Abstract: A displaying apparatus includes a virtual environment screen displaying a state of a robot identified, and a parameter setting screen numerically displaying the position and orientation data. When a changing a part of the position and orientation data are performed through the operating input unit, the part of the position and orientation data is changed according to the content of the operation and input. Position and orientation is calculated to identify the position or orientation of each part of the robot, based on the changed part of the position and orientation data, and new position and orientation data is calculated based on the position and orientation calculation. The content of virtual display on the virtual environment screen or numeric value display on the parameter setting screen of the displaying apparatus is updated, based on the changed part of position and orientation data, and the new position and orientation data.

Abstract: An electronic dispensing machine receives a request from a server to dispense a controlled device. The request includes a selection identifier corresponding to the controlled device and a user identifier corresponding to a user account. The machine activates a dispensing mechanism ejecting a particular controlled device from a storage position in the machine, and obtains a device identifier corresponding to the controlled device. Prior to releasing the controlled device to the user, the machine links the device identifier with the user identifier, and transmits the user identifier and the linked device identifier to the server, thereby causing the controlled device to be restricted for use such that subsequent to the transmitting of the user identifier and the linked device identifier to the server, the controlled device can only be used when in proximity to the electronic mobile device associated with the user identifier.

Abstract: A battery transmission system may comprise: a material incoming structure to receive batteries; a first transfer structure to transfer the batteries to a first pallet so as to convey the batteries on a first transmission line, wherein the first transmission line has an unloading position for which at least one second transmission line is provided correspondingly; and a second transfer structure to transfer batteries at the unloading position to a first starting position of the second transmission line so as to transmits, when the number of batteries at the first starting position reaches N, the N batteries to a first termination position of the second transmission line, wherein N?1.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for controlling the operation of an industrial machine (e.g., a drill) based on a determined attribute of a pipe. A sensor is configured to generate an output signal related to a characteristic of the pipe. The characteristic of the pipe can be the presence or absence of a pipe, a weight of the pipe, etc. A controller receives the output signal from the sensor and determines an attribute of the pipe based on the output signal from the sensor. In some embodiments, the attribute of the pipe is a wall thickness of the pipe. In some embodiments, the controller determines the wall thickness of the pipe based on a difference between an initial weight for the pipe and a current or present weight of the pipe. In some embodiments, the controller determines the wall thickness of the pipe based on a difference between an initial diameter of the pipe and a current or present diameter of the pipe.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, systems for recommending items and item placements within a facility. For instance, the system may receive transaction data and inventory data associated with at least the facility. The system may then use the transaction data and the inventory data to determine utility scores for items at the facility. Additionally, the system may receive data representing dimensions of the items and/or data representing dimensions of available space associated with the facility. The system may then use the utility scores, the dimensions of the items, and/or the dimensions of the available space to determine the amounts of space to provide to the items at the facility. Furthermore, the system can generate data representing an assortment of the items, where the assortment indicates at least the amounts of space, and provide the data to one or more computing devices.

Abstract: An order fulfillment and delivery system for autonomously fulfilling orders while en route to a delivery location. The system includes a delivery vehicle having a storage area, a robotic system at least partially disposed within the storage area and one or more processors. The one or more processors being configured to receive an order of one or more inventory items, generate container retrieval instructions for the robotic system to perform based on the received order and transmit to the robotic system the container retrieval instructions to perform. The robot system includes a container retrieval device movable in at least two dimensions to engage and move a container, based upon the container retrieval instructions, from a first location within the delivery vehicle to a second location within the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a robotic system includes determining a discretized object model based on source sensor data; comparing the discretized object model to a packing plan or to master data; determining a discretized platform model based on destination sensor data; determining height measures based on the destination sensor data; comparing the discretized platform model and/or the height measures to an expected platform model and/or expected height measures; and determining one or more errors by (i) determining at least one source matching error by identifying one or more disparities between (a) the discretized object model and (b) the packing plan or the master data or (ii) determining at least one destination matching error by identifying one or more disparities between (a) the discretized platform model or the height measures and (b) the expected platform model or the expected height measures, respectively.

