JP7486132B2 - WAREHOUSE OPERATION EXECUTION DEVICE, WAREHOUSE OPERATION EXECUTION METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR WAREHOUSE OPERATION EXECUTION - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a warehouse operation execution device, a warehouse operation execution method, and a computer program for executing warehouse operations.

Generally, in logistics warehouses (hereafter simply referred to as "warehouses"), workers perform various tasks (unloading, incoming inspection, storage, picking, sorting/inspection/packing, outgoing inspection, loading, etc.) at the timing and content of their own judgment, according to a rough work schedule that has been determined in advance. As a result, fluctuations in the volume of goods (incoming and outgoing volumes) often result in unnecessary waiting time and losses (waste) in the use of facilities and space.

Various technologies have been proposed to improve the efficiency and optimization of warehouse operations. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that generates work instruction data indicating the type of work, the target item, and a schedule, arranges the work instruction data in a queue in order of the earliest scheduled work completion time, and transmits the work instruction data from the top of the queue to the worker terminal when a work completion notification and a request for the next work instruction are received from the worker terminal.

JP 2019-048691 A

In a warehouse, in addition to the volume of goods transported, the positions, productivity and work aptitude of workers and autonomous mobile robots, as well as the utilization of space, including aisles within the warehouse, change from moment to moment. The conventional technology described above does not fully take such variable factors into account, so there is room for improvement in terms of the efficiency and optimization of warehouse operations.

This specification discloses a technology that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms:

(1) The warehouse operation execution device disclosed in this specification includes a variable information acquisition unit, a work instruction creation unit, and a work instruction issuance unit. The variable information acquisition unit acquires variable information including at least one of the following: working body information that identifies, in real time, at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working body, which is a worker and/or a warehouse robot engaged in warehouse operations; spatial information that identifies, in real time, the usage status of space including aisles in the warehouse; and luggage information that identifies, in real time, the movement status of luggage within the warehouse. The work instruction creation unit creates work instructions for the working body based on preset work instruction decision rules and the variable information. The work instruction issuance unit issues the work instructions to the working body.

In this warehouse operation execution device, the work instruction creation unit creates work instructions for the working entities based on the variable information. The variable information includes at least one of the following: working entity information that identifies in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of the working entity (worker and/or warehouse robot); spatial information that identifies in real time the spatial usage status, including the aisles in the warehouse; and cargo information that identifies in real time the movement status of cargo within the warehouse. Therefore, in this warehouse operation execution device, based on such variable information, it is possible to create and issue work instructions that contribute to the efficiency and optimization of operations throughout the warehouse. Therefore, according to this warehouse operation execution device, it is possible to realize the efficiency and optimization of operations throughout the warehouse.

(2) In the above warehouse operation execution device, the variable information may include the spatial information, and the work instructions may include a specification of a route to be used in the work. According to this warehouse operation execution device, it is possible to create and issue work instructions including a specification of a route to be used in the work based on the variable information, thereby achieving further efficiency and optimization of work throughout the warehouse.

(3) The above warehouse operation execution device may further include a rule verification and update unit that verifies and updates the work instruction decision rules using digital twin information that identifies a digital twin environment that virtually reproduces the environment of the warehouse. This warehouse operation execution device enables simulations that are considered difficult to verify in the real world from the perspective of cost, such as rearrangement of inventory data, changes in the layout of the warehouse, and increases and decreases in the number of workers and machinery equipment, and the effects can be quantitatively confirmed in advance. In addition, by reflecting only rules that are recognized to be superior in the work instruction decision rules, it is possible to reliably obtain improvement effects from the initial stage in actual operation. In addition, although the perspectives of efficiency and optimization of the entire warehouse (minimizing the waiting time of workers, minimizing losses in the use of equipment and space, minimizing business costs, maximizing business speed, maximizing the rate of improvement in productivity of workers, etc.) may differ from warehouse to warehouse, this warehouse operation execution device can perform simulations in the virtual warehouse itself rather than simulations in a similar virtual environment (an environment in which a similar warehouse is virtualized), and therefore it is possible to verify and update the work instruction decision rules in accordance with the perspectives of efficiency and optimization. Furthermore, even within the same warehouse, the perspectives on efficiency and optimization may differ depending on the time period (for example, at a site that employs many part-time/casual workers, personnel are assigned on the premise of improving productivity rather than prioritizing work speed during the training period), and it becomes possible to verify and update the work instruction decision rules in accordance with the perspectives adopted at each time period.

