Abstract: A system and method for routing a fleet of vehicles, the vehicles being based across a plurality of depots. The system and method can determine an optimal route by decomposing the optimisation problem into a plurality of sub-problems, optimising each of the sub-problems and then re-combining the optimised sub-problems to obtain a solution to the routing problem. The solution leads to a more efficient routing of the vehicle fleet, and improves accuracy, efficiency, and functionality of the multi-depot vehicle network system.

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

Abstract: A system for picking items from a containerised storage system is described. The items are stored in storage bins in stacks within a framework comprising a grid system disposed above the stacks of bins. Robotic devices are disposed on the grid, the devices acting so as to pick containers from the stacks of bins. The storage system is provided with at least one picking device for picking items from bins and depositing them directly in delivery containers DT.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method to automatically detect vehicle damage which minimises the time taken to detect damage per vehicle. For example, the action of damage detection is also performed with an action of causing the fixing of any detected damage, where appropriate. A damage detection unit is configured and arranged to detect damage on a vehicle. The damage detection unit includes a receiving unit arranged to receive an image from a camera and a determining unit arranged to determine damage on the vehicle based on the received image. Moreover, the damage detection unit includes a storing unit arranged to store information about damage previously determined to be present on the vehicle and a comparing unit arranged to compare the damage determined by the determining unit with the information about previous damage as stored by the storing unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for a load handling system such that direction change of a transporting device is more easily and quickly realised. A transporting device includes an omnidirectional driving unit, and is arranged to transport a container, the container being stored in a facility. The facility is arranged to store the container in a plurality of stacks, a plurality of pathways being arranged in cells so as to form a grid-like structure above the stacks, the transporting device being arranged to operate on the grid-like structure and to be driven in a first direction and/or second direction.

Abstract: A control unit is provided to improve positioning of transporting devices to thereby allow transporting devices to be driven at faster speeds and/or accelerations with minimal positional errors allowing for a reduction in the spacing between transporting devices. A control unit is arranged to control movement of at least one transporting device for containers stored in a facility having a plurality of pathways arranged in cells so as to form a grid-like structure above the stacks which extends in a first direction and in a second direction. The control unit includes a receiving unit arranged to receive information from a first sensor mounted on the at least one transporting device, and a calculating unit arranged to calculate a position of the at least one transporting device based on the received information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-readable instruction sets, configured for delivering, to one or more secure storage facilities operated by or on behalf of, or otherwise associated with, a first enterprise, and located at a premises owned, leased, operated by or on behalf of, and/or otherwise associated with, a second enterprise, such as a conveniently-located vendor premises engaged in selling unrelated goods or services, goods associated with an order placed with the first enterprise via a communications network; and delivering, to a resource identifier associated with the order, signals representing value, such as coupon(s), loyalty and/or other discount points, etc., redeemable at the second enterprise, and/or at a third-party premises.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for automated controlling of a logistical system such that immediate delivery of items is achieved whilst offering an enhanced range of different types of items to a majority of customers. Exemplary embodiments introduce a virtual distribution centre in which items are shared between fulfilment centres which are located close to a customer. An exemplary system includes at least three fulfilment centres, each fulfilment centre being configured and arranged to fulfil orders to customers and/or stores, and a control unit configured and arranged to control the at least three fulfilment centres. Each of the at least three fulfilment centres is configured and arranged to share items with at least one other of the at least three fulfilment centres.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved cogwheel permitting enhanced meshing of cogwheels when operating perpendicularly. Exemplary embodiments introduce a multi-cogwheel design with specific dimensions and tooth profiles to permit perpendicular engagement of cogwheels whilst permitting translation of such cogwheels.

