My Automated Warehouse
Preliminary research:
Before we could begin constructing an automated warehouse, both Owen and I had to conduct preliminary research to discover what an automated warehouse is, it's construction, uses in the automated industry and history. By researching these components, we would have a greater knowledge of the automated warehouse, and this will assist us in creating our own model.
By researching the history of the automated warehouse we can apply the advancements of the automated warehouse over time to the structure and design of our own automated warehouse.
By researching the uses of automated warehouses we gained a sense of what an automated warehouse does and the style of tasks that our robot would have to perform.
And by researching the construction of an automated warehouse we could understand the components needed to make our robot successful.
Problem definition:
Our task was to design a robot which could store and retrieve different coloured blocks without any human interaction. It had to be completely automated. Our automated warehouse had to be made from the lego-mindstorm kit and software. The robot must have an input and output at where the coloured blocks can be stored and retrieved. This simulates a real automated warehouse as different products must be retrieved and stored to different locations.
Requirements report:
Aim:
The aim of the automated warehouse is to both store and collect different coloured blocks just like an operational automated warehouse would store and collect stock. It must be created out of the Lego mind-storm kit and be programmed by the Lego mind-storm software. The automated warehouse must be consistent and reliable as it must complete the same task a number of times.
Objectives:
The automated warehouse must be built in approximately 2 weeks maximum, this is because we were allocated 5 weeks to complete the entire task and there are two equal sections. The other 3 weeks are to be allocated for both the robotic arm and documentation. Therefore the design must be small, simple and easy to program. The robot must be consistent as any failures in one step of the programming will affect all other steps that follow. Photographs must be taken of the progress in building the robot so that it's design can later be documented.
Data/information:
- Programming commands
Information processes:
- Collecting
The robotic arm will collect commands using button sensors.
It also collects the colour it has to store or collects if it sees a colour it is looking for depending on the task it has been given.
- Organising
The data that has been collected is organised so that the robot will be able to understand what it is collecting.
- Analysing
The robot realises the task it must complete.
- Displaying
The robot then completes the task
Information technology
- Lego mind-storm kit and expansion kit
- Lego mind-storm program
Project management plan:
The automated warehouse project will not only educate Engadine High School students about the design, uses and history of the automated warehouse but it will also enable them to use their own creativity and knowledge to create a robotic arm of their own. They can test this automated warehouse to asses their design through the task of stacking tyres. The project will last a total of 2 weeks including design, construction and testing. The automated warehouse will be created using the lego mind-storm kits. Both Owen and I will have an equal role in the creation and construction of all ideas and aspects of the automated warehouse.
Possible solutions:
Solution 1) Maneuverable robotic arm
Solution one involves a robotic arm that is programmed so that it can move side to side, an optical sensor will be positioned on the side of the robot to observe the colours of blocks that the robot passes. If the sensor finds the right one, then the arm will grab the block.
Solution 2) Scoop-style robot
Another design consideration is an automated warehouse that can drive around and scoop up the desired coloured block if it is seen by the optical sensor using giant, pincer-like claws this allows the robot to travel anywhere as it is not restricted to a straight line motion.
Solution 3) Drag robot
This design would move in a straight line like the robotic arm robot but instead of using a robotic arm to pick up the block when it is seen by the optical sensor it simply drags the block into itself. this design is extremely simple but may not be consistent.
Feasibility study:
Solution 1)
Technical:
For solution one we need:
- 3 large motors
- 1 optical sensor
- Lego mind-storm program
- Lego mind-storm CPU
Schedule:
This solution will be fairly fast as both the programming and design is not too complex as the system must only move from side to side. It will also be easy as we previously made robotic arms which will enable the robotic arm on the automated warehouse to not only be quickly and easily designed but also programmed. This method will fit into the time-frame of two weeks.
Economical:
All methods are of no cost to both Owen and I as the mind-storm kits are property of the school.
Organisational:
In this method the project will undergo agile development. This is where the prototype is developed in stages which are tested individually until all stages are achieved. This is a great method for this solution as each colour block can be programmed in different stages. Therefore there is much less chance of an error causing the entire sequence to fail, it will only fail for one block. This solution will be tested by assigning the automated system the task of storting and retrieving coloured boxes.
Solution 2)
Technical:
- 1 optical sensor
- 2 large motors
- 2 small motors
- 1 ultrasonic sensor
- Lego mind-storm program
- Lego mind-storm CPU
Schedule:
This method will be the most time consuming as it is the most complex. Because it must find it's own way to the box without a set path, the ultrasonic sensor must be used and also programmed. This presents a much larger amount of work than the other 2 solutions and it may not be completed in the 2 week time period.
Economical:
All methods are of no cost to both Owen and I as the mind-storm kits are property of the school.
Organisational:
In this method the project will undergo agile development. This is where the prototype is developed in stages which are tested individually until all stages are achieved. This is a great method for this solution as each colour block can be programmed in different stages. Therefore there is much less chance of an error causing the entire sequence to fail, it will only fail for one block. This solution will be tested by assigning the automated system the task of storting and retrieving coloured boxes.
