Split Robotic Picking Layout for Mixed-Orientation Article Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current order fulfillment systems using robotic manipulation face inefficiencies in picking mixed-oriented articles, leading to insufficient throughput due to inadequate gripping and vision system challenges in identifying articles for precise handling.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple robotic manipulators with vision systems to capture and provide coordinate data for precise article picking and placement, utilizing conveyance devices and image processing software to enhance precision and efficiency, allowing articles to be picked from one location and placed at another with accurate orientation and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single robotic manipulator is used to pick mixed-oriented articles, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is insufficient due to inadequate gripping precision and vision system limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the article handling task into two separate robotic manipulators: a first robotic manipulator for picking articles from the collection, and a second robotic manipulator for placing articles into order receptacles. This segmentation allows each manipulator to specialize in its function, improving overall throughput while managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
A conveyance device acts as an intermediary between the first and second robotic manipulators, transporting articles from the pick location to the placement location. This intermediary component enables the manipulators to work independently without direct coordination, improving productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If articles are dispensed in a single layer on a conveyor, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates making it difficult for vision systems to identify articles
Solution Approach 1:
Articles are pre-positioned in a collection with mixed orientations before the picking process begins. The first robotic manipulator, guided by the vision system, then selectively picks articles from this pre-prepared collection. This preliminary arrangement allows the vision system to adequately identify articles while maintaining a simple dispensing structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for picking articles from a collection of articles and arranging articles into placement locations, includes capturing an image with a first vision system from a collection of articles at a first pick location and determining coordinate data for at least some of the articles in the collection of articles. The coordinate data for an article in the collection of articles is provided to a first robotic manipulator. That article is picked from the collection of articles with the first robotic manipulator according to the coordinate data for that article and that article placed at a first place location. The position and orientation data of that article are obtained at a second pick location and provided along with a desired position and orientation of that article at a second place location to a second robotic manipulator. That article is picked with the second robotic manipulator using the position and orientation data of that article at the second pick location and that article is placed at the second place location at the desired position and orientation.