Robotic Picking Mode Switching for Soft and Unfamiliar Items
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic picking systems in warehouses face challenges in handling soft or unfamiliar products due to limitations in gripping mechanisms and algorithms, which can result in damage or failure to identify and pick items correctly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising robotic picking apparatuses that operate in autonomous, human-assisted, and remote-controlled modes, with a controller that selects the optimal mode based on confidence measurements, human input availability, and estimated costs, allowing for improved handling of various items through sensor input and human guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic picking apparatus operates in autonomous mode, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates when handling soft or unfamiliar products
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between autonomous mode (for high productivity with familiar products) and human-assisted mode (for high reliability with soft or unfamiliar products). The operational mode is not fixed but adapts based on product characteristics, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A human operator acts as an intermediary when the robotic system encounters uncertainty. The human provides guidance for gripping force and picking strategies for unfamiliar or soft products, bridging the gap between autonomous capability and reliable handling.
2Loss of time
If robotic picking apparatus uses automated determination of operation plan, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for identifying and picking items correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors and confidence measurements to determine when automated operation is sufficient and when human assistance is needed. This feedback loop ensures quick automated processing for clear cases while triggering human review only when necessary for accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always performing full automated determination, the system applies partial automation with selective human intervention. This reduces time loss for routine items while maintaining precision for challenging items through targeted human input.
3Ease of operation
If robotic picking apparatus operates without human input, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for handling diverse products
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its level of automation based on product diversity and familiarity. For diverse or unfamiliar products, it transitions from fully autonomous to human-assisted operation, maintaining ease of operation for routine tasks while gaining adaptability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic picking apparatus, system and method of use thereof. A system comprising: a plurality of robotic picking apparatuses configured to pick an item from a container and place the item in a different place, wherein each robotic picking apparatus is configured to operate in one of at least three operational modes: an autonomous mode, a human-assisted mode, and a remote-controlled mode, wherein in the autonomous mode, the robotic picking apparatus operates without human input, wherein in the human-assisted mode, an operation plan is determined using human input and the operation plan is executed automatically without additional input from a human, wherein in the remote-controlled mode, movements of the robotic picking apparatus are controlled directly by a remote human user. Human users located at one or more remote sites provide the human input.