Robotic End Effector for Autonomous Object Picking in AS/RS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are inefficient in terms of time and resources required to move totes towards and away from each person, and they do not assist in the processing of a wide variety of objects.
Innovation Solution
A storage, retrieval, and processing system that includes a plurality of storage bins, a bin conveyance system, a programmable motion device with an end effector for grasping and moving objects, and destination bins, allowing for efficient movement and processing of objects within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional AS/RS bring totes to people for item picking, then people can process items manually, but the time and resources required to move totes increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having the automated end effector perform item picking and placement operations that would traditionally require human workers. The robotic system retrieves items from source totes and places them in destination totes autonomously, eliminating the need for human operators to manually handle each item while the totes remain stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of moving totes to human workers with an automated robotic system. Instead of transporting totes back and forth to people, the system uses an end effector with robotic motion devices to perform the picking and placing operations in place, substituting human manual labor with automated mechanical manipulation.
2Productivity
If traditional AS/RS use stationary totes, then system structure is simple, but the system cannot assist in processing a wide variety of objects efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality through the programmable end effector that can handle multiple types of objects with different characteristics. The robotic system can be programmed to grasp and manipulate various item types, sizes, and shapes, allowing a single automated station to process a wide variety of objects that would traditionally require different specialized workstations or human judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements through the programmable motion devices and end effector that can adapt their movement and grasping strategies based on the specific objects being handled. The robotic system can dynamically adjust its operations to accommodate different object properties, enabling efficient processing of diverse items while maintaining a relatively simple stationary tote structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins is in communication with a bin conveyance system for moving selected storage bins to a storage bin processing location, a programmable motion device in communication with the bin processing location for receiving a selected storage bin from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and a plurality of destination bins in communication with the bin conveyance system for moving a selected destination bin from a destination bin processing location that is proximate the programmable motion device to the plurality of destination bins.