Solution 3)
Technical:
For solution 3 we require:
- 1 small motor
- 1 large motor
- 1 optical sensor
- Lego mind-storm program
- Lego mind-storm CPU
Schedule:
Solution 3 is very basic and would easily be completed in the designated time period. This is because there is only 2 motors and an optical sensor that must be programmed. Having such a little amount of motors however presents the issue of inconsistency and unreliability.
Economic:
All methods are of no cost to both Owen and I as the mind-storm kits are property of the school.
Organisational:
In this method the project will undergo agile development. This is where the prototype is developed in stages which are tested individually until all stages are achieved. This is a great method for this solution as each colour block can be programmed in different stages. Therefore there is much less chance of an error causing the entire sequence to fail, it will only fail for one block. This solution will be tested by assigning the automated system the task of storting and retrieving coloured boxes.
Analysis report:
All three of these solutions all present creative ideas which would successfully work as automated warehouses. When making a decision on which is the best we must consider the small time-frame that has been allocated and which solutions are going to fit in this time-frame, we also have to consider effectiveness of design and consistency. All of the solutions posses these qualities, but some better than others.
Recommendation of solutions:
I would suggest solution 1 for our automated warehouse because it satisfies all areas in the above analysis report. It fits into the time-frame as a robotic arm has already been completed and the overall design is not too complex. It also is consistent and effective if programmed correctly.
Design specifications:
The automated warehouse would consist of the main CPU connected to 2 axle's, one which is turned by a large motor and another free-turning axle. 2 wheels are attached to these axle's. Also attached to the CPU are two more large motors which control both the arm and the claw. These motors are responsible for reaching down to the desired block. An optical sensor is also attached to the CPU, it faces towards where the claw will drop to. This design is very similar to certain crane design, automated warehousing systems used currently and this is an example of where this design would be successful.
Testing procedures:
To test the automated warehouse it must successfully store 4 blocks of different colours and then retrieve all 4 of these blocks. The robot cannot have any human interaction whatsoever once the program has started, this means it is fully automated. This test will be repeated a few times to ensure there is no errors of bugs in the programming.
Evaluation:
Our automated warehouse performed extremely well it successfully laid out and stored many different coloured boxes and completed the task both quickly and efficiently without any errors. A machine such as the automated warehouse we have created would be useful in large warehouses where items must be moved in a straight line over other objects. Overall the task was a success.
Before we could begin constructing an automated warehouse, both Owen and I had to conduct preliminary research to discover what an automated warehouse is, it's construction, uses in the automated industry and history. By researching these components, we would have a greater knowledge of the automated warehouse, and this will assist us in creating our own model.
By researching the history of the automated warehouse we can apply the advancements of the automated warehouse over time to the structure and design of our own automated warehouse.
By researching the uses of automated warehouses we gained a sense of what an automated warehouse does and the style of tasks that our robot would have to perform.
And by researching the construction of an automated warehouse we could understand the components needed to make our robot successful.
Problem definition:
Our task was to design a robot which could store and retrieve different coloured blocks without any human interaction. It had to be completely automated. Our automated warehouse had to be made from the lego-mindstorm kit and software. The robot must have an input and output at where the coloured blocks can be stored and retrieved. This simulates a real automated warehouse as different products must be retrieved and stored to different locations.
Requirements report:
Aim:
The aim of the automated warehouse is to both store and collect different coloured blocks just like an operational automated warehouse would store and collect stock. It must be created out of the Lego mind-storm kit and be programmed by the Lego mind-storm software. The automated warehouse must be consistent and reliable as it must complete the same task a number of times.
Objectives:
The automated warehouse must be built in approximately 2 weeks maximum, this is because we were allocated 5 weeks to complete the entire task and there are two equal sections. The other 3 weeks are to be allocated for both the robotic arm and documentation. Therefore the design must be small, simple and easy to program. The robot must be consistent as any failures in one step of the programming will affect all other steps that follow. Photographs must be taken of the progress in building the robot so that it's design can later be documented.
Data/information:
- Programming commands
Information processes:
- Collecting
The robotic arm will collect commands using button sensors.
It also collects the colour it has to store or collects if it sees a colour it is looking for depending on the task it has been given.
- Organising
The data that has been collected is organised so that the robot will be able to understand what it is collecting.
- Analysing
The robot realises the task it must complete.
- Displaying
The robot then completes the task
Information technology
- Lego mind-storm kit and expansion kit
- Lego mind-storm program
Project management plan:
The automated warehouse project will not only educate Engadine High School students about the design, uses and history of the automated warehouse but it will also enable them to use their own creativity and knowledge to create a robotic arm of their own. They can test this automated warehouse to asses their design through the task of stacking tyres. The project will last a total of 2 weeks including design, construction and testing. The automated warehouse will be created using the lego mind-storm kits. Both Owen and I will have an equal role in the creation and construction of all ideas and aspects of the automated warehouse.
