Abstract: Platform assembly for use with sorting articles comprises platforms connected to each other to form at least one level surface for transit thereabout by a plurality of vehicles. Each platform defines a first orientation in which the platform is in a retracted position and a second orientation in which the platform is in an extended position with a horizontal disposition. Each platform includes a first panel comprising a plurality of markers thereon, the markers forming a grid on the first panel for transit thereabout by the plurality of vehicles. Each marker includes a magnetic signature for determining an orientation of the marker. A container is positioned about at least one of the plurality of markers. In operation, the vehicle is directed by a control system to deposit an article carried thereon into a container associated with a marker based on the location and orientation of the marker.

Abstract: Textile sorting systems and methods are described herein. The system may be configured to sort textiles using a plurality of sorting subsystems to increase the percentage of textiles recycled. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sorting subsystems may employ machine learning modules, artificial intelligent (AI), digital product passports, and market data to granularly sort the textiles. The systems may include optic-based sensors, such as near-infrared, visible, and hyperspectral subsystems, metal detection subsystems, and digital tag reading subsystems. The output from each subsystem may be used to generate attribute profile of a clothing item and to designate the clothing item to particular separation bunker. The subsystems may be communicably coupled such that an output of a subsystem may override a bunker designation for the clothing item from another subsystem.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving task identification information indicative of a manufacturing task to be performed on a workpiece, wherein the workpiece transfer system comprises a rail and a plurality of arms coupled to the rail, wherein each arm comprises (i) a plurality of arm linkages coupled at respective joints, (ii) an arm controller in communication with the supervisory controller, and (iii) respective joint controllers in communication with the arm controller and configured to actuate respective rotary actuators at the respective joints to move the plurality of arm linkages relative to each other: retrieving a motion plan corresponding to the manufacturing task and the workpiece: sending command signals to respective arm controllers to communicate respective command signals to the respective joint controllers and execute the motion plan; and once the final desired configuration is achieved, commanding the respective arm controllers to lock the respective joints.

Abstract: A container conveying system including a controller, a first robot, and/or a second robot. A first container pickup mechanism is provided on the first robot. A second container pickup mechanism is provided on the second robot. The controller is configured to, in response to a container conveying request, send a first conveying instruction to the first robot if it is determined a target container to be conveyed based on the container conveying request has a size within a first size range; or send a second conveying instruction to the second robot if it is determined the target has a size within a second size range. In warehousing operation scenarios, by jointly using the two robots for operation, containers with various container sizes can be picked up and placed, thus improving utilization rate of a container storage space.

Abstract: A method for order picking and packing individual goods conveyed overhead. The Method conveys the individual goods overhead in an overhead conveyor facility by means of overhead adapters, providing the individual goods of at least one order in a preparation buffer, conveying the individual goods of the at least one order onto a transport trolley which can be coupled to the preparation buffer in a trolley station, uncoupling the transport trolley from the trolley station, transporting the transport trolley with the individual goods of the at least one order to a packing place and packing the individual goods into orders at the packing place.

Abstract: A serial multi-up effector can be used in an automated assembly line in order pick parts from a parts bin one after the other before placing them at a desired location. In an automated assembly line, a parts bin will be depleted of parts and need to be replaced with a full parts bin. The bin replacement may be replaced using a rotary table that allows an empty bin to be replaced with a full bin. Additionally, the rotary table allows for filling of the empty bins while the full bins are being used to pick parts from.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure object provide tracking and monitoring techniques for implementing improved distribution systems in various environments. The techniques may include generating an intake data object including an intake identifier and an object identifier respectively corresponding to a plurality of intake objects. The intake data object is used to generate transitioning data objects corresponding to a subset of the intake objects. The intake data object may be modified with a transition identifier to link the objects. In addition, one or both identifiers may be added to a backstop data object to link the subset of intake objects to a backstop location. In response to a request, the subset of intake objects may be moved from the backstop location to conveyor pallet, and, in response, the transition and intake identifier may be removed from the backstop data object and added to a conveyor pallet data object.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for creating walkways in heavy machinery and equipment. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first module, a second module coupled to the first module, where the second module comprises a first track and a second track, a third module coupled to the first module and the second module, where the third module has a container matrix configured to support a first set of containers disposed along a lower portion of the system and a second set of containers disposed along an upper portion of the system, and a first actuation system configured to actuate the first set of containers from a first position to a second position, where the first set of containers is vertically aligned with the first track in the second position.

Abstract: Provided are a goods sorting system, a goods sorting method, and a robot. The goods sorting system includes a sorting and storage area, a sorting robot, a bin transport robot, and a control server. The sorting and storage area has at least one shelf. The shelf includes a first storage area provided with sorting and storage positions and a second storage area. The control server is configured to determine a target sorting and storage position where sorted goods are to be stored in the first storage area based on sorted goods information, dispatch the sorting robot to deliver sorted goods into a bin corresponding to the target sorting and storage position, and in a case a sorting task has been completed for the bin in the first storage area, dispatch the bin transport robot to transport the bin to an empty storage position in the second storage area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an OHT management system and a control method for the OHT management system for automatically setting an interlock in an operation section at which an operator is positioned, while the operator inspects an OHT or an article facility, even in a case in which the operator does not set an interlock information at the operation section. The OHT management system includes a rail; an OHT driving autonomously on the rail; a work terminal which generates a work progress information during a work procedure for proceeding with an inspection by closely approaching the rail within a predetermined distance; and an OCS for turning on an interlock information so the OHT does not drive at a section at which the work terminal is positioned, if the OCS communicates with the OHT to set the interlock information of the OHT and is input with the work progress information by communicating with the work terminal.