Abstract: A material handling system having object handling and transportation devices and method of receiving objects into a warehouse having a material handling system includes scanning a machine readable code of an incoming load forming at least a portion of an order and comparing the machine readable code with an order file listing objects on the incoming load. For each object on the load, object data including a 3D image and product code of the object removed from the incoming load is received with an image capture station and reconciled with the order file. Each object is identified by comparing the 3D image of the object captured with the image capture station with the 3D images in the database. The material handling system is controlled as a function of the identity of the objects being handled and transported by the material handling system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for transferring a motor vehicle to an automatic parking system which is designed to transfer the motor vehicle to a free parking space of the parking system without a driver. The parking system transmits a release code (C) to the motor vehicle, said release code being output in the motor vehicle so as to be perceivable to a motor vehicle user. After leaving the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle user transmits the release code to the parking system in order to grant a drive release. As soon as the drive release is granted, the motor vehicle is transferred to the free parking space of the parking system without the driver. The disclosure additionally relates to an automatic parking system and to a motor vehicle for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for multimodal asynchronous transportation. In one embodiment, an example system may include a portable conveyor assembly configured to receive one or more items, the portable conveyor assembly including a conveyor belt, a drive motor, and a magnet. The portable conveyor assembly may be configured to couple to an item sortation system to receive sorted items, and to couple to a vehicle for transportation of the portable conveyor assembly from the item sortation system to a different system of a fulfillment center.

Abstract: A control device (10) of an article transfer facility (100) determines the size of a first dead space surrounded by a set article (Wd) and a target article (Wc) located at a first candidate position (P1). If the size of the first dead space is smaller than a first threshold (TH1), the control device (10) sets the first candidate position (P1) as the arrangement position of the target article (Wc). If the size of the first dead space is greater than or equal to the first threshold (TH1), the control device (10) determines the size of a second dead space surrounded by the set article (Wd) and the target article (Wc) located at a second candidate position (P2). If the size of the second dead space is smaller than a second threshold (TH2), the control device (10) sets the second candidate position (P2) as the arrangement position of the target article (Wc).

Abstract: A conveyance system includes a traveling area and a suspension traveling vehicle. The traveling area includes a grid area and a linear area. In the grid area, since first tracks are disposed side by side and second tracks are disposed side by side so that the first tracks and the second tracks intersect, the grid area includes unit blocks of the same shape or substantially the same shape surrounded by the first tracks and the second tracks. Both the first tracks and the second tracks surrounding the unit blocks are provided with an interstice that allows a supporting body to pass, and the interstice is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of each track. A traveling direction is the same or substantially the same as the first direction or the second direction in the linear area, and the interstice perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction is not provided in the linear area.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include product picking systems and methods to pick products. In one embodiment, the system includes a work order module configured to receive a work order to obtain at least one product, obtain a virtual stack of the at least one product based on the work order, the virtual stack being a 3D representation of the at least one product, and determine a set of business rules for selecting each product of the at least one product. The system also includes a vision module configured to identify a first product of the at least one product. The system further includes a processor configured to determine whether the first product satisfies business rules for selecting the first product is satisfied, and configured to operate a robotic arm to select the first product and to arrange the first product to form a physical stack corresponding to the virtual stack.

Abstract: A computer system monitors food preparation. Images of food preparation by a user are captured via one or more image capture devices disposed within an area containing food preparation items. A food preparation process being performed by the user is determined. Image processing is performed on the captured images to monitor the food preparation process and detect an event. The user is notified of the detected event, and provided information pertaining to the event. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and program product for monitoring food preparation in substantially the same manner described above.

Abstract: A carriage for handling a vehicle in an automatic parking system includes a frame axially movable along a first longitudinal axis, rotating clamps, each including a pair of counter-rotating arms rotating with respect to a vertical axis orthogonal to both the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The carriage includes a transverse-centering unit with transverse pushers, transversely extensible, moving along an axis parallel to the transverse axis and independent of the rotating clamps. In a first retracted position they do not interact with the vehicle wheels. When extended, they come into contact with at least one vehicle wheel. The extensible transverse pushers are on left and right sides of the carriage, and simultaneously move in a symmetrical extension, being operated by a respective motor positioned laterally of the longitudinal axis of the carriage. The extensible transverse pushers include a pantograph for longitudinally aligning the vehicle along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A media processing apparatus includes a first unit including a first receiving portion that receives media, a first processing portion that performs first processing on the media received from the first receiving portion, and a sending portion that sends out media received from the first receiving portion without passing through the first processing portion; and a first tray that is provided outside the first unit and that receives media discharged from the first unit after the first processing has been performed thereon, in which the first unit is configured such that the second unit is detachably attached below the first tray, the second unit including a second receiving portion configured to receive the media sent from the sending portion and a second processing portion that performs second processing on the media received from the second receiving portion.

