The Concept of an Autonomous Mobile Robot for Automating Transport Tasks in High-Bay Warehouses

Abstract

The progression of the industry, alongside the continuous enhancement of operational efficiency and the reduction of production costs, are paving the way for novel solutions in the realm of storage and transportation systems. The incorporation of new technologies and solutions, such as mobile robots, has culminated in the establishment of Smart Warehouses. It facilitates the reduction of non-value adding activities for companies. One of the methods of improving the efficiency of such systems is the more effective use of autonomous mobile robots. The article presented an inventive concept of an autonomous mobile robot capable of undertaking transport tasks both on the shop floor and within high-bay warehouses. The new concept of the drive mechanism enables it to navigate on surfaces and move along rail guides. By using an elevator, the robot can be lifted to higher levels within the warehouse. The well-conceived structural solution of the robot allows the elevator placement anywhere within the warehouse, eliminating the need for constructing a pit. The use of a mobile robot with the proposed structure will enable the execution of transport tasks without necessitating reloading. Such an approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce the costs of storage processes.