US 10,525,593 B1 · System and method for improving storage density

Abstract

Embodiments herein describe a robotic pick and stow storage system with a built-in consolidation function that increases the storage density. The system can include a stowing robot, a consolidation robot, and individual containers. The stowing robot may pick an item, identify a free space in the container large enough for the item, and then place the item in the free space. The items placed in the container may have a space between it and a neighboring item or items (referred to herein as a stow buffer) due to uncertainties or inaccuracies in the stowing process. The embodiments herein describe a stow and consolidation action that reduces the stow buffers thereby providing additional space in the container for more items. The consolidation robot can tilt and vibrate the container such that the items move closer together thereby generating free space for additional items in the container.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system, comprising:

a consolidation robot comprising an arm;
a tray configured to attach to the arm, wherein the tray comprises a transport surface configured to hold at least two items having different shapes,
wherein the consolidation robot is configured to perform a consolidation action comprising:
tilting the tray along at least a first axis;
activating a vibration motor to cause vibrations on the transport surface of the tray, thereby moving the at least two items towards a lower side of the tilted tray, wherein moving the at least two items reduces a gap between the at least two items and creates an available space near a raised side of the tilted tray;
and
a stowing robot configured to stow additional items onto the tray in the available space.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for improving storage density

Life of this patent

System and method for improving storage density

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20