Sorting Robot Route Selection for Congested Package Drops
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of logistics distribution technology, sorting robots face congestion and inefficiencies around target package drop openings, leading to delays and reduced productivity due to the lack of optimized routing strategies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining a driving route of a sorting robot that involves scanning for destinations, identifying dumping points, calculating route costs, and selecting preferred package drop routes to avoid congestion and ensure efficient package delivery and return processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sorting robots deliver packages from all sides of the target package drop opening, then package delivery flexibility is improved, but congestion around the target package drop opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different route selection strategies to different dumping points based on their local congestion conditions. The system identifies multiple dumping points around the target package drop opening and selects specific points (e.g., first and second dumping points) based on real-time congestion assessment, allowing flexible delivery while avoiding congested areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the route selection adaptive and changeable based on real-time conditions. The sorting robot dynamically adjusts its dumping point selection based on congestion levels, package priorities, and environmental factors, rather than following fixed routes. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining delivery flexibility while adapting to changing congestion conditions.
2Productivity
If the number of inlets is increased to handle more packages, then package handling capacity is improved, but waiting time for staff and equipment at inlets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and planning optimal routes for sorting robots before they reach the inlets. The system identifies multiple possible dumping points and pre-assesses their congestion conditions, allowing robots to select the best route in advance. This preliminary route planning reduces waiting time at inlets while maintaining high package handling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring congestion conditions at different dumping points and adjusting route selections accordingly. The system uses real-time feedback from sensors and system state information to optimize robot routing, ensuring that increased inlet capacity is fully utilized without creating bottlenecks or excessive waiting times.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and device for determining a driving route of a sorting robot. The method discloses: weighing and scanning on an import platform in response to a sorting robot, and determining a destination of the sorting robot on a sorting map; determining, according to the destination, a target package drop on the sorting map; identifying two dumping points on a route which is perpendicular to an import direction of the import platform among dumping points of the target package drop; respectively calculating the costs of routes from the import platform to the two dumping points; determining the dumping point corresponding to the smaller cost of route to be the target dumping point on the sorting map; determining a preferred package drop route from predetermined package drop routes to be selected from the import platform to the target dumping point; and sending a package drop task including the preferred package drop route to the sorting robot. Further disclosed are a method and device for determining a driving route of a sorting robot. The method and device improve the sorting efficiency of a sorting robot in a warehouse.