(4) The above warehouse operation execution device may further include a performance information acquisition unit that acquires performance information indicating the operation performance in the warehouse, and the rule verification and update unit may be configured to verify and update the work instruction decision rule using the performance information. According to this warehouse operation execution device, the work instruction decision rule can be verified and updated based on the operation performance in the warehouse, thereby achieving further efficiency and optimization of operations throughout the warehouse.

(5) In the above warehouse operation execution device, the rule verification and update unit may be configured to autonomously verify and update the work instruction decision rules using machine learning by AI. This warehouse operation execution device can reduce the amount of human labor required for maintenance operations, such as verifying and updating the work instruction decision rules to realize efficient and optimized operations throughout the warehouse, and can reduce maintenance and operation costs.

(6) The warehouse operation execution device may further include a sensing device linking unit that executes linking processing with a sensing device for detecting the variation information. This warehouse operation execution device makes it easy to link variation information with sensing devices that differ for each warehouse, and shortens the time required to use newly acquired variation information from a sensing device to optimize operation instructions.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as a warehouse operation execution device, a warehouse operation execution system including a warehouse operation execution device and other devices (terminal devices and warehouse robots), a warehouse operation execution method, a computer program for implementing these methods, and a non-transitory recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a warehouse operation execution system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server device 100. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of a work instruction issuing process according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a work instruction issuing process and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of work instruction decision rule management processing according to the present embodiment;

A. Embodiments:
A-1. Configuration of warehouse operation execution system 10:
1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a warehouse operation execution system 10 according to the present embodiment. The warehouse operation execution system 10 is a system that is introduced into a warehouse WH to realize efficiency and optimization of operations throughout the warehouse WH.

Note that the perspectives for improving efficiency and optimizing operations throughout a warehouse WH may differ from warehouse WH to warehouse WH, and may also differ depending on the time of year even within the same warehouse WH. For example, perspectives for improving efficiency and optimizing operations throughout a warehouse WH include minimizing worker waiting time, minimizing losses in equipment and space utilization, minimizing operation costs, maximizing operation speed, and maximizing the rate at which worker productivity improves.

The warehouse WH is a logistics warehouse. In the warehouse WH, multiple shelves RA capable of storing luggage PA are arranged across an aisle PW. The warehouse WH also has a temporary storage space SS for luggage PA and a sorting and inspection space CS. The sorting and inspection space CS has multiple booths B (B1, B2, etc.).

In the warehouse WH, multiple workers WO perform various tasks such as unloading, incoming inspection, storage, picking, sorting, inspection, and packaging, outgoing inspection, and loading. In the warehouse WH, multiple warehouse robots RO perform various tasks. For example, transport robots such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), RGVs (Rail Guided Vehicles), and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) transport cargo PA by moving along the aisles PW while loading or pulling the cargo PA. In addition, picking robots, cleaning robots, and patrol robots (not shown) perform picking, cleaning, and patrol tasks, respectively. In addition, the warehouse WH is equipped with material handling equipment such as carts CA and conveyors CO.

As shown in FIG. 1, the warehouse operation execution system 10 includes a sensing device 12, a communication device 14, a worker terminal 210, a manager terminal 220, and a server device 100. Each device constituting the warehouse operation execution system 10 is connected to each other via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The sensing device 12 is composed of, for example, a camera, a sensor, a gate, a handheld terminal, etc., and detects the state (position, movement speed, shape, temperature, etc.) of each object in the warehouse WH. For example, the sensing device 12 detects the positions of each worker WO and warehouse robot RO, and the usage status of the space including the aisles PW in the warehouse WH (the presence or absence of objects or people in the space).

