Robotic Kitting Shelf for Arbitrary Item Picking Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitting operations rely heavily on human labor due to challenges in automating the process of locating and picking up arbitrary quantities of items of varying size, fragility, and consistency using robotic arms.
Innovation Solution
A kitting machine system that integrates robotically controlled units to supply and position items for packaging, utilizing modular kitting system modules, robotic arms, and control computers to automate the kitting process, including the use of teleoperation for handling stuck situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic arms are used to automate kitting operations, then productivity increases, but device complexity and difficulty of operation worsen due to the complexity of programming robots to handle arbitrary items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic shelf as an intermediary component between the storage system and the robotic arm. The robotic shelf automatically presents items to the robotic arm, simplifying the arm's task to simple pickup and placement operations. This mediator handles the complexity of locating and presenting arbitrary items, while the robotic arm performs only straightforward manipulation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The kitting system is divided into separate functional modules: item storage bins, robotic shelves for each bin, and a central robotic arm. Each component has a specialized function - bins store items, robotic shelves present items, and the robotic arm performs final placement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall control system.
2Extent of automation
If robotic arms directly pick items from storage bins, then automation extent increases, but ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in programming for arbitrary item characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic shelf acts as a mediator that simplifies the interface between storage and manipulation. It automatically handles item presentation, requiring the robotic arm to perform only simple pickup and placement actions. This reduces programming complexity while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic shelf autonomously manages item presentation without requiring complex programming of the robotic arm. The shelf independently locates, retrieves, and presents items to the arm, making the system easier to operate while maintaining full automation.
3Ease of operation
If human labor is used for kitting operations, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to manual labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic shelf autonomously performs item retrieval and presentation without human intervention. The system self-manages the complex tasks of locating and presenting arbitrary items, while the robotic arm simply picks and places items. This maintains operational simplicity while dramatically increasing productivity through automated high-speed operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an actuator, a plurality of sensors, and a processor. The actuator is configured to move a surface or receptacle to a position associated with item retrieval. The plurality of sensors are configured to monitor one or more pickup zones. The processor is coupled to the actuator and configured to provide a control signal to the actuator. The control signal increases or decreases a speed at which items are provided to the one or more pickup zones based on an output from the plurality of sensors.