Abstract: An automated grid based storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure and a plurality of storage containers. The framework structure includes upright members and a grid of horizontal rails provided at upper ends of the upright members. The framework structure defines a storage volume including a plurality of columns arranged in a grid pattern below the horizontal rails between the upright members. The plurality of storage containers are stacked vertically in stacks in the columns to provide a plurality of storage columns. An under-stack void extends beneath the stacks of storage containers. A plurality of inlets lead to the under-stack void between the stacks of storage containers. At least one column, which is empty of storage containers and arranged amongst the storage columns, provides a ventilation column. The ventilation column includes a fan.

Abstract: A remotely operated delivery vehicle transports a storage container between a location directly below an automated storage and retrieval grid configured to store a plurality of stacks of storage containers, and a second location for handling of the storage container by at least one of a robotic operator and a human operator. The remotely operated delivery vehicle may include a rolling devices configured to move the remotely operated delivery vehicle in a horizontal plane along tracks of a delivery rail system. Additionally, rolling device motors are provided for driving the rolling devices. A power source provides propulsion power to the rolling device motors. A container carrier receives the storage container from above and onto or at least partly into the container carrier so that contents of the storage container are accessible by the at least one of the robotic operator and the human operator.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns, and a container handling vehicle. The container handling vehicle includes a transport mechanism for transport of the vehicle, and a lifting assembly for picking up storage containers from the storage columns. The lifting assembly includes: a lifting frame connectable to a storage container, a first lifting shaft and a second lifting shaft, the first and second lifting shafts being mainly parallel, and each of the first and second lifting shafts being supported in an upper portion of the vehicle, two lifting elements extending from each of the first and second lifting shafts to the lifting frame, and a motor drive assembly having at least one motor including a first motor, and a force transferring assembly rotatably connecting the first and second lifting shafts via a force transferring element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated storage system, comprising a three-dimensional storage structure and plurality of remotely controlled robot vehicles. The three-dimensional storage structures comprises a plurality of pillars which are positioned with internal distances and in a rectangular arrangement, wherein the rectangular arrangement of the pillars define storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, supporting rails arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the pillars, said supporting rails arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the supporting rails defining openings for the storage columns.

Abstract: An automated grid based storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure including upright members and a grid of horizontal rails provided at upper ends of the upright members. The framework structure defines at least one storage volume below the horizontal rails. The at least one storage volume is open against the horizontal rails such that storage container vehicles may lower and raise storage containers into and out of the storage volume. The at least one storage volume includes a plurality of storage columns arranged adjacent one another, a plurality of walls surrounding the at least one storage volume; a void extending beneath the storage columns; and a cooler system adapted to draw air from the void, cool the air, and release the cooled air into an air release area arranged below the horizontal rails. The cooler system is arranged within an cooler enclosure arranged inside the plurality of walls and adjacent the plurality of storage columns.

Abstract: A system for storing and transporting storage containers includes an automated storage and retrieval grid including vertical members defining multiple storage columns for storing storage containers on top of each other in vertical stacks. The vertical members are interconnected at their upper ends by a container handling vehicle rail system arranged to guide at least one container handling vehicle being configured to raise storage containers from, and lower storage containers into, the storage columns, and to transport the storage containers above the storage columns.

Abstract: A remotely-operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for changing vehicle direction includes a body displaying a cavity, a lifting device connected to the body for lifting the bin into the cavity, a displacement arrangement including a displacement motor which provides power to displace one or both of first and second sets of vehicle wheels between a displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are displaced away from the underlying system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are in contact with the underlying system during use, and driving wheels coupled to the displacement arrangement. The driving wheels further includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels connected to the body allowing movement of the vehicle along first and second directions, respectively, within the system. The first and second directions are perpendicular.

Abstract: A storage system for storing product items includes a grid structure and a number of first storage bins configured to be stored in vertical stacks in the grid structure. Each first storage bin is configured to contain at least one product item. A vehicle is arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the grid structure, and further arranged to pick up, carry, and place the first storage bins at desired locations within the grid structure. The storage system further includes a robot device that includes a movable arm with a picking mechanism in one end thereof. The robot device is configured to move a storage item between a first location and a second location by means of its picking mechanism. The first location is the location of a first storage bin stored in the storage grid.

Abstract: An operating method of a communication node in a wireless communication network, wherein the node communicates with a central communication unit via at least one access point, has been disclosed. The operating method comprises: receiving, at the node, a wireless signal from the access point; determining, by the node, channel quality information based on the received wireless signal; determining, by the node, an order of active channels ranked according to the determined channel quality; and selecting, by the node, an active channel for transmitting wireless signals in accordance with the determined order, and transmitting, by the node, wireless signals on the selected, active channel. A communication node which implements the method, and a communication system and a storage system with includes the communication node, have also been disclosed.

