Automated Transport Routing Using Real-Time Congestion Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated transport systems face inefficiencies due to labor shortages and congestion in logistics and manufacturing sites, particularly in shared spaces with workers, leading to reduced transport efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated transport system utilizing multiple automated transport bodies, sensors, and a controller that evaluates congestion degree distribution and selects the most suitable transport body based on real-time congestion data, optimizing routes to minimize waiting times and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated transport bodies operate in shared spaces with workers, then labor shortage problems are addressed and automation is achieved, but congestion occurs and transport efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transport body selection and routing based on real-time congestion conditions. The controller continuously monitors congestion degree distribution and adapts the allocation of transport tasks to different automated transport bodies, making the system flexible and responsive to changing environmental conditions rather than following fixed routes and assignments
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by evaluating congestion degree distribution and using this information to inform subsequent transport body selections. The controller receives feedback about current congestion states and adjusts its decision-making accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes transport efficiency based on actual conditions
2Productivity
If multiple automated transport bodies are deployed, then transport capacity is increased, but congestion in shared spaces worsens and waiting times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by evaluating congestion conditions at specific locations and routes, then selecting transport bodies based on local congestion characteristics rather than uniform allocation. Different transport bodies are assigned to different routes based on the congestion degree distribution, optimizing resource utilization in each local area
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of transport body selection based on congestion degree distribution. Instead of using fixed assignment rules, the controller dynamically adjusts which transport body performs which task based on real-time congestion parameters, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions and minimize waiting times
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, there is provided an automated transport system having a plurality of automated transport bodies, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor acquires information on positions of objects in a work area. The controller controls the plurality of automated transport bodies. The controller includes a route information acquirer, a congestion degree evaluator, and an automated transport body selector. The route information acquirer acquires, for each of the plurality of automated transport bodies, route information that indicates a route along which the automated transport body travels to a transport source of a target object. The congestion degree evaluator evaluates a congestion degree distribution that indicates a degree of congestion of objects in the work area on the basis of information on positions of the objects. The automated transport body selector selects an automated transport body that will perform a transport operation from among the plurality of automated transport bodies on the basis of the route information and the congestion degree distribution.