Automatic warehouses are becoming more popular because of new automation
technology. Robots are used to improve the storing and retrieving of packages in a warehouse
while also lowering employee costs. These robots work more efficiently in dark warehouses
where there is almost no human involvement. This lowers the warehouse costs because
maintaining favorable working conditions for humans is not needed. Costs will go down further
from lowering the price of human labor. Pursuing this project will not only increase profits but
will reduce liability for products stored in the warehouses.
This project develops an autonomous mobile robot that can be deployed in dark
warehouses. The robot is autonomous enough to track, receive, and store packages on its own.
However, the robot will need human aid if something goes wrong in the warehouse. To track
packages around the warehouse, QR codes, a readable picture that stores information, are
used. These are also helpful for creating a map of the warehouse for the robot. To ensure
accuracy and safety the robot's path is restricted to black lines around the warehouse that lead
to each package location. The robot is also equipped with a forklift lifting mechanism to lift and
hold the packages. To test the robot, a scaled down warehouse that includes black lines, QR
codes, and packages will be built.
This project allows us to put into practice combining a variety of disciplines in a team
setting to assemble a fully functioning robot. Each member benefits by having the opportunity
to expand current knowledge they have of their discipline while developing new skills. The
mechanical engineers are able to improve their robotics skills while being introduced to
practices for databases and path-planning. Computer and electrical engineers practiced
creating databases and general programming skills, while also being exposed to building a
system.
