Robotic Bin Picking Layout for Faster Order Compilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic picking systems for storage systems with stacked bins face challenges in efficiently compiling customer orders, leading to congestion at pick stations and high investment costs for manual or robotic picking systems.
Innovation Solution
A picking system and method that utilize a grid pattern of tracks and uprights to support containers, with robotic picking means disposed above the containers to directly pick inventory items from one container and deposit them into another, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic load handling devices are moved around stacks on a track system to pick containers, then container retrieval is automated, but the system requires significant investment costs and creates congestion at pick stations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage area into multiple bays with independent robotic units, allowing parallel operations without congestion. Each robotic load handler operates autonomously within its bay, eliminating the need for a complex centralized track system while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal track-based movement to vertical stack-based storage with robotic units that can access containers at multiple levels. This dimensional change eliminates the need for extensive horizontal tracking infrastructure while maintaining automated retrieval capability.
2Productivity
If manual or robotic picking systems are implemented at pick stations, then customer orders can be compiled, but the speed of order compilation is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions required containers at the top of stacks before picking operations begin. Robotic load handlers retrieve and stage multiple containers in advance, allowing pick stations to immediately access items without waiting for container retrieval, thereby accelerating order compilation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by having robotic load handlers constantly replenish container stacks at pick stations. This ensures that picking operations never pause due to container depletion, maximizing order compilation throughput and minimizing idle time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for picking items from a containerised storage system is described. The items are stored in storage bins in stacks within a framework comprising a grid system disposed above the stacks of bins. Robotic devices are disposed on the grid, the devices acting so as to pick containers from the stacks of bins. The storage system is provided with at least one picking device for picking items from bins and depositing them directly in delivery containers DT.