Innovative Material Handling Robot with Mecanum Wheel-Based Mobility System

Abstract

The present invention discloses an innovative material handling robot equipped with a Mecanum wheel-based mobility system. The robot enables omnidirectional movement, facilitating precise and efficient transportation of materials in industrial environments. The Mecanum wheels provide full maneuverability, while the integrated control system ensures effective navigation, obstacle avoidance, and load handling. The invention offers significant advantages in material handling applications, particularly in confined or dynamic industrial spaces.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to the field of robotics, particularly to an innovative material handling robot equipped with a Mecanum wheel-based mobility system. This invention provides omnidirectional movement for enhanced efficiency in handling, transporting, and navigating materials in industrial and warehouse environments.
3. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Material handling is a critical function in industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, where efficient movement of goods is essential to optimize productivity. Traditional wheeled robots often face limitations due to restricted directional movement, making navigation in tight spaces and complex layouts challenging.
Mecanum wheels, known for their omnidirectional capabilities, can offer a versatile solution to this problem. By using rollers mounted at an angle on the circumference of the wheels, they enable robots to move in any direction without the need for steering or turning the vehicle.

However, while Mecanum wheels have been incorporated in robotic platforms before, existing solutions often lack the precision, adaptability, and load-handling capacity necessary for modern industrial needs. There is a need for an innovative approach to integrate these wheels into material handling robots that can offer improved maneuverability, payload capacity, and operational efficiency. ________________________________________
4. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:
1. To provide a material handling robot with omnidirectional movement capabilities using Mecanum wheels, allowing for precise navigation in any direction without the need for reorientation of the robot's body.
2. To enhance the maneuverability of material handling systems in complex and confined industrial environments such as warehouses, production floors, and logistics centers, where traditional movement methods are limited.
3. To develop a versatile robot capable of handling materials of various sizes and weights, through a customizable load-handling platform, making it adaptable for different industrial applications.
4. To integrate an efficient control system equipped with sensors such as ultrasonic, infrared, and LiDAR, ensuring seamless autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, and collision avoidance for enhanced operational safety and efficiency.
5. To optimize material handling processes by reducing human intervention, thereby improving productivity, reducing manual labour, and minimizing errors during material transport and placement.
6. To provide a robot with a modular and compact design that can be easily implemented in existing industrial setups, with minimal space requirements and enhanced operational flexibility.
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5. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention provides a novel material handling robot with a Mecanum wheel-based mobility system designed for omnidirectional movement in industrial environments. This robot is capable of transporting materials with high precision, even in confined spaces, owing to its innovative mobility solution.
The key features of the invention include:
1. Mecanum Wheel Mobility System: The robot is equipped with four Mecanum wheels, enabling smooth omnidirectional movement.
2. Load Handling Capability: The robot can be customized to handle varying loads, making it versatile for different material handling applications.
3. Automated Control System: The robot includes a robust control system for efficient navigation, obstacle detection, and path optimization.
4. Compact and Modular Design: The robot's compact and modular construction ensures it can operate in complex environments such as warehouses, production lines, and distribution centers.
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6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The Innovative Material Handling Robot consists of the following components:

1. Chassis:
The robot's chassis is designed to house all the key components, including motors, sensors, control units, and the Mecanum wheels. The chassis is built from durable, lightweight material to ensure structural integrity and ease of movement while carrying varying loads.
2. Mecanum Wheels:
Each of the four wheels on the robot is a Mecanum wheel equipped with rollers positioned at 45-degree angles. The rollers allow the robot to move forward, backward, sideways, and diagonally, as well as rotate in place. This provides exceptional maneuverability, making it ideal for material handling tasks in confined or complex environments.
3. Drive System:
Each Mecanum wheel is powered by an independent electric motor connected to a central control unit. The motors are configured to operate in sync, allowing the robot to execute smooth and precise movements in any direction. The drive system includes sensors that monitor wheel speed and position, ensuring precise control.
4. Load Handling Mechanism:
The robot is equipped with a platform designed to carry loads of various sizes and weights. The platform can be customized to include features such as extendable arms or gripping mechanisms for handling specific types of materials. The load-handling system is integrated with the mobility system, ensuring stable transport of materials even during complex maneuvers.
5. Control System:
The robot is equipped with an advanced control system that enables it to navigate autonomously or via manual control. The system includes a combination of sensors, including ultrasonic, infrared, and LiDAR, to detect obstacles, avoid collisions, and navigate efficiently in dynamic environments. The control system also allows for remote monitoring and control through wireless communication.
6. Power Supply:
The robot is powered by a rechargeable battery pack that provides sufficient energy for extended operational periods. The battery system is designed to be easily replaceable, ensuring minimal downtime during operation. , Claims:I/We Claim
An innovative material handling robot comprising:
1. A chassis supporting the robot's structural components;
2. Four Mecanum wheels for omnidirectional movement;
3. A drive system comprising independent motors for each Mecanum wheel;
4. A load handling platform capable of supporting various materials;
5. A control system with navigation and obstacle avoidance features. The robot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Mecanum wheels enable the robot to move forward, backward, sideways, diagonally, and rotate in place.
The robot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load-handling platform is customizable to include gripping arms or other extensions for handling specific materials. The robot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control system includes ultrasonic, infrared, and LiDAR sensors for navigation, obstacle detection, and collision avoidance. The robot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robot operates in an autonomous or manually controlled mode through a wireless communication interface.

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