Abstract: When there is an interruption in power to an area of an integrated circuit manufacturing facility, product may be stranded in a vehicle mounted to an automated material handling system. An automated rescue vehicle can be deployed to retrieve the stranded vehicle so that a payload carried by that vehicle can be recovered and processing can resume. The rescue vehicle can carry a battery payload. The battery payload provides backup power while the rescue operation is performed. With such an automated system, no human intervention is needed to recover product during a power outage. In addition to improving wafer throughput during the power outage, such a rescue operation may prevent quality degradation for time-critical sequences of processing operations.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure object provide tracking and monitoring techniques for implementing improved distribution systems in various environments. The techniques of the present disclosure may include receiving a transition identifier corresponding to a transitioning data object that include (a) a first object count of a plurality of transitioning objects within a transitioning container, (b) an intake identifier corresponding to the plurality of transitioning objects, and (c) a pallet identifier for a conveyor pallet configured to move the transitioning container.

Abstract: A method and an electronic device for handling a material are provided. The method may include: obtaining a picking task for a target material at a target warehouse; using, in response to determining that a target person arrives at an exit location of the target warehouse, material information of a material held by the target person as target material information, the material information including a material identifier and a material quantity; and comparing material information of a to-be-picked material in the picking task with the target material information, and subtracting the material information of the to-be-picked material from stock information of the target warehouse if a comparison result is that the material information and the target material information are consistent.

Abstract: Order fulfillment system comprises a first function sorting system comprising first function vehicles for sorting first function articles into first function sort receptacles in response to commands. The system further comprises an ASRS juxtaposed to the first function sorting system such that a footprint occupied by the first function sorting system is adjacent to the footprint occupied by the ASRS. The system further comprises a controller configured to: direct a retrieval mechanism of the article storage and retrieval system to move a storage bin containing a first function article to an output station; and, direct a first function vehicle to transport and deposit the first function article collected from the storage bin at the output station into a first function sort receptacle.

Abstract: An industrial installation having an automated sheet metal bending cell and an automated magazine, having a spatial and functional organization for automating flows of materials entering and leaving the cell, aimed at increasing, in a reduced enclosure, autonomy of operation of the cell without human assistance, as well as flexibility and productivity of the cell, the installation including: a press brake; a bending robot; a rail, generally called a “track,” on which a carriage supporting the robot moves; a system for dropping off and retrieving parts during operation; a mechanical or optical system for controlling indexing of parts to be bent; a magazine or a set of racks for bending tools comprising punches and dies; at least one attachment device for grippers; a programming and monitoring system for the press brake; a control console; an automated magazine; and a supply area for parts to be bent.

Abstract: A method for operating a packaging line of a packaging installation, wherein the packaging line includes at least one packaging machine having an infeed conveyor belt, wherein the packaging line further includes at least one transport belt which is disposed upstream of the infeed conveyor belt, wherein the method includes the steps of: i) defining and/or determining a current machine performance of the at least one packaging machine; ii) determining an output request for the at least one transport belt; and iii) defining and setting a transport speed of the at least one transport belt, wherein the transport speed is defined as a function of the determined output request.

Abstract: A transportation system, including: a transportation vehicle, multiple layers of rail structures, and a layer-switching lifting structure. The transportation vehicle is configured to transport an article. Each layer of rail structure of the multiple layers of rail structures includes a transverse rail and a longitudinal rail, and the transportation vehicle is configured to move in a storage region along each layer of rail structure to transport the article. The layer-switching lifting structure is arranged at a target position of each layer of rail structure, wherein the target position includes an intersection of the transverse rail and the longitudinal rail. The layer-switching lifting structure is configured to transfer the transportation vehicle between the multiple layers of rail structures, and the layer-switching lifting structure is further configured as a carrier for the transportation vehicle to change between the transverse rail and the longitudinal rail.

Abstract: A system for storage of goods carriers with a rack having storage shelves for the goods carriers on multiple levels, with a rack-servicing machine for storage of goods carriers into the storage shelves and for discharge of goods carriers from the storage shelves. The rack-servicing machine runs along tracks extending the longitudinal extension of the rack, preferably in an aisle between two racks, and is configured to service at least one level, where the goods carriers have at least two pockets correspondingly located in respective opposite side walls configured to allow interaction with the load handler of the rack-servicing machine.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include a component storage and retrieval system that includes a storage stack, an operator access station, and an automated elevator. The storage stack defines discrete tray storage locations. The operator access station includes a surface adapted to support a tray. The automated elevator moves a tray from the access station surface to a designated one of the discrete tray storage locations, and retrieves a selected tray from the storage stack and brings the selected tray to the access station. The access station includes a camera positioned such that a tray supported on the surface is within a field of view of the camera. The camera generates data representing an image of the tray, from which the system identifies a component on the tray, and determines where on the tray the component is located. The system communicates the identified location to an operator.

Abstract: A system and related method for retrospectively a transporting asset wherein the system comprises a transporting asset for receiving material; a loading asset arranged at a loading site and configured to load the transporting asset with material; wherein the transporting asset is configured to be transported to a second site, the system further comprising: a weight measurement device arranged at the second site, the weight measurement device is configured to measure the weight of the transporting asset prior to the transporting asset offloading the material, the weight measurement device is configured to transmit weight data associated with the measured weight of the transporting asset; a controller configured to receive the weight data and instruct the loading asset to adapt its operation based on the weight data during subsequent loading.