Automated Object Processing With Perception-Guided Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current object distribution systems rely heavily on human labor, are inefficient in handling varying object sizes and weights, and require a large number of collection bins, leading to high operational and capital costs, as well as inflexibility in processing diverse objects.

Innovation Solution

A programmable motion device-based processing system that includes a perception unit for identifying object indicia, an acquisition system for selecting objects using an end effector, and a delivery system utilizing carriers to efficiently route objects to designated processing locations, optimizing grasp points and motion planning for efficient object handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If human workers manually scan and place objects, then flexibility in handling various objects is maintained, but productivity and labor efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling various objectsVSAvoidproductivity and labor efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables objects to be automatically identified and routed without human intervention. The perception unit autonomously detects objects and their destinations, the programmable motion device automatically grasps and transports them, eliminating the need for manual scanning and placement while maintaining adaptability to handle diverse objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations by human workers are replaced with an automated system comprising a perception unit for detection, a programmable motion device for manipulation, and a delivery system for transport. This substitution dramatically increases productivity while the system's programmable nature maintains flexibility in handling various object types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of collection bins are used to handle diverse objects, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and capital costs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse objectsVSAvoidnumber of collection bins

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces static collection bins with a dynamic delivery system where carriers are dynamically assigned to destinations based on real-time needs. The programmable motion device can adapt its motion planning and route objects through the delivery system flexibly, eliminating the need for numerous fixed collection bins while maintaining the ability to handle diverse objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having specialized collection bins for each object type or destination, the system employs a universal delivery system with carriers that can transport any object to any destination. The programmable motion device and delivery system serve multiple functions, replacing numerous specialized bins with a single multi-functional automated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If fixed or robot-held code scanners are used, then measurement precision of object identification improves, but ease of operation and handling varying object positions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode scanning accuracyVSAvoidhandling varying object positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The perception unit performs preliminary detection and identification of objects and their destinations before the programmable motion device grasps them. This preliminary action includes locating barcodes or other identification markers, determining the correct destination, and planning the appropriate grasp point, thereby ensuring accurate identification while simplifying the subsequent handling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The perception unit continuously monitors object positions, orientations, and identification markers, providing feedback to the programmable motion device. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of grasp points and motion planning, maintaining high identification accuracy while adapting to varying object positions and orientations during handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12180005B2Systems and methods for processing objects, including automated processing stations

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system a perception unit for perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of an object associated with an input conveyance system, and an acquisition system for acquiring the object from a plurality of objects at an input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, wherein the programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing location. The identified processing location being associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location being provided as one of a plurality of processing locations. The processing system also includes a delivery system for receiving the object in a carrier and for delivering the object toward the identified processing location.