Transport Robot Dispatch via Dynamic Heat Value Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispatch methods for logistics robots in smart warehousing are inefficient due to disorganized task execution, leading to long distances traveled and waiting times for human pickers, which hampers overall picking efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dispatch method that assigns a 'heat value' to each order based on a picking friendliness index, dynamically classifying orders to prioritize those that maximize human efficiency, and generates dispatch instructions for transport robots and human pickers to optimize their routes and locations, creating 'hot zones' for concentrated task execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If orders are assigned in sequence according to ordering time, then the dispatch process is simple, but human pickers have to walk long distances and wait long times, reducing picking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a dynamic heat value calculation system that continuously updates order priorities based on real-time factors such as picker location, order composition, and warehouse zone characteristics. Instead of static sequential assignment, the system dynamically recalculates heat values for all pending orders and reassigns tasks to maximize picker efficiency at any given moment, resolving the contradiction between simple dispatch processes and high picking efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of order priority from fixed sequential ordering to variable heat value scoring. By introducing multiple parameters (picker position, order item distribution, zone accessibility, robot availability) that continuously change and influence the heat value calculation, the system transforms the dispatch mechanism from a simple linear process to an optimized multi-parameter decision system that improves picking efficiency without excessive complexity
2Productivity
If orders are rearranged according to goods category, then picking efficiency may improve, but the time cost of sorting increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing heat values for all pending orders based on warehouse layout, picking position distributions, and order composition analysis. This pre-computation allows the dispatch system to instantly retrieve and compare heat values without performing time-consuming sorting operations at dispatch time, thus improving picking efficiency while minimizing additional sorting time costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sorting process with an information-based heat value calculation system. Instead of physically or manually reorganizing orders by goods category, the system uses computational algorithms to evaluate and score orders based on multiple parameters, substituting physical sorting operations with digital optimization that reduces time costs while maintaining or improving picking efficiency
3Ease of operation
If human pickers wait for transport robots at picking locations, then vehicle-to-person collaboration is maintained, but overall picking efficiency cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring picker locations, robot positions, order priorities, and zone heat values in real-time. The dispatch system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust order assignments and robot dispatch instructions, ensuring that pickers are assigned tasks that maximize their efficiency while maintaining effective vehicle-to-person collaboration. The system learns from real-time data to optimize the coordination between robots and pickers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of spatial-temporal optimization by considering not only which orders to assign but also where and when to assign them. By introducing picking friendliness indices that evaluate orders based on picker location, zone accessibility, and temporal factors, the system optimizes dispatch decisions across multiple dimensions, transforming simple vehicle-to-person collaboration into a multi-dimensional coordination system that enhances overall picking efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of intelligent logistics. The disclosure provides a dispatch method for a transport robot, which comprises steps of: S1: assigning a heat value to each order in an order pool according to a picking friendliness index; S2: selecting, in response to an order assignment demand, an order whose heat value meets a preset condition from the order pool; S3: generating a dispatch instruction for at least one transport robot based on the selected order. The present disclosure further provides a dispatch system and a computer program product. In the dispatch strategy of the present disclosure, orders out of sequence are aggregated and dynamically classified according to the picking friendliness, so that orders that are most conducive to saving manpower at the moment can always be prioritized, thus rationalizing the dispatching of transport robots and human pickers in general, and improving the picking efficiency.