Possible solutions:
Solution 1) Maneuverable robotic arm
Solution one involves a robotic arm that is programmed so that it can move side to side, an optical sensor will be positioned on the side of the robot to observe the colours of blocks that the robot passes. If the sensor finds the right one, then the arm will grab the block.
Solution 2) Scoop-style robot
Another design consideration is an automated warehouse that can drive around and scoop up the desired coloured block if it is seen by the optical sensor using giant, pincer-like claws this allows the robot to travel anywhere as it is not restricted to a straight line motion.
Solution 3) Drag robot
This design would move in a straight line like the robotic arm robot but instead of using a robotic arm to pick up the block when it is seen by the optical sensor it simply drags the block into itself. this design is extremely simple but may not be consistent.
Feasibility study:
Solution 1)
Technical:
For solution one we need:
- 3 large motors
- 1 optical sensor
- Lego mind-storm program
- Lego mind-storm CPU
Schedule:
This solution will be fairly fast as both the programming and design is not too complex as the system must only move from side to side. It will also be easy as we previously made robotic arms which will enable the robotic arm on the automated warehouse to not only be quickly and easily designed but also programmed. This method will fit into the time-frame of two weeks.
Economical:
All methods are of no cost to both Owen and I as the mind-storm kits are property of the school.
Organisational:
In this method the project will undergo agile development. This is where the prototype is developed in stages which are tested individually until all stages are achieved. This is a great method for this solution as each colour block can be programmed in different stages. Therefore there is much less chance of an error causing the entire sequence to fail, it will only fail for one block. This solution will be tested by assigning the automated system the task of storting and retrieving coloured boxes.
Solution 2)
Technical:
- 1 optical sensor
- 2 large motors
- 2 small motors
- 1 ultrasonic sensor
- Lego mind-storm program
- Lego mind-storm CPU
Schedule:
This method will be the most time consuming as it is the most complex. Because it must find it's own way to the box without a set path, the ultrasonic sensor must be used and also programmed. This presents a much larger amount of work than the other 2 solutions and it may not be completed in the 2 week time period.
Economical:
All methods are of no cost to both Owen and I as the mind-storm kits are property of the school.
Organisational:
In this method the project will undergo agile development. This is where the prototype is developed in stages which are tested individually until all stages are achieved. This is a great method for this solution as each colour block can be programmed in different stages. Therefore there is much less chance of an error causing the entire sequence to fail, it will only fail for one block. This solution will be tested by assigning the automated system the task of storting and retrieving coloured boxes.
Solution 3)
Technical:
For solution 3 we require:
- 1 small motor
- 1 large motor
- 1 optical sensor
- Lego mind-storm program
- Lego mind-storm CPU
Schedule:
Solution 3 is very basic and would easily be completed in the designated time period. This is because there is only 2 motors and an optical sensor that must be programmed. Having such a little amount of motors however presents the issue of inconsistency and unreliability.
Economic:
All methods are of no cost to both Owen and I as the mind-storm kits are property of the school.
Organisational:
In this method the project will undergo agile development. This is where the prototype is developed in stages which are tested individually until all stages are achieved. This is a great method for this solution as each colour block can be programmed in different stages. Therefore there is much less chance of an error causing the entire sequence to fail, it will only fail for one block. This solution will be tested by assigning the automated system the task of storting and retrieving coloured boxes.
Analysis report:
All three of these solutions all present creative ideas which would successfully work as automated warehouses. When making a decision on which is the best we must consider the small time-frame that has been allocated and which solutions are going to fit in this time-frame, we also have to consider effectiveness of design and consistency. All of the solutions posses these qualities, but some better than others.
Recommendation of solutions:
I would suggest solution 1 for our automated warehouse because it satisfies all areas in the above analysis report. It fits into the time-frame as a robotic arm has already been completed and the overall design is not too complex. It also is consistent and effective if programmed correctly.
Design specifications:
The automated warehouse would consist of the main CPU connected to 2 axle's, one which is turned by a large motor and another free-turning axle. 2 wheels are attached to these axle's. Also attached to the CPU are two more large motors which control both the arm and the claw. These motors are responsible for reaching down to the desired block. An optical sensor is also attached to the CPU, it faces towards where the claw will drop to. This design is very similar to certain crane design, automated warehousing systems used currently and this is an example of where this design would be successful.
Testing procedures:
To test the automated warehouse it must successfully store 4 blocks of different colours and then retrieve all 4 of these blocks. The robot cannot have any human interaction whatsoever once the program has started, this means it is fully automated. This test will be repeated a few times to ensure there is no errors of bugs in the programming.
Evaluation:
Our automated warehouse performed extremely well it successfully laid out and stored many different coloured boxes and completed the task both quickly and efficiently without any errors. A machine such as the automated warehouse we have created would be useful in large warehouses where items must be moved in a straight line over other objects. Overall the task was a success.