Robotic Container Interchangeability for Integrated Storage and Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing goods-to-person robotic picking systems face challenges in integrating storage and picking efficiently, as storage and picking containers of different sizes are difficult to be used interchangeably, leading to inefficiencies in logistics and increased labor burden.
Innovation Solution
An item transport system and method that includes a control server, carrying robots, storage containers, and picking containers, where the control server integrates order and container information to direct the carrying robots to interchangeably use storage and picking containers, optimizing container placement and robot navigation to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If storage containers and picking containers are designed as separate components with different sizes, then each container can be optimized for its specific function, but it becomes difficult to use them interchangeably, leading to increased system complexity and reduced operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized container interface that allows the same container to serve both storage and picking functions. The container is equipped with a universal docking mechanism that enables it to be interchangeably used in different robotic systems (AGV or AMR) and for different purposes (storage or picking), thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining functional optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns container roles based on operational needs. The control server can flexibly designate containers as storage or picking containers depending on the task requirements, and the robotic systems can dynamically adjust their operations to handle whichever container type is assigned, enabling adaptive resource allocation without physical reconfiguration
2Reliability
If separate storage and picking areas are implemented, then each area can be dedicated to its specific task, but it increases transport time and labor burden as items must be moved between areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges storage and picking functions into a single integrated system. Storage containers and picking containers operate within the same robotic fulfillment system, allowing items to be stored and picked from the same operational space. This eliminates the need for separate transport between dedicated storage and picking areas, reducing transport time while maintaining task dedication through software-controlled container assignment
Solution Approach 2:
The control server acts as an intermediary that coordinates between storage and picking operations. It manages container assignments, tracks item locations, and directs robotic systems to retrieve or store items as needed, enabling seamless integration of storage and picking functions without physical separation
3Device complexity
If traditional robotic picking systems are used with fixed container assignments, then system control is simplified, but it reduces operational flexibility and increases labor burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic container assignment where the control server can flexibly assign containers to different roles (storage or picking) based on real-time operational demands. The robotic systems dynamically adjust their behavior to handle assigned containers, enabling the system to adapt to varying order patterns and inventory requirements without increasing physical system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (container roles, task assignments, robot routes) based on real-time conditions. The control server monitors system state and adjusts container assignments and robot tasks dynamically, allowing the system to maintain simple control architecture while achieving high operational flexibility through parameter variation rather than structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an item transport system. The item transport system includes: a control server, at least one carrying robot, at least one storage container and at least one picking container. The control server obtains order information and container information of items to be transported and integrates the order information with the container information to provide transport information for the at least one carrying robot. The storage container and the picking container are both configured to accommodate items to be stored and items to be picked interchangeably. The carrying robot carries the storage container or the picking container based on the transport information received from the control server. Further disclosed is an item transport method.