Order picking using mobile robots on elevated pathways
US11104517B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G1/1375
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Robotic automation and methods described herein can be used to enhance the efficiencies of order fulfillment and inventory stowage processes. For example, this document describes the integration of elevated pathways that are dedicated for mobile robots to use in conjunction with a human-operated order picker lift to transport items for order fulfillment processes in an efficient manner. In some embodiments, the elevated pathways for the mobile robots can be at least partially integrated into storage systems such as pallet racking. The described systems and methods allow the elimination of human labor particularly related to transporting saleable goods and similar items. Mobile robots take over many of the tasks related to transporting the picked items. Accordingly, the efficiency of the human order picker, as measured by the number of line items picked per hour for example, is greatly enhanced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.