Remote Vehicle Control for 24/7 Warehouse Asset Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inventory management facility systems require a local human operator to physically operate vehicles from within the vehicle's cab, exposing them to environmental conditions and necessitating multiple shifts to cover 24/7 operations, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely operating vehicles using a control station that communicates operational commands to vehicles, enabling operators to control vehicles from a remote location, thereby eliminating the need for on-board operators and optimizing vehicle operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a local human operator operates the vehicle from within the vehicle's cab, then the operator has direct line-of-site control of the vehicle, but the operator is exposed to environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the operator and the vehicle. The operator controls the vehicle from a remote location through electronic communication channels, eliminating direct exposure to environmental conditions while maintaining control capability. The remote control unit acts as a mediator that transmits control signals and receives feedback from the vehicle's sensors and cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct physical operation from within the vehicle with an electronic control system. Instead of the operator physically manipulating controls inside the cab, electronic signals are transmitted remotely to control the vehicle's systems, substituting mechanical direct control with electronic mediation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple shifts of vehicle operators are staffed to operate vehicles throughout 24/7 hours, then continuous operation is maintained, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control system enables a single operator to perform multiple functions and control multiple vehicles from a centralized location. Instead of requiring dedicated operators for each vehicle and shift, one operator can monitor and control several vehicles simultaneously, reducing the overall staffing requirements and simplifying shift management while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous monitoring and control of vehicles without interruption by allowing operators to work from remote locations with flexible scheduling. The electronic control system maintains constant communication with vehicles, ensuring continuous useful action without the need for physical presence or complex shift transitions.
3Reliability
If an operator remains physically present with the vehicle throughout the workflow including during stationary times, then immediate response to situations is possible, but operator time and labor efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms through onboard cameras, sensors, and communication systems that monitor vehicle status and surroundings in real-time. This feedback is transmitted to the remote operator, who can respond immediately to situations without needing physical presence. The system maintains reliability by providing the operator with comprehensive situational awareness through electronic feedback channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for, and method of, remotely operating one or more vehicles in one or more inventory management facilities including one or more assets. The system and method include vehicles configured to move one or more assets in one or more inventory management facilities from a first location to a second location and a control station in communication with the one or more vehicles. The control station is remote from the one or more vehicles and communicates at least one operational command to the one or more vehicles to operate the one or more vehicles to perform one or more assigned tasks and/or operational workflows for the one or more vehicles.