Abstract: System and method is provided for scheduling of a set of non-preemptive tasks by partitioning, the set of non-preemptive tasks either as a set of schedulable tasks or as a set of non-schedulable tasks; sorting, by a scheduling technique, the set of non-preemptive tasks partitioned; determining, by the scheduling technique, a possibility of execution of each of the set of schedulable tasks; and scheduling the set of schedulable tasks and the set of non-schedulable tasks upon determining the possibility of execution of each of the set of schedulable tasks.

Abstract: A conveying device for a linear transport system, wherein the conveying device comprises at least one rolling unit and a carrier unit, wherein the carrier unit is of U-shaped configuration and has an outer side and an inner side, wherein the inner side bounds a receiving space for receiving a running rail of the linear transport system, wherein the rolling unit is arranged in the receiving space in a manner spaced apart from the inner side, wherein the inner side and/or the outer side are/is substantially free from undercuts and/or corners and/or bumps, and/or wherein the inner side and/or the outer side are/is of substantially smooth configuration.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of ride vehicle modules, where each of the plurality of ride vehicle modules includes an interlock system configured to perform linking operations to join to other ride vehicle modules to form a cluster and delinking operations to separate from the other ride vehicle modules throughout a ride, control circuitry configured to control the interlock system and movement of the respective ride vehicle module independently or as a part of the cluster, and communication circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate with the other ride vehicle modules internal and/or external to the cluster. The cluster may change sizes throughout the ride by performing linking and delinking operations as desired. A method for changing the size of clusters of ride vehicle modules throughout a ride is also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging arrangement for capturing one or more views of a horizontal shelf of an autonomous retail store includes an image sensor positioned at a back portion of the horizontal shelf, a top mirror mounted at a top portion of the horizontal shelf, to enable the image sensor to capture a top view of one or more products on the horizontal shelf, a front mirror mounted at a front top portion of the horizontal shelf, and a back mirror mounted at a back top portion of the horizontal shelf, wherein the back mirror is inclined at a pre-defined angle with respect to the front mirror, and wherein the front and back mirrors enable the image sensor to capture a front view of the one or more products on the horizontal shelf.

Abstract: An automated palletizer includes an automated package pick device capable of moving packages from a package deposit section to a pallet to form a pallet load from packages, a controller that is operably connected to the automated pick device, the controller having a pallet load generator configured to determine a pallet load structure of mixed packages, the pallet load generator being programmed so that it determines the load structure from mixed package layers overlaid over each other at least one of the mixed package layers being formed of stacks of mixed packages, top and bottom surfaces of the stacks corresponding to the at least one mixed package layer respectively forming top and bottom surfaces of the at least one mixed package layer that are substantially flat. The controller generates commands for the pick device to build the pallet load from the load structure determined by the pallet load generator.

Abstract: A bed apparatus including, at least, two drivers or a first driver and a second driver, the first driver being in linkage with the second driver, comprises: a calculating means for calculating a calculated bed state value, based on the first driver and the second driver; an error detecting means for detecting error between the calculated bed state value and a designated bed state value designated by the user; and, an error correcting means for correcting the detected error when an error is detected by the error detecting means. As a result, it is possible to provide a bed apparatus that can coincide the designated state of the bed apparatus with the actual state of the bed apparatus by appropriately correcting the error between the drivers.

Abstract: A method for operating a robotic system includes determining package groupings for placing available packages on a platform; generating a two-dimensional (2D) placement plan based on discretized models representative of the available packages and the platform; generating a three-dimensional (3D) stacking plan based on the 2D placement plan; and implementing the 3D stacking plan for placing the available packages on the platform.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and devices for storing and transporting articles with a multi-shelf storage unit. A system for article handling includes a multi-shelf storage unit and a robotic unit. The multi-shelf storage unit includes a plurality of shelves disposed on a frame, the plurality of shelves including at least one vertically moveable shelf configured to move in first and second vertical directions relative to the frame, and a lift mechanism configured to automatically drive, in response to receiving a drive input, the at least one vertically moveable shelf in the first or second vertical direction. The robotic unit includes an end effector disposed on a robotic manipulator for engaging an article and a lift mechanism actuator that is connectable to the lift mechanism and configured to provide the drive input to actuate the lift mechanism.