Abstract: In a wireless communication network, a node communicates with a central communication unit via at least one access point. An operating method of the communication node includes receiving, at the node, a wireless signal from the access point; determining, by the node, channel quality information based on the received wireless signal; and determining, by the node, an order of active channels ranked according to the determined channel quality. The operating method further includes selecting, by the node, an active channel for transmitting wireless signals in accordance with the determined order; and transmitting, by the node, wireless signals on the selected, active channel. The access point is configured to filter a message. When operating the access point in a beacon transmit mode, the access point transmits wireless beacon data to the node. In a listening mode, the access point relays data received from the node to the central communication unit.

Abstract: A system for condition-based monitoring of an automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing storage containers for storing items. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns. The framework structure includes a rail system arranged above the storage columns. The rail system includes a plurality of rails extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction to form a grid. The rails define a perimeter of each access opening on top of each storage column. The rail system provides available routes in the X-direction or the Y-direction for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. At least one container handling vehicle has two or more sensors, directed to monitor a section of the rails adjacent of the container handling vehicle.

Abstract: A storage container for storing product items in an automated storage and retrieval system includes a base; two first parallel side walls; two second parallel side walls perpendicular to the two first parallel side walls; a top opening; and two side openings, to allow one or more items to be unloaded from the storage container or loaded into the storage container through one of the side openings at an unloading station or at a loading station. The storage container is provided with a restraint which is arranged to restrain movement of the one or more items from exiting through one of the side openings during transportation of the storage container to the unloading or loading station.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a rail system including a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction. The first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each adjacent grid cell includes a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks; and a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the rail system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of storage container handling vehicles. Each vehicle includes a vehicle body, a thereto connected wheel assembly configured to guide the vehicle along the track system, a container picking device for releasably attaching to a storage container, which include one or more arms. The configuration of the container picking device is such that it is movable between a first lifting position enabling the container picking device to lift at least one storage container from a position outside the horizontal extent of the vehicle body and a second transport position enabling the container picking device to hold the at least one storage container at least partly inside the horizontal extent of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a three-dimensional grid and a plurality of container handling vehicles. The three-dimensional grid includes multiple storage columns, in which containers may be stored on top of one another in vertical stacks. Each container handling vehicle includes a container lifting device having a lifting frame for releasably connecting to a container. Each container handling vehicle is operated on rails at a top level of the grid for retrieving containers from, and storing containers in, the storage columns, and for transporting the containers horizontally across the grid. The automated storage system includes multiple floor elements. Each floor element arrangeable at a top end of a storage column on top of a vertical stack of containers, such that an operator may stand on top of the storage column. Each of the floor elements includes rail-connecting elements at a horizontal periphery thereof.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a rail system with a first set of parallel rails extending in a first direction and a second set of parallel rails extending in second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The system includes a plurality of container handling vehicles on the rail system operable to handle storage containers. Each container handling vehicle includes a positioning node and a local controller adapted to control movements of the container handling vehicle. The system includes a positioning system comprising at least three reference positioning nodes spaced in fixed positions on and/or proximate the rail system. The positioning system is adapted to determine a position on the rail system for each of the container handling vehicles based on signal measurements between the positioning node of each container handling vehicle and the at least three reference positioning nodes.

Abstract: A container handling vehicle with a cantilever solution operates on an automated storage and retrieval system. The automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing storage containers for storing items. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns. A rail system is arranged on the framework structure, rails of the rail system extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction to define a grid and to define a perimeter of each access opening on top of each storage column. The rail system provides available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. Each rail has a first track and a parallel second track allowing two container handling vehicles to pass each other using the same rail.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system including a first set of tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The first set of tracks and the second set of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell includes an opening defined by the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks such that the track system includes a plurality of openings. A plurality of storage containers are arranged in columns beneath the track system such that the storage containers are located vertically below the openings. A plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving the storage containers are configured to move on the track system and access the storage containers via the openings.

Abstract: A storage system for storing product items includes a grid structure and a number of first storage bins configured to be stored in vertical stacks in the grid structure. Each first storage bin is configured to contain at least one product item. A vehicle is arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the grid structure, and further arranged to pick up, carry, and place the first storage bins at desired locations within the grid structure. The storage system further includes a robot device that includes a movable arm with a picking mechanism in one end thereof. The robot device is configured to move a storage item between a first location and a second location by means of its picking mechanism. The first location is the location of a first storage bin stored in the storage grid.