Multi-Arm Parcel Conveyance Layout for Accurate Robotic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual arm induction systems in robotics suffer from poor placement accuracy and inadequate exception handling due to physical and cost-related constraints, limiting their suitability for various applications.
Innovation Solution
An automated robotic conveyance system featuring serialized conveyor belts in the pick and place areas, along with an exceptions handling area, allows manipulators to work independently and verifies placement accuracy, thereby enhancing accuracy and handling exceptions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual arm induction systems are used to speed up workflow, then throughput is improved, but placement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single chute into multiple lanes and assigns separate robotic arms to each lane, creating independent pick zones. This segmentation allows each arm to operate independently with its own verification system, improving both throughput through parallel processing and placement accuracy through dedicated verification for each lane.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates verification systems that monitor and confirm placement accuracy in real-time. When placement errors are detected, the system provides feedback to adjust the robotic arm operations, ensuring high accuracy is maintained while preserving the high throughput capability of dual-arm operation.
2Area of stationary object
If dual arm induction systems are configured with single chute, then space footprint is reduced, but exception handling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single chute is segmented into multiple independent lanes, each capable of handling different item types and exceptions. This allows the system to maintain a compact footprint while providing dedicated exception handling paths for each lane, improving overall exception handling capability without increasing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lane in the segmented chute is designed to handle multiple item types and exception scenarios universally. The robotic arms and verification systems are configured to adapt to different item characteristics within each lane, providing versatile exception handling while maintaining space efficiency through the shared infrastructure of the segmented chute design.
3Volume of moving object
If parallel flow systems with divided lanes are used, then handling of larger items is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the workspace into multiple lanes with appropriate spacing and dimensions to accommodate larger items. Each lane is equipped with independent robotic arms and verification systems, allowing large items to be handled effectively while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular, repeatable lane configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system arranges multiple lanes in a spatial configuration that optimizes for large item handling. By utilizing vertical space and strategic positioning of components across multiple dimensions, the system provides adequate workspace for large items without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the same modular components are reused across lanes.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance system includes an in-feed conveyor for conveying a high density flow of a plurality of parcels. The system further includes a first pick conveyor configured for being selectively activated and deactivated in order to space out the plurality of parcels and turn the high density flow into a low density flow of parcels. A second pick conveyor is in series with and downstream of the first pick conveyor. The system further includes a first place conveyor and a second place conveyor in series with and downstream of the first place conveyor. A first robot is configured for transferring parcels from the first pick conveyor to the first place conveyor. A second robot is configured for transferring parcels from the second pick conveyor to the second place conveyor. As such, robots each have their own dedicated workspace and do not interfere with each other.