Reconfigurable Warehouse Track Assembly for On-Demand Goods Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse systems face challenges with rigid and inflexible permanent material movement tracks, which do not adapt well to dynamic changes in demand and require significant resource consumption for moving goods within the warehouse.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating a reconfigurable material movement track that can be built and reconfigured on demand using robots and track segments, such as telescopic and foldable segments, to facilitate automated movement of goods based on changing needs, with a computer-generated track plan guiding the robots to build and reconfigure the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent material movement tracks are used in warehouses, then the tracks provide stable and reliable material movement capability, but the tracks become rigid and inflexible, unable to adapt to dynamic changes in demand
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent track is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently moved, reconfigured, or removed. Each segment can be manipulated by robots to change the overall track configuration, enabling adaptation to different material movement needs while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Robots actively move and reposition track segments in real-time based on changing material movement demands, allowing the track to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than remaining fixed in a single arrangement.
2Productivity
If permanent material movement tracks are installed throughout the warehouse, then complete material movement coverage is achieved, but significant resource consumption is required for maintaining and reconfiguring the tracks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a continuous permanent track, the system uses segmented modular tracks that can be deployed only where and when needed. Robots assemble track segments to create movement paths for specific material transport tasks, then disassemble and store them after use, reducing the energy and resources required to maintain unused track infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The track segments are temporarily deployed for specific material movement tasks and then recovered for storage or reuse elsewhere. After completing their function, robots disassemble the tracks and return segments to storage areas, eliminating the need to maintain permanent tracks in locations where they are not currently needed, thereby reducing overall resource consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed tracks are used, then the track structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks the capability to adapt to changing warehouse demands
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is designed as modular segments with standardized interfaces that are easy to manufacture and assemble. Each segment is a simple, repeatable unit that can be quickly manufactured and then combined in different configurations by robots to meet changing warehouse material movement requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer system, and a computer program product for track creation are provided. A computer receives a notification of at least one object to be moved. The at least one object is disposed at a first position. The computer receives a determination of a second position for the at least one object. The computer generates a track plan for a first track for transporting the at least one object from the first position to the second position. The computer transmits a first instruction message to a first robot. The instruction message instructs the first robot to build a track according to the track plan.