The communication device 14 is, for example, a wireless LAN access point, and relays wireless communications between the devices.

The worker terminal 210 is a handheld computer held and used by the worker WO. Using the worker terminal 210, the worker WO can, for example, read codes attached to luggage PA and exchange various information (receive work instructions, send work completion reports, etc.). The worker terminal 210 may also have a function to detect its own position in the warehouse WH (i.e., the position of the worker WO holding the worker terminal 210) and a function to detect the condition of the worker WO (e.g., fatigue level) by measuring, for example, the worker WO's heart rate, body temperature, movement speed, etc.

The manager terminal 220 is a computer used by the manager of the warehouse WH. Using the manager terminal 220, the manager can grasp the work status and space usage status in the warehouse WH, and set various information (such as the static information SI described below).

The server device 100 is a device for providing various functions in the warehouse operation execution system 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 100 includes a control unit 110, a memory unit 120, a display unit 130, an operation input unit 140, and an interface unit 150. These units are connected to each other via a bus 190 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The server device 100 is an example of a warehouse operation execution device within the scope of the claims.

The display unit 130 of the server device 100 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various images and information. The operation input unit 140 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, microphone, and the like, and accepts user operations and instructions. The display unit 130 may be equipped with a touch panel so as to function as the operation input unit 140. The interface unit 150 is, for example, a LAN interface, USB interface, and the like, and communicates with other devices via wired or wireless connection.

The storage unit 120 of the server device 100 is composed of, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc., and is used to store various programs and data, and as a work area and temporary storage area for data when various programs are executed. For example, the storage unit 120 stores a warehouse operation execution program CP, which is a computer program for executing the work instruction issuance process and the work instruction decision rule management process described below. The warehouse operation execution program CP is provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium (not shown) such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or USB memory, or is provided in a state that can be obtained from an external device (a server or other terminal device on a network) via the interface unit 150, and is stored in the storage unit 120 in a state that can be operated on the server device 100.

In addition, various types of information are stored in the memory unit 120 of the server device 100 in advance or during the work instruction issuance process and work instruction decision rule management process described below. The various types of information include static information SI, variable information VI, work instruction decision rules RU, digital twin information TI, and performance information RI.

The static information SI is information indicating indicators that do not change from moment to moment in the warehouse WH and are set fixedly, such as the arrangement of shelves RA and aisles PW, and the positions of temporary storage spaces SS and sorting/inspection spaces CS. The variable information VI is information indicating indicators that change from moment to moment in the warehouse WH, such as the volume of goods delivered (amount of goods received and amount of goods shipped), the number of workers WO and warehouse robots RO (collectively referred to as "work bodies" below) engaged in the work, and the status of luggage PA being held up. In this embodiment, the variable information VI includes work body information that identifies at least one of the positions, productivity, and work suitability of the work bodies (workers WO and warehouse robots RO) in real time, space information that identifies the usage status of the space including the aisles PW in the warehouse WH in real time, and luggage information that identifies the movement status of luggage PA in the warehouse WH in real time (for example, the elapsed time until luggage PA reaches its destination).

The work instruction decision rule RU is a rule for deciding the work instructions to be issued to each work body WO, RO. In this embodiment, the work instruction decision rule RU is defined so that the work instructions are decided by referring to the variable information VI in addition to the static information SI.

Digital twin information TI is information that identifies a digital twin environment that virtually reproduces the environment of the warehouse WH. Furthermore, performance information RI is information that indicates the business performance of the warehouse WH.

The control unit 110 of the server device 100 is configured, for example, by a CPU, and controls the operation of the server device 100 by executing a computer program read from the storage unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 reads the warehouse operation execution program CP from the storage unit 120 and executes it to function as a work instruction issuing unit 111 that executes a work instruction issuing process described later, a rule verification and update unit 116 that executes a work instruction decision rule management process described later, and a sensing device cooperation unit 118. The work instruction issuing unit 111 includes, as functional modules, a variable information acquisition unit 112, a work instruction creation unit 113, and a performance information recording unit 114. The rule verification and update unit 116 also includes, as a functional module, a performance information acquisition unit 117. The functions of these units will be described in conjunction with the description of the work instruction issuing process and the work instruction decision rule management process described later.

