Multi-Robot Pallet Lifting With Centralized Fleet Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic systems are not scalable and lack the ability to coordinate multiple robots to efficiently move pallets in warehouse settings, due to limitations in path planning and tasking methodologies.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a plurality of robots, each equipped with wheels, a wireless communications circuit, and a processor, that can fit under a pallet and lift it using a retractable lifting device. A central server coordinates the robots to select the appropriate set based on the load's weight and dimensions, and instructs them to lift and move the load to a designated destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional forklifts are used to move pallets, then heavy loads can be moved, but safety risks and human injury increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system autonomously performs pallet lifting and transport tasks without human intervention. The robots navigate, position themselves under pallets, lift loads, and transport them to destinations automatically, eliminating the need for human operators and thereby removing safety risks associated with forklift operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical forklift systems with autonomous robotic systems equipped with sensors, processors, and actuators. The robotic platform includes lifting mechanisms that substitute for forklift forks, enabling automated material handling while improving safety through elimination of human operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If robotic systems are designed to handle versatile situations, then adaptability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is designed with universal capabilities to handle various pallet sizes, weights, and transport destinations. The platform can adapt to different task requirements through programmable control and reconfigurable lifting mechanisms, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves adaptability through programmable parameters and configurable settings that can be adjusted via software. The robotic platform's behavior, lifting capacity, and navigation parameters can be modified through code rather than physical reconfiguration, maintaining simplicity while enabling versatile operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple robots are coordinated to move pallets, then productivity increases, but path planning complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational throughputVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple robotic systems are merged into a coordinated fleet that operates under unified control protocols. The robots communicate and coordinate their movements to efficiently handle pallets, increasing productivity through parallel operations while managing complexity through standardized interaction interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized control system or communication protocol acts as an intermediary to coordinate multiple robots. This mediator manages path planning, task allocation, and collision avoidance, allowing individual robots to operate independently while maintaining system-wide coordination and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If existing robotic systems are used, then automation is achieved, but scalability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidscalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is designed with dynamic scalability, allowing the fleet size and configuration to be adjusted based on operational needs. New robots can be added or removed from the system, and task parameters can be dynamically modified through software updates, enabling the automation system to scale flexibly with changing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250136420A1Pallet manipulation and product transport using multi-robot teams

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

A system (300) for moving a load (10) on a floor to a selected destination includes plurality of robots (320). Each robot (100) includes at least two wheels (112) and a motor (136). Each robot (100) fits underneath the load (10). A lifting device secured to each robot (100) has a retracted state and a lifting state so that the robot (100) and the lifting device (120) can fit into the open area (14) when the lifting device (120) is in the retracted state and so that the load (10) is lifted off of the floor (11) when the lifting device (120) is in the lifting state. A central server (310) determines a configuration of robots to lift the load (10), assigns robots and instructs the robots to go under the load (10), lift the load (10) and move the load (10) to the destination (30).