Warehouse Transport Simulation for Work Entity Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In warehouse load transport systems, there is a lack of effective methods to determine which types of robots or personnel should transport specific loads efficiently when multiple types of work entities with different capabilities are available.

Innovation Solution

A control device and simulation program that determine which work entities, including robots and personnel, should transport each load by analyzing delivery plans, map information, load characteristics, transport capacities, and work entity situations to generate efficient transport plans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple types of work entities with different capabilities are used for transport, then transport efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to determine which work entity should transport each load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidwork entity allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation system automatically performs work entity allocation by simulating transport processes and determining optimal assignments based on simulated performance data, eliminating the need for manual allocation decisions and allowing the system to self-optimize its configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary simulation of transport processes using virtual models before actual implementation, pre-determining the optimal work entity configuration and allocation strategies based on simulated scenarios, thereby simplifying subsequent real-world deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If simulation of work entity allocation is performed, then optimal allocation can be determined, but significant computational time is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallocation optimizationVSAvoidsimulation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation focuses on simulating only the necessary transport processes and parameters relevant to work entity allocation, rather than comprehensively simulating all system operations, thereby reducing computational time while still obtaining optimal allocation results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses virtual models (copies) of work entities and transport processes that replicate essential characteristics without requiring full physical system simulation, enabling faster computational analysis while maintaining allocation optimization accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3664013B1Simulator, control device, and simulation program
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 OMRON CORP
  • EP3664013B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3664013B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3664013B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A feature is realized with which it is possible to determine the work entity by which each load should be transported. A simulator (1) is provided with a transport capacity acquisition portion (6) for acquiring the transport capacity of one or a plurality of types of work entity, a load information acquisition portion (5), a map information acquisition portion (4), a work entity situation acquisition portion (7), and a work entity determination portion (2) for determining a work entity.