A-2. Work instruction issuing process:
Next, a work instruction issuing process executed in the warehouse operation execution system 10 of this embodiment will be described. The work instruction issuing process is a process for determining and issuing work instructions to each worker WO, RO engaged in the work of the warehouse WH. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the work instruction issuing process of this embodiment. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the work instruction issuing process of this embodiment.

First, the variable information acquisition unit 112 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 acquires the variable information VI via the interface unit 150 (S110). The acquired variable information VI is stored in the memory unit 120. As described above, the variable information VI is information indicating indicators that change from moment to moment in the warehouse WH, and includes, for example, the volume of logistics, the number of workers (workers WO and warehouse robots RO) engaged in the work, the status of luggage PA being held up, etc. This information is acquired, for example, based on the detection results by the sensing device 12.

In addition, in this embodiment, the variable information VI includes working body information that identifies at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of the working body (worker WO and warehouse robot RO) in real time, spatial information that identifies the usage status of the space including the aisle PW in the warehouse WH in real time, and luggage information that identifies the movement status of the luggage PA in the warehouse WH in real time. The position of the working body is acquired, for example, based on the position detection result by the sensing device 12 or the position detection result by the worker terminal 210. In addition, the productivity of the working body is acquired, for example, based on the movement speed detection result by the sensing device 12 or the movement speed detection result by the worker terminal 210, the actual number of processing cases and the required time, based on preset information (the age, height, weight, sex, and past performance of the worker WO, the maximum processing capacity and movement speed of the warehouse robot RO, etc.). In addition, the work suitability of the worker is obtained, for example, based on the above-mentioned preset information as a criterion, based on the temperature detection results by the sensing device 12, the heart rate and/or body temperature detection results by the worker terminal 210, and the average value of past work productivity. The usage status of the space including the aisles PW in the warehouse WH and the movement status of the luggage PA within the warehouse WH are obtained, for example, based on the presence/absence detection results by the sensing device 12.

The sensing device linking unit 118 (FIG. 2) of the server apparatus 100 executes a linking process with the sensing device 12 to detect variable information VI. This linking process is a process for importing information detected by the sensing device 12 into the server apparatus 100 as variable information VI using a standard definition of a pre-set common linking method and linking specifications, and is executed when the sensing device 12 is installed in the warehouse WH. With this linking process, when an additional sensing device 12 is installed in the warehouse WH, the information detected by the additional sensing device 12 can be imported into the server apparatus 100 as variable information VI.

Next, the work instruction creation unit 113 (Figure 2) of the server device 100 creates work instructions for the work bodies WO, RO based on the work instruction decision rule RU (S130). As described above, the work instruction decision rule RU is a predetermined rule for deciding the work instructions to be issued to each work body WO, RO. The work instruction creation unit 113 refers to the static information SI and the variable information VI when creating work instructions. As described above, the static information SI is information that indicates indicators that are set fixedly and do not change from moment to moment in the warehouse WH, and the variable information VI is information that indicates indicators that change from moment to moment in the warehouse WH.

For example, during receiving operations, the work instruction creation unit 113 refers to the fluctuation information VI to grasp the overall waiting status of the warehouse WH, the usage rate of the temporary storage space SS, product attributes, planned storage locations, work priority for the product, etc., and based on this, creates work instructions that specify the temporary storage space SS (relay area) to be used while waiting for the subsequent receiving operations (inspection and storage of the products).

For example, during shipping operations, the work instruction creation unit 113 refers to the change information VI to grasp the relationship (floor, distance, walking path, etc.) between the picking area and the subsequent processing location (sorting/inspection space CS), product attributes, the utilization rate of the temporary storage space SS (relay area), etc., and creates work instructions that specify the temporary storage space SS to which the workers WO and RO performing the picking should be transported.

