Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of at least one transporting device arranged to transport containers in stacks arranged in a facility, the facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above the stacks, the at least one transporting device being configured to operate on the grid-like structure, the system. A receiving unit is configured to receive information about a product to be returned to a container in a stack, wherein the product is located at a workstation; and a control unit is configured to select a container located in the stacks into which the product is to be placed and instruct a transporting device to move the selected container to a location of the workstation.

Abstract: A grocery ordering system is disclosed in which a customer can place an order for delivery in a single click or touch. The system can be configured to run on a device with limited screen size such as a watch or a small-screened handheld device. As the screen size of the device may be limited the order can be placed and the delivery time and day allocated in as few screens or menus as possible. A customer can place an order in a single step, as the customer's previous orders and delivery slots are used to allocate an order and delivery time based on a preferred list of goods to order and a likely acceptable delivery slot. The delivery slot is calculated to allow sufficient time for the customer to amend their order on a device with a larger screen size or improved processing power.

Abstract: A system and method suitable for storing multiple product lines in an automated warehouse environment are disclosed. The storage system includes a frame containing a plurality of stacks of containers, a first handling device capable of lifting a plurality of containers from a stack in a single operation, and a second independently moveable handling device capable of lifting a single container and moving the container laterally. The first and second handling devices can work together to remove a target container quickly and with minimum use of resources.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically handling vest-type bags in the context of an automated packing process for packing items such as groceries are described. The apparatus includes at least two fingers that extend parallel to one another, and are arranged to move apart to increase the spacing between the fingers along a bag-opening direction. The fingers are inserted between the strips of the handle, and then moved apart in the bag-opening direction to part the strips of the handle in the bag-opening direction. A packing process involving automated bag handling operations is also inclosed.

Abstract: A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern can include a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. The load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load-handling device includes a container-receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container-receiving space. The load handling device has a footprint that, in use, occupies only a single grid space in the storage system.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern can include a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. The load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load-handling device includes a container-receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container-receiving space. The load handling device has a footprint that, in use, occupies only a single grid space in the storage system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to stacked, grid storage systems such as densely packed storage systems, and methods of adjusting, regulating, controlling and maintaining the temperature of storage systems.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern can include a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. The load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load-handling device includes a container-receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container-receiving space. The load handling device has a footprint that, in use, occupies only a single grid space in the storage system.

Abstract: An object handling and retrieving system and method are described. A storage system is described suitable for storing multiple product lines in an automated warehouse environment. The storage system includes a plurality of load handling devices disposed above a frame and independently moveable to access different stacks. The load handling device can retrieve and transport a target container to a sequencing and temporary storage portion having a sorting frame for taking delivery of the target container and moving it to an output port of the sorting frame.

Abstract: A container for use in a robotic storage and picking system is described. The container includes a base and four sides, at least two of the sides being provided with apertures therein to enable fluids to flow therethrough.

Abstract: An object handling system is described, the system having two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a grid above a workspace, the workspace having a plurality of stacked containers. The system includes a series of robotic load handling devices operating on the grid above the workspace, the load handling devices having a body mounted on wheels. The robotic devices can move around the grid under instruction from a computing device, the robotic devices being moved to a point on the grid above a stack of containers and then, using a lifting device, engage and lift a container from the stack. The container is then moved to a point where the objects in the container can be accessed. Modifications to the workspace and grid are described that allow vehicles and roll cages to be used to move stacks from the workspace to a point outside the workspace or from outside the workspace into the workspace.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are disclosed for stacking containers in an automated storage and retrieval system. The system includes a plurality of storage stacks establishing a grid of storage locations and a plurality of buffering stacks. Each buffering stack having a hand-over location for holding containers near a surface of a grid and at least one intermediate holding location for holding the containers to be transported to processing stations or storage locations within the grid. An overhead load handler is configured to lift or lower containers from/to the top of a storage stack or the hand-over location of a buffering stack.

Abstract: A robotic parking device is described. The device includes a number of stacks of containers as shown in FIG. 3, the stacks being positioned within a frame structure including uprights and a horizontal grid disposed above the stacks, the grid having substantially perpendicular rails on which load handling devices can run. Cars or vehicles are positioned in containers that are moved in to and out of the stacks by the robotic handling devices running on the grid. The cars are put in to the grid at entry points that may be positioned at points under the stacks.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for controlling the movement of transporting devices and/or operations conducted at various workstations are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure provides methods, systems and computer-readable media for controlling the movement of transporting devices configured for fully—and/or partly automated handling of goods and/or controlling operations conducted at various workstations.

Abstract: A modular building system or storage system is disclosed with a number of stacks of containers as shown in FIG. 2, the stacks being positioned within a frame structure having uprights and a horizontal grid disposed above the stacks, the grid having substantially perpendicular rails on which load handling devices can run. Containers having functions associated with a number of residential or commercial uses are moved in to and out of the stacks by the robotic handling devices running on the grid. The containers disposed in the stacks are selected by function on demand by a user. In this way the building is reconfigurable to take in to account required uses.

Abstract: A system and method for handling shipping containers is described. The container handling system includes a crane, the crane having crane load handling devices. The container handling system includes a conveyance device, the conveyance device including transversal load handling devices. The system provides storage and sortation for storing the containers in a series of stacks disposed beneath a grid, the grid having a series of load handling devices operable thereon. The crane load handling device removes a container from a ship, transports it to transversal load handling device operable on a conveyor. The container is moved on the conveyor to a transfer point where it is collected by a robotic load handling device for transport to the storage and sortation area.

Abstract: Systems 1000, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for the fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. In particular, the disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.

Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. A method of partitioning the storage system prevents the spread of fire or prevent damage caused by sprinkler activation.

Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.