Shuttle Robot Cyclic Control for Parcel Loading Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing parcels in logistics centers using shuttle robots are inefficient in optimizing the movement of robots to accelerate the loading of parcels into trucks in sequence, particularly due to limitations in traffic lane accessibility and distribution planning.
Innovation Solution
A method that controls the movement of shuttle robots in a cyclic manner based on a distribution plan and ordered sequence, dynamically adjusting the number of robots to be used in each cycle according to the availability and order of parcels along the traffic lane, and connecting multiple traffic lanes to a circulation loop for optimized resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single shuttle robot is used to pick up objects sequentially, then the sequence order is maintained, but the loading speed into trucks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of shuttle robots deployed based on real-time conditions. The control unit determines whether to use one or multiple robots by checking if objects are arranged in sequence order along the traffic lane, making the robot deployment flexible rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of robot quantity from fixed to variable. By monitoring object arrangement and sequence requirements, the control unit adjusts the number of active robots, transforming the system from static to adaptive operation
2Productivity
If multiple shuttle robots are deployed simultaneously, then the loading speed into trucks is increased, but the sequence order may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the arrangement of objects along the traffic lane and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate number of robots to deploy. This closed-loop control ensures sequence integrity while maximizing loading efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary check of object arrangement before deploying robots. By verifying that objects are in sequence order along the traffic lane, the system ensures that multiple robots can operate simultaneously without disrupting the required sequence
3Area of stationary object
If the traffic lane is designed as a single two-way lane for space constraints, then the space utilization is optimized, but the robot movement efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a temporal dimension to robot movement by implementing cyclic operation. Robots move in alternating directions along the single traffic lane in organized cycles, transforming a spatial constraint into a time-based coordination solution that maintains both space efficiency and movement effectiveness
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method for processing objects (3) in a logistical centre comprising a storage area (1) for the objects divided into adjacent storage segments along a travel path (2) for shuttle robots (4), in which a control/command unit (5) organises the movement of said shuttle robots on the travel path in order to collect the objects in the segments and makes them leave the travel path in series in an ordered manner in a certain sequence, is characterised in that the unit commands the movement of the shuttle robots cyclically, and controls, during each cycle, the distribution of the objects in the segments so as to each time move an optimal number of shuttle robots on the travel path.