Robotic manipulation intelligence systems and methods for automatic restocking of items in retail store environments

US11613018B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ABB Schweiz AG · CH

Inventors

• Gregory A. Cole · Town of West Hartford, US
• Gregory F. Rossano · Enfield, US
• Jordi Artigas · Barcelona, ES
• Harald Staab · Peising, DE
• Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge · Ellington, US
• Carlos Martinez · South Windsor, US
• Sangeun Choi · Simsbury, US
• Jianjun Wang · Troy, US
• Xiongzi Li · Town of West Hartford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 8, 2019
• Grant date: Mar 28, 2023
• Expiry date: Sep 27, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/087
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods for automatic restocking different items in retail store environments having POS locations for the items are disclosed. The method includes, for a first item of the different items, storing at least one first item parameter uniquely identifying the first item. The method includes determining, based on the at least one first item parameter, a first autonomous movement control scheme for manipulation of the first item by a robotic arm. The method includes executing, by the robotic arm, the first control scheme, the executing including shelving the first item on the shelf. The method includes evaluating, by a processor or a user of the robotic arm, the executing for the first item according to at least one predetermined first performance criteria. The method includes determining and storing, based on the evaluating, an updated first control scheme for subsequent executing by the robotic arm for the first item.