For example, during shipping operations, the work instruction creation unit 113 refers to the fluctuation information VI to grasp the sorting/inspection space CS as an individual area combined with the attributes (productivity, gender, etc.) of the workers WO, RO working there, and grasps the product attributes and number remaining in the temporary storage space SS (relay area) for picking, and creates a work instruction specifying movement to booth B where the appropriate workers WO, RO are located. For example, for heavy products or long items, a work instruction is created to guide them to booth B where the physically strong workers WO, RO are located, and for small products that require delicate handling, a work instruction is created to guide them to booths where the workers WO, RO are located who are good at careful work. Note that these work instructions may also include the specification of the route to be used in the work. Here, the route used in the work includes at least one of the following: an aisle as a work flow line, a temporary storage space through which the luggage PA passes, and a location where the luggage PA is handed over between multiple work bodies (handover between workers WO and WO, handover between workers WO and warehouse robot RO, and handover between warehouse robot RO and warehouse robot RO).

Next, the work instruction issuing unit 111 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 issues work instructions to the work bodies WO and RO (S140). More specifically, for the worker WO, the work instruction issuing unit 111 transmits the work instruction to the worker terminal 210. As a result, the worker WO holding the worker terminal 210 receives the work instruction and performs the work in accordance with the work instruction. Upon completing the instructed work, the worker WO operates the worker terminal 210 to report the completion of the work. Also, for the warehouse robot RO, the work instruction issuing unit 111 transmits the work instruction to the warehouse robot RO. As a result, the warehouse robot RO receives the work instruction and performs the work in accordance with the work instruction. Upon completing the instructed work, the warehouse robot RO reports the completion of the work.

Next, the performance information recording unit 114 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 creates and records performance information RI indicating the business performance in the warehouse WH (S150). The performance information RI includes a record of the overall business performance in the warehouse WH, including, for example, a record of the work performed by each worker WO, RO, a record of the amount of logistics, a record of the number of workers WO, RO engaged in the work, and a record of the status of the luggage PA being held up. The performance information RI is stored in the memory unit 120.

The above-described process is repeated until the work instruction issuance process ends (S160: YES). As shown in FIG. 4, the worker WO can not only receive work instructions automatically issued from the server device 100, but can also request work instructions himself by operating the worker terminal 210. In other words, the warehouse operation execution system 10 of this embodiment is a mixed push-pull system that can issue pull-type work instructions in addition to issuing push-type work instructions.

A-3. Work instruction decision rule management process:
Next, a work instruction determination rule management process executed in the warehouse operation execution system 10 of this embodiment will be described. The work instruction determination rule management process is a process for verifying and updating the work instruction determination rule RU. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the work instruction determination rule management process of this embodiment. The work instruction determination rule management process will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

First, the performance information acquisition unit 117 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 acquires performance information RI (S210). As described above, the performance information RI is information indicating the business performance in the warehouse WH. Note that the performance information RI is not limited to information indicating the actual business performance in the warehouse WH, and may also include information indicating the virtual business performance in the warehouse WH.

Next, the rule verification and update unit 116 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 uses the performance information RI and the digital twin information TI to verify the work instruction decision rule RU (S220). As described above, the digital twin information TI is information that identifies the digital twin environment DT that virtually reproduces the environment of the warehouse WH. The rule verification and update unit 116 evaluates the business performance identified by the performance information RI in the digital twin environment DT identified by the digital twin information TI, and verifies the work instruction decision rule RU based on the evaluation results.

The rule verification and update unit 116 of the server device 100 determines whether or not the work instruction decision rule RU should be updated based on the verification result of the work instruction decision rule RU (S230). If it is determined that the work instruction decision rule RU should be updated (S230: YES), the rule verification and update unit 116 updates the work instruction decision rule RU of the digital twin environment DT by extracting and reflecting the contents to be updated (S240). Furthermore, the rule verification and update unit 116 updates the work instruction decision rule RU of the real world in accordance with the update of the work instruction decision rule RU of the digital twin environment DT (S242). On the other hand, if it is determined that the work instruction decision rule RU should not be updated (S230: NO), the processes of S240 and S242 are skipped. Note that in this embodiment, the rule verification and update unit 116 autonomously performs the verification and update of the work instruction decision rule RU (S220 to S242) using machine learning by AI (e.g., reinforcement learning).

