and second AGV, instruct the first AGV to retrieve a first item in the order from a first storage area based on the task list and deliver the first item to a pick-cell station. The REX may also instruct the second AGV to retrieve a second item of the order from a second storage area and deliver the second item to the pick-cell station. The REX may communicate with other components of the hybrid modular storage fetching system to coordinate the paths of the AGVs to fulfill the order.