Abstract: A logistics robot for transporting a package includes: a robot unit configured to make the logistics robot travel; and a storage unit configured to store the package. The robot unit and the storage unit are separable from each other.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a storage grid for storage of storage containers and a delivery system for transport of said storage containers between a delivery port of the storage grid and an access point of the delivery system. The access point is adapted for handling of items held in the storage containers by a robotic operator or human operator.

Abstract: A movement apparatus is provided that moves an article in a transfer direction. The movement apparatus is provided with a first protruding/retracting unit, a second protruding/retracting unit installed in a state spaced apart from the first protruding/retracting unit in the width direction, a first drive unit that moves the first protruding/retracting unit in the width direction, and a second drive unit that moves the second protruding/retracting unit in the width direction. The first drive unit is configured to move the first protruding/retracting unit in the width direction within a first setting range by swinging a first connection unit, and the second drive unit is configured to move the second protruding/retracting unit in the width direction within a second setting range wider than the first setting range by moving a second connection unit back and forth in a prescribed path.

Abstract: Systems and methods of associating data to an item being transported by a conveying system are disclosed. The item and data associated with the item are received at a first zone of the conveying system. The data is stored in a first computer-readable storage medium associated with the first zone. The item is transported to a second zone of the conveying system, and the data stored in the first computer-readable storage medium is transferred to a second computer-readable storage medium associated with the second zone.

Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array is provided. Each aisle 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 is 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. Each set of guideway levels is connected to the inter-aisle guideway forming a common guideway path so that a vehicle can move between inter-aisle guideway and each guideway level along the common guideway path.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing the storage containers in storage columns. The framework structure includes a grid-based rail system arranged above the storage columns with the rail system providing available routes for the container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. Each container handling vehicle includes a first set of wheels configured to move the vehicle along a first lateral direction of the grid-based rail system and a second set of wheels configured to move the vehicle along a second lateral direction of the grid-based rail system. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system a perception unit for perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of an object associated with an input conveyance system, and an acquisition system for acquiring the object from a plurality of objects at an input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, wherein the programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing location. The identified processing location being associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location being provided as one of a plurality of processing locations. The processing system also includes a delivery system for receiving the object in a carrier and for delivering the object toward the identified processing location.

Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A honeycomb system includes at least one modular storage unit. The modular storage unit comprises a set of dual-goods-location shelves, at least one lifting machine, at least one shuttle vehicle and at least one power station. The set of dual-goods-location shelves are parallel to each other to form a roadway where the shuttle vehicle operates. The power station is arranged at two ends or in a middle portion of the dual-goods-location shelves and is integrated with a transmission mechanism and a support frame. The transmission mechanism is connected to the shuttle vehicle and the lifting machine to perform goods transfer therebetween.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions, and a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. The first and second independently operable sections are configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions.

Abstract: A crane that controls an actuator on the basis of a target speed signal Vd of cargo W includes: a control device having a feedback control unit that calculates a target path signal Pd? of the cargo from the target speed signal Vd by integration to correct the target path signal Pd? on the basis of the differential of current position coordinates p(n) of the cargo W corresponding to the target path signal Pd?; and a feedforward control unit that adjusts a weight coefficient of a transfer function G(s) expressing the characteristics of the crane on the basis of a target path signal Pd1? that has been corrected. The target path signal Pd1? corrected by the feedback control unit is corrected using the transfer function G(s) for which the weight coefficient has been adjusted by the feedforward control unit.