The above process is repeated until the work instruction decision rule management process ends (S250: YES).

A-4. Advantages of this embodiment:
As described above, the server device 100 of the present embodiment includes a variable information acquisition unit 112, a work instruction creation unit 113, and a work instruction issuing unit 111. The variable information acquisition unit 112 acquires variable information VI including at least one of the following: working body information for identifying in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working body (worker WO and/or warehouse robot RO) engaged in the work of the warehouse WH; space information for identifying in real time the usage status of the space including the aisle PW in the warehouse WH; and baggage information for identifying in real time the movement status of the baggage PA in the warehouse WH. The work instruction creation unit 113 creates work instructions for the working bodies WO and RO based on the preset work instruction decision rule RU and the variable information VI. The work instruction issuing unit 111 issues work instructions to the working bodies WO and RO.

In this way, in the server device 100 of this embodiment, the work instruction creation unit 113 creates work instructions for the working bodies WO, RO based on the variable information VI. The variable information VI is information including at least one of the following: working body information that identifies in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of the working body (worker WO and/or warehouse robot RO); space information that identifies in real time the usage status of the space including the aisle PW in the warehouse WH; and luggage information that identifies in real time the movement status of the luggage PA in the warehouse WH. Therefore, in the server device 100 of this embodiment, based on such variable information VI, it is possible to create and issue work instructions that contribute to the efficiency and optimization of operations in the entire warehouse WH. Therefore, according to the server device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to realize the efficiency and optimization of operations in the entire warehouse WH.

For example, as described above, in the server device 100 of this embodiment, during receiving operations, the server device 100 can refer to the fluctuation information VI to grasp the overall waiting status in the warehouse WH, the usage rate of the temporary storage space SS, product attributes, planned storage locations, work priority for the product, etc., and based on this, create and issue work instructions that specify the temporary storage space SS (relay area) to be used while waiting for the subsequent receiving operations (inspection and storage of the product). This can reduce wasteful work such as repeatedly changing the waiting location due to a domino effect, and can also shorten the time required to search for products that should be received as a priority and shorten the traffic route to the final storage location.

Also, as described above, for example, in the server device 100 of this embodiment, during shipping operations, the server device 100 can refer to the variable information VI to grasp the relationship (floor, distance, walking path, etc.) between the picking area and the subsequent processing location (sorting/inspection space CS), product attributes, utilization rate of temporary storage space SS (relay area), etc., and create and issue work instructions that specify the temporary storage space SS to which the workers WO and RO performing the picking should transport the goods. This makes it possible to shorten the movement time of the workers WO and RO performing the picking, and by grasping the utilization status of machinery and equipment such as conveyors CO, elevators, and sorting machines and preventing goods from being held up, it is possible to shorten peak times and reduce idle times.

Also, as described above, for example, in the server device 100 of this embodiment, during shipping operations, the server device 100 can refer to the variable information VI to grasp the sorting/inspection space CS as an individual area combined with the attributes (productivity, gender, etc.) of the workers WO, RO working there, grasp the product attributes and number remaining in the temporary storage space SS (relay area) for picking, and create and issue a work instruction specifying movement to the booth B where the appropriate workers WO, RO are located. This makes it possible to achieve work leveling in each booth B of the sorting/inspection space CS, and reduce inefficient work with low productivity caused by a mismatch with the attributes of the workers WO, RO.

In addition, for example, the server device 100 of this embodiment can contribute to maintaining regular inventory quality by automatically creating and issuing work instructions to workers WO, RO who are working in front of a location for receiving and shipping operations to check the inventory quantity at nearby locations. It can also reduce the risk of delays in shipping operations, such as when damage to the outer box or a defective product is noticed for the first time during shipping, resulting in an urgent search and securing of alternative inventory, and reduce the burden of regularly conducted inventory.

In addition, in the server device 100 of this embodiment, the variable information VI includes spatial information that identifies the usage status of the space, including the aisles PW, in the warehouse WH in real time, and the work instructions include a specification of the route to be used in the work. Therefore, according to the server device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to create and issue work instructions that include a specification of the route to be used in the work based on the variable information VI, thereby achieving further efficiency and optimization of operations throughout the warehouse WH.

