Multi-Compartment Warehouse Robot Routing for Dynamic Bin Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing warehousing systems face poor flexibility and low overall processing efficiency due to limitations in how robots return workbins to warehouse locations, particularly when using robots with multiple storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that instructs a robot with multiple storage compartments to load to-be-in-warehoused workbins, establish binding relationships, load to-be-ex-warehoused workbins in empty compartments during return, and release binding relationships after transferring them to available warehouse locations, thereby optimizing warehouse location allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robots follow fixed binding relationships between workbins and warehouse locations, then task execution is simple, but flexibility in warehouse location allocation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic warehouse location allocation by allowing robots to deviate from fixed binding relationships. When a robot completes returning a workbin to its bound warehouse location, that location becomes available for allocation to new workbins. The system dynamically updates binding relationships based on current warehouse location availability, transforming the static allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.
2Productivity
If robots return workbins to bound warehouse locations sequentially, then task execution is simple, but total return time and distance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having robots load new workbins into empty storage compartments during the return journey to warehouse locations. While traveling to complete the return task, the robot prepares for the next task by loading additional workbins, thus utilizing travel time productively and reducing idle time between tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by eliminating idle time in the robot's workflow. While returning workbins to warehouse locations, the robot simultaneously loads new workbins into empty compartments, ensuring that the robot is continuously engaged in productive activities without waiting for return tasks to complete.
3Productivity
If robots wait for warehouse locations to be available before loading workbins, then task accuracy is high, but overall processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the central control system continuously monitors warehouse location availability and robot status. When a robot completes returning a workbin, the system receives feedback about the now-available warehouse location and automatically allocates it to pending workbins, ensuring accurate matching while maintaining high efficiency through real-time information updates.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for adjusting a warehouse location, and an electronic device, relating to the technical field of intelligent warehousing. A target robot can be instructed to load to-be-in-warehoused workbins and determine a binding relationship between the to-be-in-warehoused workbins and in-warehouse locations for the to-be-in-warehoused workbins; wherein the target robot is a robot with multiple storage compartments; during the process of the target robot returning the to-be-in-warehoused workbins, when the target robot has an empty storage compartment, the target robot is instructed to load a to-be-ex-warehoused workbin in the empty storage compartment; after the target robot transfers the to-be-ex-warehoused workbin from a specified warehouse location to its own empty storage compartment, the target robot is instructed to transfer a currently loaded target to-be-in-warehoused workbin to the specified warehouse location, and release a binding relationship between the target to-be-in-warehoused workbin and an in-warehouse location for the target to-be-in-warehoused workbin. By applying the solution provided by the embodiments of the present application, the efficiency of returning workbins by the robots with multiple storage compartments can be improved, thereby improving the overall processing efficiency of the warehousing system.