Robot Picking Cell Sequencing to Cut Container Transfer Idle Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling systems require significant time due to high standby times of robots during container transport and transfer operations, which outweigh the efficiency of article picking processes.
Innovation Solution
A handling system incorporating a first mobile robot, a first transfer robot, and a picking robot, with an instruction device to optimize the transport and transfer sequences, reducing standby times by parallel processing of container movements and article picking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robots perform container transport and transfer operations sequentially, then operational simplicity is maintained, but handling time increases due to high standby times
Solution Approach 1:
The instruction device determines and prepares optimized transport and transfer sequences in advance before execution. The system calculates the optimal sequence of container transport operations and article picking operations beforehand, allowing robots to execute pre-planned actions without idle waiting time, thereby reducing standby time while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by eliminating idle standby periods between transport and picking operations. Through optimized sequencing, the instruction device ensures that robots continuously perform useful actions without interruption, maintaining high productivity while minimizing time loss through parallel processing of transport and picking tasks
2Productivity
If multiple robots operate in parallel for container transport and article picking, then productivity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instruction device implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the states of multiple robots and dynamically adjusts transport and transfer sequences. By receiving real-time information about robot positions, container locations, and picking progress, the system optimizes coordination between parallel operations, enabling high productivity while managing system complexity through intelligent control
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a handling system includes a first mobile robot, a first transfer robot, and a picking robot. The first mobile robot transports a first container out of a loading location of the first container. An article is stored in the first container. The first transfer robot transfers the first container from one of the first mobile robot or a first loading platform to the other of the first mobile robot or the first loading platform. The picking robot moves the article from the first container placed on the first loading platform to a second container placed on a second loading platform.