Robot dwell time minimization in warehouse order fulfillment operations
US10793357B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/08
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for executing an order with a plurality of items assigned to a first robot of a plurality of robots operating in a warehouse with the assistance of a plurality of operators. The method includes navigating the first robot to a first location in the warehouse proximate a location of a first item in the order and pausing for an operator of to assist the first robot to execute a function. The method includes determining if the first robot has been paused for greater than a maximum dwell time without being assisted by an operator. If it has been, the method causes the first robot to leave the first location without completing the function on the first item and causing the first robot to proceed to a second location proximate a storage a second item to execute a function.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.