Semicircular Bin Tower Layout for Faster Robotic Item Picking
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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 individuals, and they struggle to process a large number of totes quickly.
Innovation Solution
A storage, retrieval, and processing system featuring a programmable motion device with an end effector that can grasp and move objects within bins arranged in a partially circular arrangement, allowing for efficient picking and processing of individual items directly into destination containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional AS/RS use totes brought to people for item picking, then the system allows automated transport of totes, but the time and resources required to move totes toward and away from each person increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bringing totes to stationary pickers, the system inverts the approach by bringing pickers to the totes. Mobile picking stations move to where totes are stored, allowing workers to pick items directly at the storage location, thereby eliminating the time-consuming transport of totes back and forth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal tote transport model to a three-dimensional model where mobile picking stations can access multiple levels and locations. This allows simultaneous access to totes at different heights and positions, reducing the overall time required for item retrieval.
2Ease of operation
If traditional AS/RS bring totes to people for processing, then the person can pick items from the tote, but the rate at which the person can process totes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile picking station is equipped with all necessary tools, interfaces, and guidance systems to enable workers to independently and efficiently pick items directly at the tote location without returning to a central picking area, thereby increasing the throughput of totes processed per unit time.
3Extent of automation
If traditional AS/RS separate transport and picking functions, then automated transport can focus on moving totes, but the system cannot process a large number of totes quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile picking station serves multiple functions: it transports totes, provides picking surfaces, offers item verification, and enables direct placement into destination containers. This multi-functionality allows the system to process totes more quickly by combining previously separate operations into a single integrated mobile unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage, retrieval and processing system is disclosed for processing objects. The system includes a plurality of bins including objects to be distributed by the processing system, said plurality of bins being provided in at least a partially generally circular arrangement, a programmable motion device that includes an end effector for grasping and moving any of the objects, said programmable motion device being capable of reaching any of the objects within the plurality of bins, and a plurality of destination containers for receiving any of the objects from the plurality of bins, said plurality of destination containers being provided in a region that is generally within the at least partially generally circular arrangement of the plurality of bins.