Autonomous Robot Suction End Effector for Store Product Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for autonomous robotic systems struggle to efficiently navigate and collect products from shelves in real store environments, particularly due to complexity in product recognition and manipulation, and the need for adaptable robotic configurations to handle diverse product types and layouts.
Innovation Solution
The proposed autonomous robotic system includes a mobile robot equipped with a vision sensor assembly for product recognition, a multi-objective planning system for optimal route calculation, and an actuator with a versatile end effector featuring suction cups of varying sizes, allowing for efficient collection and manipulation of products across different shelves and store layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic arm with at least 5 joints is used to position the end effector, then the robot can reach products on shelves, but the system complexity increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm uses a variable number of joints (2-5 joints) depending on the specific task and product location, rather than always deploying all 5 joints. This dynamic configuration reduces complexity for simple tasks while maintaining full capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is divided into modular segments that can be independently activated. Only the necessary joints are engaged for each specific picking task, allowing the system to simplify its configuration dynamically based on the task requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If end effectors are replaced or adapted depending on product type, then different products can be collected, but system availability decreases due to operator intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A single end effector design with multiple suction cups of varying sizes can handle diverse product types (bottles, cans, boxes, bags) without requiring replacement. The universal design maintains system availability while achieving versatility through adaptive suction cup selection and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector changes operational parameters (which suction cups to use, their positioning, and activation timing) based on the detected product characteristics, rather than physically changing the end effector itself. This maintains system continuity while adapting to different products.
3Ease of operation
If a robotic system is designed for warehouses with special guides and structures, then navigation is simplified, but the system cannot operate in real store environments
Solution Approach 1:
Physical guides and mechanical structures are replaced with vision-based navigation and sensor-guided positioning. The robot uses cameras and sensors to detect aisle markings, shelf positions, and product locations, enabling operation in unstructured real store environments without mechanical guidance infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes visual information to create internal maps of store layouts and product positions before navigation begins. This preliminary environmental understanding allows the robot to plan routes and position itself accurately without real-time mechanical guidance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If products are arranged on shelves with constant evolution in layout and stock, then store freshness is maintained, but product recognition and collection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system continuously captures images of shelf contents and provides feedback to the navigation and manipulation systems. This real-time visual feedback allows the robot to adapt to changing product layouts, identify current product positions, and adjust its collection strategy dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary visual scanning and product identification before navigation to the target location. By pre-identifying the exact position and characteristics of the target product among varying shelf arrangements, the robot simplifies the subsequent collection operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient and adaptable product collection in real store environments, reducing operational complexity and improving user experience by integrating virtual shopping interfaces and optimizing robotic navigation and product manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
said end effector is formed by at least two suction cups, one of smaller size than the other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an autonomous robotic system for the remote collection of products and to a method of operation of an autonomous robotic system for the remote collection of products. The main objective of the invention is to provide a mobile robot that is capable of autonomously traveling the aisles of a real store with the ability to collect products from a selection of products.