Warehouse Robot Sequencing Based on Operator Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In warehouse order fulfillment operations, autonomous mobile robots face inefficiencies when operators are not present to assist them at item locations, leading to reduced productivity and delayed order execution.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adjust the sequence of executing functions on items based on the location of operators within the warehouse, where robots assess criteria such as distance and travel time to navigate to item locations with available operators, ensuring timely assistance and optimizing the order execution sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If robots follow the optimized route to item locations based on order sequence, then the order execution sequence is maintained, but operators may not be present to assist the robot, leading to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The robot dynamically adjusts its navigation sequence based on real-time operator locations. Instead of following a static optimized route, the robot evaluates operator proximity to each item location and modifies its path to prioritize locations where operators are already present or likely to arrive soon, thereby reducing waiting time and improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operator locations and uses this feedback to adjust the robot's navigation decisions. The robot receives real-time information about operator positions and incorporates this feedback into its route planning, allowing it to adapt its sequence dynamically to maximize the likelihood of operator availability at each stop
2Productivity
If robots navigate to item locations in the optimized route sequence, then route efficiency is maximized, but operator presence cannot be guaranteed, causing reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs preliminary assessment of operator locations before finalizing its navigation sequence. By evaluating which item locations have operators nearby in advance, the robot can prioritize those locations first, ensuring that operators are already present or will arrive before the robot reaches those stops, thereby improving reliability of operator availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameters from purely distance-based optimization to a hybrid model that incorporates operator location data. This parameter change allows the robot to weigh both route efficiency and operator proximity, selecting item locations for execution based on a combination of these factors to simultaneously improve productivity and ensure operator availability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for executing orders assigned to a plurality of robots operating in a warehouse, including receiving an order with a plurality of items, each item associated with an item location. The method includes defining a plurality of regions and identifying the regions which include at least one item location associated with the order received by the robot. The method also includes determining, from the regions identified, which regions which include at least one operator and assessing criteria relating to a current location of the robot and to the item locations associated with the regions having at least one operator. The method further includes selecting an item location to which the robot is to navigate from a current location based on an assessment of criteria relating to the current location of the robot and to the item locations associated with the regions in which are located at least one operator.