Modular Object Handling Workstation With 5G Network Slicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Object handling environments face challenges such as capacity overflow, object loss, handling delays, and degradation due to inefficiencies, particularly during peak demand periods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular, scalable, and mobile operator workstations equipped with advanced network capabilities, including a configurable workbench platform, sensors, and robotic operators, utilizing 5G network slices for high-bandwidth, low-power, and reliable communication to enhance handling efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed workstations are used for object handling, then operational stability is maintained, but adaptability to varying object volumes and handling workflows deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is divided into modular components including the workbench platform, sub-platforms, and equipment groups that can be independently configured and arranged based on handling workflow requirements, enabling adaptability without proportional increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation configuration is made dynamically adjustable through movable sub-platforms and reconfigurable equipment arrangements, allowing the system to adapt to varying object volumes and handling workflows while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms
2Reliability
If multiple network services are implemented for different communication requirements, then communication reliability is improved, but network system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 5G network system provides multiple network slices that can be dynamically allocated to different equipment groups based on their specific communication requirements, allowing a single network infrastructure to serve multiple functions with different reliability, bandwidth, and latency characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
Different network slices are configured with varying parameters for bandwidth, latency, and reliability to match the specific requirements of different equipment groups, enabling reliable communication for diverse applications without requiring separate physical networks for each requirement
3Speed
If high bandwidth network services are allocated to all equipment, then communication speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different network slices with appropriate bandwidth characteristics are allocated to different equipment groups based on their specific communication needs, ensuring high speed where required while conserving energy in applications that do not require maximum bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to operator workstations that improve efficiency of handling operations at an object handling environment. In one aspect, an operator workstation for handling a plurality of objects is provided. The operator workstation includes a workbench platform having a configurable number of sub-platforms upon which objects can be disposed. The operator workstation further includes a plurality of sensors configured to collect sensor data for detection of object presences and object states of objects disposed upon the workbench platform. The operator workstation further includes a plurality of equipment configured to control movement of objects disposed upon the workbench platform. In various embodiments, different subsets of the sensors and equipment are configured for network communication via different network services provided by a wireless network. For instance, network communication may be provided to different sensors and equipment via different network slices of a 5th generation new radio (5G) cellular network.