Robotic Kitting Machine for Diverse Item Retrieval and Packing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current kitting operations remain largely human labor-intensive due to challenges in using robotic arms to handle arbitrary quantities and sizes of items, including fragility and consistency, limiting the automation of large-scale kitting processes.
Innovation Solution
A kitting machine system that integrates robotically controlled units with modular components, including shelves and robotic arms, to automate the selection, positioning, and packaging of items, with the ability to request human intervention when automated operation is not possible, and employs a control computer to plan and coordinate the retrieval and packing of items based on their attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic arms are used to perform kitting operations, then automation extent is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to handle arbitrary quantities and sizes of items with varying fragility and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the kitting workspace into multiple bins, each dedicated to storing a specific type of item. This segmentation allows the robotic arm to retrieve items from predetermined locations rather than searching through arbitrary spaces, simplifying the control logic while maintaining high automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Items are pre-sorted and placed in specific bins before the kitting process begins. The system receives information about the kit composition in advance, allowing it to plan the retrieval sequence and positions. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making by the robotic system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If robotic arms are programmed to handle arbitrary items, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to programming complexity for picking items of arbitrary size, fragility, and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
Each bin is designed with specific local characteristics tailored to the items it contains, such as appropriate depth, material properties, and positioning. This local optimization allows the robotic arm to use simple, consistent retrieval motions for each bin type while still handling diverse items across different bins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different items by changing operational parameters such as gripper force, retrieval speed, and bin positioning rather than changing the fundamental retrieval mechanism. This allows the same robotic arm to handle items of varying fragility and size by adjusting controllable parameters.
3Ease of operation
If manual kitting is performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to human labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to automatically receive kit composition information, determine retrieval sequences, position bins, and control the robotic arm without human intervention during the kitting process. This self-service capability eliminates the labor intensity of manual kitting while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A kitting machine is disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine includes an actuator configured to move a surface or receptacle to a position associated with item retrieval; and a controller configured to control operation of the actuator to position an item in the position associated with item retrieval, in a manner that is synchronized at least in part with operation of a robotic retrieval device configured to retrieve the item from the position associated with item retrieval.