Abstract: A safety system for an automated storage and picking system is described. The storage system includes load handling devices operating above a series of stacked containers located within a framework, the top of which includes tracks on which the load handling devices operate. The safety system includes a transmitter located in close proximity to the storage system and a receiver located on each of the load handling devices. The transmitter can continually transmit a signal that is detected by the receivers on the load handling devices. In the event of an emergency or a breach of the storage system, the transmission of the signal is cut. Once the receiver no longer receives the signal from the transmitter, power to each load handling device drive is cut to render the storage system safe.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for a webshop such that the products shown to a customer are related to the purchasing habits of the customer. A control unit is arranged to communicate with a product information database, a product category database and a customer purchase history database. The control unit includes a product categorising unit arranged to generate at least one product category based on product information in the product information database and to store the at least one generated product category in the product category database. A calculating unit is arranged to calculate a probability of a customer being an underbuyer/overbuyer of a type of product based on the customer's purchase history stored in the customer purchase history database and the at least one product category from the product category database.

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

Abstract: A system and method for robotic container storage, handling, and transfer system and method includes a grid structure formed of two substantially perpendicular sets of rails above a portion of at least one transport network, a robotic load handling device operating on the grid structure, a vehicle means located on the at least one transport network below the grid structure configured to receive a container, the robotic load handling device being provided with an engaging means for engaging the container and a lifting means configured for lifting the container from the vehicle means for movement to an alternative location, wherein one or more portions of the rails above the vehicle means of the transport network are missing in a direction transverse to a direction of the transport network forming one or more open grid spaces enabling alignment of the robotic load handling device above the vehicle means.

Abstract: A customisable, modular storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. The stacks are contained within towers formed of stacks of bin receiving units. A grid network of tracks is provided on the top of the bin receiving units upon which load handling devices run. The load handling 30 devices take containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out.

Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for retrieving, transporting, and delivering containers in a storage system having a grid structure formed of two substantially perpendicular sets of rails or tracks located above stacks of containers. An exemplary load handling device can include a wheel assembly, a container receiving space, and a plurality of vehicle modules. The wheel assembly can include a first set of wheels to guide movement of the load handing device in a first direction and a second set of wheels to guide movement of the load handing device in a second direction. Each of the vehicle modules can include a container lifting means arranged to lift a container into the container receiving space and each of the vehicle modules can be moveable to adjust the spacing of the containers in the load handling device.

Abstract: A system for growing plants or other living organisms to a specific environmental recipe is described. The organisms are grown in growth chambers, the chambers having carefully controllable environmental services applied thereto. The environmental services are supplied via a computer controlled utility based on historical data. In this way plants and organisms may be grown in previously experienced environmental conditions so as to produce the required plant to a known quality or taste, for example.

Abstract: A control unit is disclosed to control an imaging unit to perform imaging of a tray/container. The control unit can cause the performance of actions on the container using automated machines and/or directing humans to perform an action. For example, the presence of contamination in a container can be detected based on an image of the container captured by an imaging unit. The control unit can receive an image of the container from the imaging unit, determine whether the container is contaminated, and direct the container to a cleaning unit. Moreover, the control unit can detect a product based on an image of the product, determine an identity of the product based on the received image, and command an indicating unit to indicate a failure to determine the identity of the product.

Abstract: A storage system as disclosed can maximize storage capacity whilst remaining scalable. A transporting device is arranged to form a cluster with a reconfigurable physical topology. A transporting device can cooperate with a portion of a surface, and with at least one other transporting device in a cluster with a reconfigurable physical topology. An item receiving space and a relocating unit permit relocation of the transporting device within the cluster by way of interaction with the portion of the surface.

Abstract: A locker for unattended storage and automated access of stored goods including a locker housing having at least one environmentally controlled compartment with an environmentally controlled access opening, an air inlet duct and an air outlet duct; a door sealingly engaging the environmentally controlled access opening; an automated latch engaging the door and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; an access control unit in communication with the automated latch; and an environmental control unit removably housed in the locker housing, the environmental control unit having duct interfaces engagable with the air inlet duct and with the air outlet duct for circulating air between the at least one environmentally controlled compartment and the environmental control unit, and the environmental control unit having an electric power connector engagable with an electric power outlet in the locker housing in communication with a source of electric power.

Abstract: A customisable, modular storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. The stacks are contained within towers formed of stacks of bin receiving units. A grid network of tracks is provided on the top of the bin receiving units upon which load handling devices run. The load handling 30 devices take containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out.