Abstract: A method for verification of travel and a purchase to prevent fraudulent redemption of a promotional offer for conditional transportation cost validation includes: using a customer's mobile computing device to transmit geolocation data to a validation network provider while present at the merchant's physical location; updating a token on the validation network provider's server using the geolocation data from the customer's mobile device, thereby confirming the customer's presence at the merchant's physical location; confirming the purchase by correlating transaction data from a linked payment method with the geolocation data from the customer's mobile device to update the token on the validation network provider's server; and automatically issuing a credit to the customer when the data points of the token fulfill the conditions of the promotional offer; wherein the promotional offer is to reimburse the customer for travel expenses the customer incurs for traveling to or from the merchant's physical location.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes delivery and/or retrieval of inventory holders to different transfer locations using an automated ground vehicle. In accordance with the described implementations, rather than the vehicle waiting at the transfer location for the agents to arrive and retrieve the items from the inventory holder, the autonomous ground vehicle, working in conjunction with an autonomous transition unit that accompanies the vehicle, transfer the inventory holder containing the items to the transfer location and departs without waiting for the agents to retrieve the items from the inventory holder and continues on to another transfer location at which it will deliver another inventory holder and/or retrieve an inventory holder. Once all the items have been retrieved from an inventory holder delivered to a transfer location, the autonomous ground vehicle may update its route to navigate back to the transfer location and retrieve the inventory holder.

Abstract: A method for operating a server, including: establishing a communication connection between the server and a vehicle located in the parking facility via a communication network, the communication network being formed by a communication infrastructure of the parking facility, checking via the communication connection whether a software stored in the processing device of the vehicle must be updated, transmitting, as a function of the check, update data for updating the software to the vehicle via the communication connection using the server so that it is possible to update the software based on the update data while the vehicle is located in the parking facility. Also described is a server, a parking system for vehicles and a computer program.

Abstract: A system and method for performing automatic camera calibration is presented. The system communicates with a first camera and a second camera, wherein a transparent platform is disposed between the two cameras. When a 3D calibration pattern is disposed on the platform, the system receives a first set of calibration images from the first camera, and a second set of calibration images from the second camera. The system determines, based on the first set of calibration images, a first set of coordinates for corners of the polyhedron. The system further determines, based on the second set of calibration images, a second set of coordinates for the corners. The system determines, based on the coordinates, a spatial relationship between the first camera and the second camera. The system further uses a description of the spatial relationship to generate a 3D model of an object other than the 3D calibration pattern.

Abstract: Techniques for inducing non-uniform cooling are described. According to an embodiment, a system is provided. The system can comprise at least one processor device that executes components stored in a memory, wherein the components comprise: a flow control device that distributes coolant to a location of the at least one processor device; and a sensor controller component that detects a location of a thermal anomaly of the at least one processor device. The components can also comprise a cooling controller component that adjusts the flow control device to direct the coolant to the location of the thermal anomaly.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include methods and apparatus for picking products. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a machine-readable medium containing business rules for arranging at least one product of a physical stack having physical dimensions into a virtual stack, the virtual stack being a 3D representation of the at least one product, and also containing business rules for selecting the at least one product. The apparatus also includes a vision module including a sensor configured to identify indications of a condition of each product. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to perform an inspection of each product based on the condition of the product and the set of business rules for selecting the product. The apparatus further includes a robotic arm for selecting each product of that has passed the inspection and for arranging the product to form a physical stack based on the virtual stack.

Abstract: A system and method for performing automatic camera calibration is presented. The system communicates with a first camera and a second camera, wherein a transparent platform is disposed between the two cameras. When a 3D calibration pattern is disposed on the platform, the system receives a first set of calibration images from the first camera, and a second set of calibration images from the second camera. The system determines, based on the first set of calibration images, a first set of coordinates for corners of the polyhedron. The system further determines, based on the second set of calibration images, a second set of coordinates for the corners. The system determines, based on the coordinates, a spatial relationship between the first camera and the second camera. The system further uses a description of the spatial relationship to generate a 3D model of an object other than the 3D calibration pattern.

Abstract: A method for monitoring automatic parking of a vehicle, at least one video image of an execution of the automatic parking of the vehicle being captured and transmitted to a mobile terminal device. A corresponding apparatus, a corresponding system and a parking system, are also provided.