Abstract: An analysis method of an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer includes: an insertion unit into which a rack is inserted; a transport line that transports the rack; a detection unit that detects a rack identifier from a rack or an attribute from a sample container which accommodates therein a sample as an object to be examined and which is mounted on a rack; an analysis module that includes a light source and a spectrometer which measures a measurement value to analyze a sample; a rack standby unit in which a rack stands by; and, a rack recovery unit that recovers a rack. In the automatic analyzer, a rack stands by in the rack standby unit until a measurement result in the analysis module is output; and is then recovered to the rack recovery unit.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that cause a robot to traverse along a route based on a minimum distance to be maintained between the autonomous mobile robot and an obstacle corresponding to a first mode. The robot determines that the route cannot be continued without a distance between the robot and a detected obstacle becoming less than the minimum distance, and responsively determines whether the route can be continued without the distance between the robot and the detected obstacle becoming less than a second minimum distance less than the initial minimum distance, the second minimum distance corresponding to a second mode. Responsive to determining that the route can be continued without the distance between the autonomous mobile robot and the detected obstacle becoming less than the second minimum distance, the robot is configured to operate in second mode and continues traversal of the route.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The semi-autonomous processing system includes an input conveyance system for moving objects to a presentation area, a perception system including perception units that are directed toward a detection area for providing perception data regarding an object in the presentation area, at least two transport systems, each of which is adapted to receive the object and move the object in either of reciprocal directions, and a manual workstation area between the perception area the at least two transport systems.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine readable media are provided for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery using autonomous delivery vehicles within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a system scans machine readable identifiers affixed to items, and sorts the items into two or more categories. A selected item is identified as scheduled to be picked up in-facility based on the scanning of the machine-readable identifier. An optimal route within the facility from the automated sorting device to an in-facility location is determined for a selected autonomous delivery vehicle based at least in part on at least one of facility traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be performed by the selected autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the item. The selected autonomous delivery vehicle navigates along the optimal route to the in-facility location to deliver the selected item to the in-facility location.

Abstract: Goods storage and retrieval systems and materials handling vehicles are provided. The goods storage and retrieval system includes a multilevel warehouse racking system; a materials handling vehicle comprising a mast assembly, a picking attachment, and vehicle-based cart engagement hardware; a mobile storage cart; and a transporter comprising transporter-based engagement hardware. The transporter-based engagement hardware enables the transporter to engage, transport, and disengage the mobile storage cart. The vehicle-based cart engagement hardware is coupled to the mast assembly to (i) engage and disengage the mobile storage cart and (ii) transport the mobile storage cart to multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The mast assembly and the picking attachment are configured to access multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The picking attachment is configured to transfer totes between the multilevel warehouse racking system and the mobile storage cart.

Abstract: Robotic automation and methods described herein can be used to enhance the efficiencies of order fulfillment and inventory stowage processes. For example, this document describes the use of mobile robots in conjunction with a human order picker to pick and transport items for order fulfillment processes in an efficient manner. The described systems and methods allow the elimination of human labor particularly related to transporting saleable goods and similar items. Mobile robots take over many of the tasks related to transporting the picked items. Accordingly, the efficiency of the human order picker, as measured by the number of line items picked per hour for example, is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: Goods storage and retrieval systems and materials handling vehicles are provided. The goods storage and retrieval system includes a multilevel warehouse racking system; a materials handling vehicle comprising a mast assembly, a picking attachment, and vehicle-based cart engagement hardware; a mobile storage cart; and a transporter comprising transporter-based engagement hardware. The transporter-based engagement hardware enables the transporter to engage, transport, and disengage the mobile storage cart. The vehicle-based cart engagement hardware is coupled to the mast assembly to (i) engage and disengage the mobile storage cart and (ii) transport the mobile storage cart to multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The mast assembly and the picking attachment are configured to access multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The picking attachment is configured to transfer totes between the multilevel warehouse racking system and the mobile storage cart.

Abstract: An inventory management system includes pick stations, automated vehicles having an onboard power source, a first drive system configured to horizontally displace the vehicle, a second drive system configured to vertically displace the vehicle along a guide system, and a platform for supporting an item during displacement of the vehicle. A first plurality of storage locations store inventory items at a first zone of vehicle operation and a second plurality of storage areas store inventory items at a second zone of vehicle operation. A first pick station is closer to the first storage locations than to the second storage locations, Vehicles are configured to transfer a selected item from one of the second plurality of storage locations to the first pick station or to transfer the selected item from the second plurality of storage locations to the first plurality of storage locations.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus (7) includes a first protruding/retracting unit (21), a second protruding/retracting unit (22), and a control unit. The first protruding/retracting unit (21) includes a first arm (27A) that protrudes and retracts in a transfer direction, and a first hook (31) that swings around a first axis (P1). The second protruding/retracting unit (22) includes a second arm (27B) that protrudes and retracts in the transfer direction, and a second hook (32) that swings around a second axis (P2). A spacing changing unit is configured to change a spacing between the first arm (27A) and the second arm (27B) to a first spacing (D1) that is narrower than the sum of a first intermediate-state protrusion amount and a second intermediate-state protrusion amount and is wider than the sum of a first transferring-state protrusion amount and a second transferring-state protrusion amount.