The server device 100 of this embodiment further includes a rule verification and update unit 116. The rule verification and update unit 116 performs verification and updating of the work instruction decision rule RU using the digital twin information TI that specifies the digital twin environment DT that virtually reproduces the environment of the warehouse WH. Therefore, according to the server device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to perform simulations that are considered difficult to verify in the real world from the perspective of cost, such as rearrangement of inventory data, layout changes in the warehouse WH, and increases and decreases in the number of workers WO and machinery equipment, and the effects can be quantitatively confirmed in advance. In addition, by reflecting only rules that are recognized as being superior in the work instruction decision rule RU, it is possible to reliably obtain improvement effects from the initial stage in actual operation. In addition, the viewpoints of efficiency and optimization of the entire warehouse WH (minimizing waiting time of workers, minimizing losses in equipment and space utilization, minimizing business costs, maximizing business speed, maximizing the rate of productivity improvement of workers, etc.) may differ for each warehouse WH, but the server device 100 of this embodiment can perform a simulation in the virtual warehouse itself rather than a simulation in a similar virtual environment (an environment in which a similar warehouse is virtualized), so it is possible to verify and update the work instruction decision rule RU in accordance with the viewpoints of efficiency and optimization. In addition, the viewpoints of efficiency and optimization may differ depending on the time period even in the same warehouse WH (for example, in a site that employs many part-time/casual workers, during the training period, personnel are assigned on the premise of improving productivity rather than prioritizing business speed), but it is possible to verify and update the work instruction decision rule RU in accordance with the viewpoints adopted at each time period.

The server device 100 of this embodiment further includes a performance information acquisition unit 117 that acquires performance information RI that indicates the business performance in the warehouse WH, and the rule verification and update unit 116 uses the performance information RI to verify and update the work instruction decision rule RU. Therefore, according to the server device 100 of this embodiment, the work instruction decision rule RU can be verified and updated based on the business performance in the warehouse WH, and further efficiency and optimization of business operations throughout the warehouse WH can be achieved.

In addition, in the server device 100 of this embodiment, the rule verification and update unit 116 uses machine learning by AI to autonomously verify and update the work instruction decision rules RU. Therefore, according to the server device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of human labor required for maintenance operations such as verifying and updating the work instruction decision rules RU to realize the efficiency and optimization of operations throughout the warehouse WH, thereby reducing maintenance and operation costs.

The server device 100 of this embodiment further includes a sensing device linking unit 118 that executes linking processing with the sensing device 12 to detect the variable information VI. Therefore, the server device 100 of this embodiment makes it easy to link the variable information VI with the sensing device 12 that differs for each warehouse WH, and shortens the time required to link the variable information VI newly acquired from the sensing device 12 to the optimization of work instructions.

B. Variations:
The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

The configuration of the warehouse operation execution system 10 and each device included in the warehouse operation execution system 10 in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, at least some of the multiple functional blocks included in the control unit 110 of the server device 100 may be omitted.

The contents of the work instruction issuance process and the work instruction decision rule management process in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, at least some of the multiple steps constituting the work instruction issuance process and the work instruction decision rule management process may be omitted.

In the above embodiment, some of the configurations realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, some of the configurations realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

10: Warehouse operation execution system 12: Sensing device 14: Communication device 100: Server device 110: Control unit 111: Work instruction issuing unit 112: Variable information acquisition unit 113: Work instruction creation unit 114: Performance information recording unit 116: Rule verification and update unit 117: Performance information acquisition unit 118: Sensing device cooperation unit 120: Memory unit 130: Display unit 140: Operation input unit 150: Interface unit 190: Bus 210: Worker terminal 220: Administrator terminal CA: Cart CO: Conveyor CS: Sorting and inspection space PA: Baggage PW: Aisle RA: Shelf RI: Performance information RO: Warehouse robot RU: Work instruction decision rule SI: Static information SS: Temporary storage space TI: Digital twin information VI: Variable information WH: Warehouse WO: Worker

