Robotic Package Handling With Vision-Guided Singulation and Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face challenges in handling a diverse range of objects and adapting to changing conditions, particularly in e-commerce environments, due to high customization or general systems requiring extensive integration and being ill-equipped for repetitive tasks with unknown variables.
Innovation Solution
A robotic package handling system comprising an end effector assembly, imaging devices, and a computing system that processes packages through singulation, positioning, and orientation using image information to efficiently transfer and distribute packages to output containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly specialized robotic systems are designed for specific applications, then task performance is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system employs a universal end effector assembly with interchangeable tools and a compliant gripper that can handle multiple package types. The system integrates both robotic manipulation and mechanical singulation capabilities in a single platform, allowing it to perform diverse tasks including package pickup, orientation adjustment, and sorted delivery without requiring complete system redesign for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes dynamically adjustable parameters including variable vacuum loads for different package weights, adjustable mechanical singulation element positions, and real-time computing system reconfiguration based on package characteristics detected by imaging devices. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to optimize performance across different package types and sorting scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If general robotic systems are used to handle diverse objects, then adaptability is improved, but integration complexity and setup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality into modular segments: a fixed mechanical singulation assembly handles package separation and orientation, while a robotic end effector assembly handles pickup and placement. The computing system segments processing into distinct modules for image analysis, singulation control, and robotic coordination. This segmentation reduces integration complexity by allowing each module to be independently optimized and configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical singulation assembly automatically adjusts its operation based on real-time imaging data about package characteristics, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration. The computing system autonomously determines optimal singulation parameters and robotic motion paths based on detected package properties, reducing setup time and integration complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Productivity
If traditional robotic systems perform repetitive tasks, then operational efficiency is improved, but ability to handle changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates imaging devices that continuously monitor package characteristics, position, and orientation. The computing system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust singulation parameters, robotic gripper force, and motion trajectories in real-time. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain high operational efficiency while adapting to varying package types, sizes, and conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical singulation assembly performs preliminary package separation and orientation adjustments before the robotic end effector picks up packages. Imaging devices capture package characteristics in advance to pre-compute optimal robotic motion paths and gripper parameters. This preliminary action reduces real-time computational burden and enables faster response to changing conditions while maintaining high throughput.
4Reliability
If robotic systems require extensive customization for specific implementations, then task specialization is improved, but cost and setup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal platform with configurable parameters rather than customized hardware for each task. The end effector assembly can be programmed to handle different package types through software configuration, and the mechanical singulation elements can be positioned and adjusted without physical redesign. This universality maintains task specialization capability while dramatically reducing setup time and customization costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves task specialization through parameter configuration rather than hardware customization. The computing system stores and loads different parameter sets for various package types, including gripper force, motion velocity, singulation angles, and vacuum load settings. This parameter-based approach allows rapid switching between different specialized tasks without physical reconfiguration, reducing both cost and setup time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and efficient handling of various packages by singulating, positioning, and orienting them for optimal distribution, reducing integration complexity and adapting to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The end effector assembly may comprise a first suction cup assembly coupled to a controllably activated vacuum load operatively coupled to the first computing system
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a robotic package handling system, comprising: an end effector assembly configured to transfer one or more packages from an input assembly to an output assembly; a first imaging device positioned and oriented to capture image information pertaining to the one or more packages; and a first computing system operatively coupled to the end effector assembly and the first imaging device, and configured to receive the image information from the first imaging device and command movements of the end effector assembly based at least in part upon the image information; wherein the first computing system is configured to operate the end effector assembly to move a targeted package of the one or more packages from the input assembly based at least in part upon the image information, and release the targeted package to be at least transiently coupled with the output assembly with position and orientation.