Method for inducting and singulating items to a sorter

摘要

The invention provides a method and a system for inducting items to a sorter (SRT) from a stream of items (IT1, IT2), e.g. mail or parcels, arriving at a feeding conveyor (FC). A processor (PCR) executes a control algorithm (C_A) with at least information (I_1) regarding the stream of items arriving at the feeding conveyor (FC) as input. In response, the control algorithm (C_A) generates an output (O1) indicating where to place an item picked up by a robot (R1) from the feeding conveyor (FC). The control algorithm (C_A) selects between two or more of: 1) a first induction (I1) arranged for transporting items to the sorter (SRT), 2) an empty space (E_S) on the sorter(SRT), 3) the feeding conveyor (FC), e.g. singulating bulk items on the feeding conveyor (FC), and 4) a weighing unit (W1) arranged for weighing items. By controlling the robot (R1) accordingly, it is possible to provide effective use of existing pick-and-place robots as part of a sorter induction system, where a high capacity can be obtained with a small requirement for space. E.g. it may be possible to save space for inductions, compared to what is required for manual handling with the same sorting capacity, especially this may be advantageous for items with a maximum weight of 2-3 kg.

主权项

1. A method of inducting items to a sorter from a stream of items arriving at a feeding conveyor, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of input parameters comprising at least information regarding the stream of items arriving at the feeding conveyor, processing said input parameters in a processor according to a control algorithm, wherein the control algorithm is configured to generate at least one output, in response to said input parameters, indicating where to place an item, selecting between at least two of:
a first induction arranged for transporting items to the sorter,an empty space on the sorter,the feeding conveyor, but at a different position and/or orientation than where it was picked up, anda weighing unit configured to weigh items, and controlling at least a first robot in accordance with the output of the control algorithm, wherein the first robot is configured to pick up an item from the feeding conveyor, and to place the item in accordance with the output of the control algorithm.