Warehouse Robot Movement Control for Dense Grid Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage and retrieval systems have low storage density due to the need for aisle space, which limits their efficiency in handling large numbers of different products, especially in online retail and warehouse operations, where optimizing container placement and movement is crucial for scalability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically coordinating and controlling the movement of robots within a grid-like structure in a storage facility, allowing for optimized container placement and movement based on demand, traffic flow, and access frequency, using path-finding algorithms and machine learning techniques to optimize robot paths and container distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aisle space is provided to access products, then product accessibility is improved, but storage density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional aisle-based access to three-dimensional vertical stacking with robotic manipulation. Containers are stacked vertically in multiple layers, and robots navigate through the structure to access containers from any position without requiring horizontal aisle space, thereby resolving the contradiction between accessibility and storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical aisle-based access system with an automated robotic system. Robots equipped with sensors and navigation capabilities manipulate containers vertically and horizontally, eliminating the need for physical aisles while maintaining full product accessibility through automated control.
2Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked vertically to increase storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but access complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs self-navigation and self-manipulation tasks. Robots autonomously determine their positions, plan paths to target containers, and execute retrieval operations without human intervention. The system includes self-monitoring capabilities that track container positions and robot statuses, enabling autonomous decision-making for complex vertical access operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the vertical stacking structure and the robotic manipulators. It coordinates robot movements, manages container positioning information, and optimizes access sequences, thereby simplifying the complexity of retrieving containers from multi-layer vertical stacks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If random container positions are allowed in vertical stacks, then storage flexibility is improved, but retrieval efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors container positions within vertical stacks and feeds this information back to the control system. Based on retrieval frequency and current stack configurations, the control system dynamically repositions containers to optimize future access patterns, thereby maintaining storage flexibility while improving retrieval efficiency through data-driven decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary container repositioning operations based on predicted retrieval patterns. High-frequency retrieval containers are proactively positioned in more accessible locations within the vertical stacks before they are actually needed, reducing retrieval time and improving overall productivity while maintaining storage flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for controlling the movement of transporting devices and/or operations conducted at various workstations are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure provides methods, systems and computer-readable media for controlling the movement of transporting devices configured for fully and/or partly automated handling of goods and/or controlling operations conducted at various workstations.