Abstract: An automated palletizer includes an automated package pick device capable of moving packages from a package deposit section to a pallet to form a pallet load from packages, a controller that is operably connected to the automated pick device, the controller having a pallet load generator configured to determine a pallet load structure of mixed packages, the pallet load generator being programmed so that it determines the load structure from mixed package layers overlaid over each other at least one of the mixed package layers being formed of stacks of mixed packages, top and bottom surfaces of the stacks corresponding to the at least one mixed package layer respectively forming top and bottom surfaces of the at least one mixed package layer that are substantially flat. The controller generates commands for the pick device to build the pallet load from the load structure determined by the pallet load generator.

Abstract: A palletizing system capable of conserving space in an area for buffer conveyors. The palletizing system includes a supply conveyor for conveying a first type of article and a second type of article, a type detection sensor for detecting the type of the article, a first buffer conveyor for conveying the first type of article, a second buffer conveyor for conveying the second type of article, which is disposed above the first buffer conveyor, a sorting robot which places the first type of article on the first buffer conveyor and which places the second type of article on the second buffer conveyor, and a loading robot which removes articles from the first buffer conveyor and the second buffer conveyor, to load the articles on a pallet.

Abstract: A stowage pattern calculation device calculates positions of articles irregularly conveyed. The plurality of articles have a box shape and include articles having dimensions different from each other. The stowage pattern calculation device includes a combination calculation part which calculates a combination of the articles constituting a layer formed in a storage area and selects a layer of the articles based on types of the articles, a height of the layer, and an area of the layer. The stowage pattern calculation device includes a position determination part which calculates a first probability of completion of the layer and determines positions at which the articles are stacked based on a positional relationship between a robot and the storage area and the first probability.

Abstract: Examples described may enable rearrangement of pallets of items in a warehouse to an optimal layout. An example method includes receiving real-time item information including pallet locations in a warehouse and real-time inventory of items arranged on the pallets; determining a likelihood of demand for future access to the pallets based on a pallet relocation history and item receiving/shipment expectations; based on the real-time item information and the likelihood of demand, determining an optimal controlled-access dense grid layout in which distances of the pallets from a center of the layout are related to the likelihood of demand; receiving real-time robotics information and using the real-time robotics information to determine an amount of time to rearrange the pallets to the optimal layout; and, based on the amount of time to rearrange the pallets being less than a threshold, causing the robotic devices to rearrange the pallets to the optimal layout.

Abstract: The method involves a pipe bundle arrangement, each bundle having a length, a width and a depth and being a shape bundle having a rectangular or a round bundle having a hexagonal cross-section. Each bundle has a type, each type having predetermined ranges of length and width, the bundle being assigned to that type in respect of which the length and width falls within the predetermined ranges. In the arrangement: no stack exceeds a predetermined height; no round bundle has stacked thereupon a shape bundle nor a round bundle of another type; the predetermined length range of each bundle in a stack is common; the predetermined width range of each shape bundle in a stack is common; and in no stack is a round bundle stacked upon a shape bundle wherein the predetermined width range of the round bundle is greater than the predetermined width range of the shape bundle.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a slicing engine that generates two or more slices of a virtual 3D model given a slice plane. The slicing engine then determines connection points on each of the slices that indicate how the 3D model is to be reconnected by the user when the 3D model is fabricated. The slicing engine also determines an optimized layout for the various slices of the 3D model on fabrication material for minimal use of the material. The user is then able to “print” the layout on the fabrication material via 3D printers, and connect the various printed slices according to the connection points to build a physical representation of the 3D model.

Abstract: A lifting vehicle comprising: a frame carrying a front axle and a rear axle; carrying a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, respectively; a lifting boom articulated in a rear section of the frame; and a stability control system configured to control the conditions of operational stability of the vehicle, wherein said stability control system comprises: a first and a second load sensor configured to provide information about the loads acting on the front right wheel and on the front left wheel and an electronic control unit programmed for: calculating a transverse dimension of the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle according to the values provided by said first load sensor and said second load sensor.

Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array with storage distributed along multiple aisles. Each aisle of which has a set of storage levels and each level has storage locations distributed along the aisle. The guideway network extending through the multilevel storage array and configured for autonomous vehicles to move along the guideway network within the multilevel storage array. The guideway network including an inter-aisle guideway spanning at least two of the multiple aisles and a set of guideway levels extending in an aisle of the multiple aisles and disposed so that each guideway level is at a different one of the storage levels and the vehicles on the guideway level can access the storage locations distributed along the aisle.

