Design and analysis of an autonomous warehouse robot system with 6-DOF manipulator

Abstract

With the increasing need for efficiency and accuracy in warehouse operations, the functions and market demands of automated warehouse robots are constantly increasing. This study presents the design, simulation, and implementation of a warehouse robot, showcasing effective automation solution. Leveraging the Robot Operating System (ROS) and Gazebo, a robot with a six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm for diverse manipulation tasks and a differential drive base for broad-spectrum navigation was designed. The simulation environment in Gazebo faithfully replicates real-world warehouse conditions, enabling comprehensive path planning and real-time modifications, powered by move_base. A camera sensor serves as the robot's safety system, designed to detect moving obstacles and initiate appropriate responses, contributing to the enhancement of warehouse safety standards. Simulation results demonstrate the robot's effectiveness in performing pick-and-place tasks while successfully navigating through the environment, indicating the significant potential for real-world warehouse automation applications. Therefore, this work provides a foundation reference for future research aimed at optimizing and expanding the capabilities of autonomous warehouse robots.