Multi-Robot Order Fulfillment With Coordinated Picking and Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current order fulfillment systems lack efficiency in transporting and manipulating inventory items, as they rely heavily on human intervention and do not optimize robot paths effectively, leading to increased costs and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing one or more robots, including an actor robot and an order robot, controlled by a server that plans and executes optimal paths for task completion, enabling efficient picking, moving, and positioning of inventory items to facilitate order fulfillment, with the server selecting the appropriate robot and computing paths that avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human intervention is used in order fulfillment systems, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables robots to autonomously perform order fulfillment tasks including navigating to inventory locations, picking items, and delivering them to designated spots. The server automatically coordinates multiple robots, assigns tasks, and optimizes paths without human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in completing order fulfillment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human mechanical operations with robotic systems equipped with sensors, processors, and automated actuators. Robots use computer vision and navigation systems to detect inventory items, calculate optimal paths, and physically manipulate objects, substituting human mechanical labor with automated mechanical and electronic systems.
2Productivity
If traditional inventory transport methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the order fulfillment process into discrete tasks assigned to different robots. One robot is specialized in picking inventory items from storage locations, while another robot is specialized in delivering items to order fulfillment stations. This segmentation allows each robot to optimize its specific function, improving overall efficiency despite increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a universal coordination platform that manages multiple robots with different functions. It assigns tasks dynamically, optimizes paths for each robot based on real-time conditions, and coordinates their interactions. This universal control system enables the complex multi-robot system to operate efficiently as an integrated whole.
3Loss of time
If robot paths are not optimized, then system complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The server pre-computes optimal paths for robots before they execute tasks. It calculates navigation routes from inventory locations to delivery stations, anticipates potential obstacles, and prepares task sequences in advance. This preliminary path planning reduces execution time and allows robots to move efficiently without real-time computational delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors robot positions, task progress, and environmental conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust and re-optimize paths. The server receives status updates from robots and modifies task assignments or navigation routes based on real-time information, ensuring optimal performance even as conditions change during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for order fulfillment using one or more robots includes: a server configured to receive an order comprising an order item; inventory storage operably connected to the server, the inventory storage comprising order items; an actor robot operably connected to and selected by the server, the actor robot configured to perform one or more of picking the order item from inventory storage, moving the order item, and positioning the order item; and an order robot operably connected to the server, the order robot configured to collect the order item, wherein the order item is positioned by the actor robot so as to be accessible to the order robot, so as to perform order fulfillment using one or more robots.