Flexible Sorting Conveyor With AGV Docking for Retail Footprint Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual unloading and sorting processes in retail environments are labor-intensive and prone to errors, and existing mechanized systems are limited by space constraints, affecting operational efficiency and profitability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a conveyor assembly with docking locations, an item identifier, an orchestrator, and a sorting controller that uses autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) to autonomously route items to specific destinations based on identification data, optimizing delivery routes and shelf alignment for efficient item placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanized routing arrangement with conveyor track is used, then sorting efficiency is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a traditional horizontal conveyor layout to a vertical three-dimensional structure. The conveyor track is configured to extend vertically along the retail store walls, utilizing the third dimension (height) rather than consuming horizontal floor space. This allows mechanized sorting capability while preserving maximum retail floor space for product display and customer movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable conveyor segments and movable docking locations that can be repositioned along the vertical track. This dynamic configuration allows the sorting system to adapt to different product sizes, destination requirements, and store layouts, optimizing space utilization while maintaining high sorting efficiency through automated item transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual sorting process is used, then flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated item identification through scanning devices, autonomous decision-making through AI algorithms that determine optimal routing, and self-executing transport through the conveyor mechanism. Items are automatically sorted and delivered to designated locations without human intervention, eliminating labor-intensive manual sorting while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable routing logic that can adapt to changing store configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed system for transporting items to destination locations, for example when receiving inventory at large retail locations, includes a conveyor assembly comprising a plurality of docking locations; an item identifier operable to read identification data; an orchestrator operable to, based at least on the identification data, pair items with transporter solutions; and a sorting controller operable to, based at least on the identification data and the pairings, route items to specific docking locations where transporter solutions are docked. Transporter solutions may include autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) that bid on delivery tasks and can adjust shelf height in order to facilitate loading and unloading. The AGVs can thus provide an effectively seamless conveyor solution—either rollers on the conveyor surface move items or rollers on the underside of the AGV move the AGV with the items.