Abstract: Methods of and devices and systems for obtaining and using images of items as the items appear in an inventory area (e.g., storage bin) are disclosed. Images of inventory areas are captured before and after stow or pick operations. A difference between the before and after images is determined and extracted as an image of the item that was stowed or picked. The process may be repeated for numerous units of the item and one or more definitive item images are selected. The definitive item image may be displayed to pickers directly to facilitate picking, or may be used to determine the position of a unit of the item in a particular inventory area such that the position of the item to be picked may be indicated to the picker. Definitive item images may also be used for inventory validation, enforcement of pick and stow etiquette.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system including a storage structure having storage shelves, each storage shelf having slats for supporting stored items where the slats are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, an autonomous transport vehicle including at least one sensor configured to sense each of the slats and output a signal indicating when a slat is sensed, and a controller for verifying a location of the autonomous transport vehicle within the storage structure based on at least the output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining workpieces has a frame having a vertical front wall and defining a work station, an intake station, and an output station. Conveyors move the workpieces into the intake station and out of the output station. At least one tool is provided in the work station. A vertical guide on the front wall carries a vertical slide movable vertically by a drive. A horizontal guide on the vertical slide extends along the working, intake, and output stations and carries a horizontal slide movable by another drive means along the horizontal guide. A workpiece holder/grab rotatable about a vertical axis on the horizontal slide is shiftable between respective positions alignable with the working, intake, and output stations on movement of the horizontal slide along the horizontal guide.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes associating a pre-existing dataset to one or more physical entities via association with an encoded token; monitoring interactions between the entity and the token; providing data from the dataset to the entity based on that monitoring; and updating the dataset with new or modified data from the entity by referencing the encoded token. In another embodiment, a method includes transmitting a vehicle retrieval request to a service provider including a delivery location; generating a listing event based on transmission of retrieval request; and transmitting a dataset back to retrieval requester.

Abstract: A system for locating goods stored in a storage area includes a computer, radio frequency transceivers and modular hangers. Ordered goods are placed in storage units that each have addresses at a central filling center. The filled storage units are shipped to local storage areas where they are coupled to hook units to form modular hangers and stored on rails. The identifications of the goods and the electronic addresses for corresponding hangers are stored on a local computer database. When a user wants to pick up goods stored in the containers, the user inputs the identification or order information for the goods and the computer will cause the radio frequency transmitter to emit a data packet that includes a search address and illumination data. The hangers compare the search address to the electronic address. If there is a match, the hanger is illuminated so the ordered goods can be found.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for consolidating multiple pickings of an item to fulfill multiple shipments into a single picking of the multiple items. A determination is first made whether a metric representing a plurality of shipments exceeds a threshold, wherein individual ones of the plurality of shipments are mapped to corresponding ones of a plurality of item locations in a fulfillment center. The plurality of shipments are then remapped to an individual one of the plurality of item locations in response to a determination that the metric exceeds the threshold. Finally, a picking of the items is initiated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for stacking receptacles in materials handling facilities. An automated receptacle stacker may be integrated into a materials handling system to receive empty receptacles from upstream stations via an input conveyance mechanism, add the receptacles to a stack in a stack hopper, detect when the stack is complete, and output the stack onto an output conveyance mechanism. The output conveyance mechanism may convey the stack to a palletization station, and the stacker may begin another stack. This process may continue to build and output stacks of empty receptacles. In some implementations the receptacles may be stackable only when oriented correctly; in these implementations, orientation of the receptacles may be detected prior to stacking and incorrectly oriented receptacles may be either rotated to the correct orientation or diverted to a second receptacle stacker.

Abstract: A container unloading system that is adapted to automatically unload containers from carts while the containers and carts reside in an unloading station. The containers may be off-loaded onto a conveyor. The system includes a frame that is movable along the path of ingress/egress of the carts, and a vertically and horizontally movable lifting device that is supported on the frame and adapted to engage and lift the containers. A number of sensors may be present to gather information about the carts and/or containers and to send corresponding signals to a controller that is programmed to automatically operate the system.

Abstract: A system includes a first mobile drive unit and a second mobile drive unit. The first mobile drive unit is operable to dock with a first item holder at a first end of a column of connected item holders. The second mobile drive unit is operable to dock with a second item holder at a second end of the column of connected item holders. The system also includes a management module that is operable to instruct the first mobile drive unit and the second mobile drive units to transport the column of connected item holders from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for receiving articles from a first location, such as a product delivery system, transporting the articles to a second location for unloading the articles such that they are placed in a desired orientation and number of columns, rows, and stacks.