Abstract: An inventory handling system and a method for managing thereof, comprising multiple shelving units with shelves on which containers are placed. The system comprises a movable picking station configured to travel among the shelving units, and transfer items between containers. The movable picking station is configured to collect from the multiple shelving units into an order container at least a portion of a plurality of items listed in an order to be fulfilled. The movable picking station is configured to place the pickable items in the order container in an optimal arrangement while minimizing the distance the containers are moved and potential damage to the items.

Abstract: A vending-tote adapted to be moved by a lift-robot across a shelving-unit to rendezvous with a second tote carried by a second robot, the vending-tote comprising: a container designed to contain a plurality of items; and a dispensing mechanism integrated within the container, wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured to be activated by the lift-robot, the second robot, or both for dispensing at least one item of the plurality of items into the second tote.

Abstract: A storage setup and method for robotic delivery and retrieval of crates from shelving blocks are disclosed. At least one shelving block in the setup comprises non-uniformly spaced apart storage surfaces. The storage surfaces are accessible to lift-robots. A computerized control system is configured to differentiate between storage locations based on which crate sizes from at least two different ranges of crate sizes a storage location can store. The storage may be automatically optimized by routing robots to store crates in storage locations sized in correlation with the size of the crate to be stored.

Abstract: A direction switching module for lift robots using a pair of pinions coupled to a rack for propelling vertically and horizontally according to the track's orientation, is disclosed. In a linear motion mode both pinions rotate in the same velocity. In a direction switching mode, when changing from vertical to horizontal motion mode and vise versa, the module is capable of propelling one pinion on a vertical track and its counterpart on a horizontal track, simultaneously, each pinion in a different velocity. A bogie propelled by two pairs of said module is also disclosed, and a controller configured to drive both pinions in same velocity during linear motion and each pinion in a separate appropriate velocity during the direction switching mode. A method for turning a pinion-driven lift-robot in an intersection of rails and a controller for controlling the linear motion modes and the direction switching modes of the lift robot are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system and product for using multiple packing stations in delivery of goods. A packing scheme is determined for an order based on an optimality criteria, the scheme comprising a division of a set of items between packing stations, whereby defining one or more subsets of the set of items. The packing scheme further comprising an ordering of the one or more subsets and packing stations paired therewith, by which ordering the paired packing stations are to be utilized for packing the set of items and transporting thereof to the destination, wherein in each packing station, a respective portion of the set of items is to be packed and transported therefrom. Responsive to the optimality criteria being met, instructions for executing the order are issued, whereby the set of items are packed and transported according to the packing scheme.

Abstract: A robotic picking apparatus, system and method of use thereof. A system comprising: a plurality of robotic picking apparatuses configured to pick an item from a container and place the item in a different place, wherein each robotic picking apparatus is configured to operate in one of at least three operational modes: an autonomous mode, a human-assisted mode, and a remote-controlled mode, wherein in the autonomous mode, the robotic picking apparatus operates without human input, wherein in the human-assisted mode, an operation plan is determined using human input and the operation plan is executed automatically without additional input from a human, wherein in the remote-controlled mode, movements of the robotic picking apparatus are controlled directly by a remote human user. Human users located at one or more remote sites provide the human input.

Abstract: A storage facility having lift robots and ground robots cooperating in transferring of totes within the facility, is disclosed. The transferring of totes between ground robots and lift robots in the facility through buffer locations, allows the totes to be carried on top of the lift robots, which are thereby secured against unintentional dropping of the tote. The efficiency of the storage facility may be further improved in that the buffer locations, and in various embodiments also short height storage locations, which are accessible directly to ground robots, are utilized for storing totes that are ranked as associated with high prevalence to be transferred by ground robots, without the involvement of lift robots.

Abstract: A storage setup and method for robotic delivery and retrieval of crates from shelving blocks are disclosed. At least one shelving block in the setup comprises non-uniformly spaced apart storage surfaces. The storage surfaces are accessible to lift-robots through a network of tracks comprising intersecting vertically and horizontally oriented tracks. A computerized control system is configured to differentiate between storage locations based on which crate sizes from at least two different ranges of crate sizes a storage location can store. The storage may be automatically optimized by routing robots to store crates in storage locations sized in correlation with the size of the crate to be stored.

Abstract: An inventory handling system includes multiple shelving units for mounting over a horizontal floor. Each shelving unit contains a vertical array of shelves on which containers are placed. One or more floor robots travel among the shelving units along first paths on the floor. One or more lift robots move independently of the floor robots along second paths in a vertical plane over vertical faces of the shelving units, and transfer the containers between the shelves and the floor robots.