Claims (6)

A warehouse operation execution device,
a variable information acquisition unit that acquires variable information including at least one of: working body information that identifies in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working body that is a worker and/or a warehouse robot engaged in warehouse operations; spatial information that identifies in real time the usage status of a space including an aisle in the warehouse; and luggage information that identifies in real time the movement status of luggage within the warehouse;
a work instruction creation unit that creates a work instruction for the work object based on a preset work instruction decision rule and the variation information;
A work instruction issuing unit that issues the work instruction to the work object;
Equipped with
The variation information includes the spatial information,
The warehouse operation execution device further includes:
A rule verification and update unit that performs verification and update of the work instruction decision rule using digital twin information that identifies a digital twin environment that virtually reproduces the environment of the warehouse;
A performance information acquisition unit that acquires performance information indicating business performance in the warehouse;
Equipped with
The rule verification/update unit evaluates the business performance identified by the performance information in the digital twin environment identified by the digital twin information, verifies the work instruction decision rule based on the evaluation result, determines whether or not the work instruction decision rule should be updated based on the verification result of the work instruction decision rule, and if it is determined that the work instruction decision rule should be updated, updates the work instruction decision rule by extracting and reflecting the content to be updated. This is a warehouse operation execution device. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 1,
The variation information includes the spatial information,
The work instructions include a specification of a route to be used in the work. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The rule verification/update unit is a warehouse operation execution device that autonomously performs verification and updating of the work instruction decision rules using machine learning by AI. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
A warehouse operation execution apparatus comprising a sensing device cooperation unit that executes cooperation processing with a sensing device for detecting the variation information. A method for executing warehouse operations, comprising:
A process in which a computer acquires variation information including at least one of: working body information that specifies in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working body, which is a worker and/or a warehouse robot engaged in warehouse operations; spatial information that specifies in real time the usage status of a space including an aisle in the warehouse; and luggage information that specifies in real time the movement status of luggage in the warehouse;
A step of creating a work instruction for the work object by a computer based on a preset work instruction decision rule and the variable information;
A step of a computer issuing the work instruction to the work body;
Equipped with
The variation information includes the spatial information,
The warehouse operation execution method further comprises:
A rule verification and update process in which a computer verifies and updates the work instruction decision rule using digital twin information that identifies a digital twin environment that virtually reproduces the warehouse environment;
a performance information acquisition step in which a computer acquires performance information indicating business performance in the warehouse;
Equipped with
The rule verification/update process is a process of evaluating the business performance identified by the performance information in the digital twin environment identified by the digital twin information, verifying the work instruction decision rule based on the evaluation result, determining whether or not the work instruction decision rule should be updated based on the verification result of the work instruction decision rule, and if it is determined that the work instruction decision rule should be updated, updating the work instruction decision rule by extracting and reflecting the content to be updated, in the warehouse operation execution method. A computer program for executing warehouse operations,
On the computer,
A process of acquiring change information including at least one of: working body information that specifies in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working body, which is a worker and/or a warehouse robot engaged in warehouse operations; spatial information that specifies in real time the usage status of a space including an aisle in the warehouse; and baggage information that specifies in real time the movement status of baggage within the warehouse;
A process of creating a work instruction for the work object based on a preset work instruction decision rule and the variation information;
A process of issuing the work instruction to the work body;
Run the command,
The variation information includes the spatial information,
The computer program further causes the computer to
A rule verification and update process that performs verification and update of the work instruction decision rule using digital twin information that identifies a digital twin environment that virtually reproduces the environment of the warehouse;
A performance information acquisition process for acquiring performance information indicating business performance in the warehouse;
Run the command,
The rule verification/update processing is a computer program that evaluates business performance identified by the performance information in the digital twin environment identified by the digital twin information, verifies the work instruction decision rules based on the evaluation results, determines whether or not the work instruction decision rules should be updated based on the verification results of the work instruction decision rules, and if it is determined that the work instruction decision rules should be updated, updates the work instruction decision rules by extracting and reflecting the content to be updated.

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