Abstract: An automated biological or chemical sample processing system includes a dock frame and at least one dock frame module. The dock frame includes at least one docking interface that operably couples and interfaces the dock frame with laboratory equipment. The dock frame defines a spine structure of the system alongside which a variable number of laboratory equipment are arrayed. The dock frame extends longitudinally and has a variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length. The at least one dock frame module includes the docking interface, where each module is interchangeable with another module, and has control features with a predetermined relationship to a reference datum of the dock frame module and with a reference datum of the dock frame so that the at least one dock frame module is interchangeably coupled in linear configuration with at least the other dock frame module to select the variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length.

Abstract: Feedback information is an important aspect in all machine learning systems. In robot systems that are picking objects from a plurality of objects this has been arranged by acquiring images of objects that have been picked. When images are acquired after picking they can be imaged accurately and the information about picking and also dropping success can be improved by using acquired images as a feedback in the machine learning arrangement being used for controlling the picking and dropping of objects.

Abstract: A method and system for fulfilling customer orders having a data base that is adapted to store a plurality of customer orders and identity of warehouse inventory items and return inventory items that make up each of the customer orders. Some of the orders are single item orders with only one inventory item assigned to that order. Some of the orders are multiple item orders with multiple inventory items assigned to that order. Returned items that are processed and determined to be acceptable to be re-distributed are re-introduced into the inventory data base and are available to be assigned to an order. Warehouse inventory and return inventory are maintained independent of each other to reduce redundant operations. The order fulfilment system retrieves items from either or both of the warehouse inventory and return inventory to fulfil customer orders. The order fulfilment system may utilizes human associates or robot associates.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to controlling a conveyor that comprises at least a first zone that is upstream of a second zone. A second control module associated with the second zone receives a first signal from a first control module associated with the first zone. The first signal indicates that one of a first article that has an irregular boundary or a second article that has a regular boundary exits from the first zone. The second control module controls the second drive assembly and a second brake assembly based on the indication by the first signal.

Abstract: An automated storage system for receiving, storing, and dispensing items is herein proposed. The system has an enclosure, which defines a storage volume, and a port which selectively connects the storage volume to the ambient space for deposit and retrieval of items. The system also includes a plurality of containers for containing at least one item being stored as well as a support structure for supporting the plurality of containers in the storage volume. The containers feature a base, an envelope extending from the base, and an opening opposing the base and providing access to an inner volume defined by the base and envelope for containing at least one item. The system includes a manipulator for transporting the containers between an access position at the port and a storage position at the support structure.

Abstract: A method for operating a robotic system that includes calculating a base motion plan, wherein the base motion plan includes a sequence of commands or settings, or a combination thereof, that operates a robotic arm and a gripper to transfer a target object from a start location to a task location; receiving a contact measure while executing the base motion plan, wherein the contact measure represents an amount of grip of the gripper on the target object; and generating one or more actuator commands/settings that deviate from the base motion plan when the contact measure fails to satisfy a threshold, wherein the one or more actuator commands/settings thereof are configured to operate the robotic arm, the gripper, or a combination thereof to execute one or more response actions not included in the base motion plan.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for associating multiple totes with a single profile so that items placed into any of the multiple totes are identified on a profile item identifier list. For example, if two users located in a materials handling facility are picking items that are to be consolidated or otherwise treated together, each user may select a different tote and move separately through the materials handling facility. As either user picks items and places those items into a corresponding tote, a profile item identifier list is updated to include an item identifier for each picked item.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.

Abstract: A system includes an article supply location, wherein the article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted, first and second transport vehicles, each having a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container. And a control system. The control system is configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for storing and retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. A storage and retrieval system stores and retrieves items as needed and transfer items from storage locations to transfer locations. A separate picking system conveys the items from the transfer locations to a picking station or an input out station so that the item can be selected.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides an exemplary system that includes a mechanism configured to create by a digital mailing services provider, DMSP, a recipient-specific handling information indicia and provide said recipient-specific handling information indicia to a recipient; a mechanism configured to allow the recipient to provide said handling information indicia in delivery address C/O line, on a mail item, thereby indicating to said service provider their desired handling route for the mail item so that a paper mail recipient to receive improved transmission of correspondence from said service provider via both paper and electronic channels solely via including said handling information indicia contained in the delivery address C/O line of the recipient's delivery address on the mail item.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle operating system is provided comprising a tag layout where a plurality of entry/exit tag sets are arranged along a travel path at different ones of the entry/exit thresholds of a restricted navigation zone. Each entry/exit tag set comprises a release tag, a restriction tag, and an indicator tag. The indicator tag is positioned between the restriction tag and the restricted navigation zone. The restriction tag is positioned between the release tag and the indicator tag. The tag reader and the reader module cooperate to compare identified tag data with stored tag data and initiate a remediation operation when an indicator tag is identified in place of a restriction tag. Tag layouts for one-way and two-way travel into and out of a restricted navigation zone are also contemplated.

Abstract: A direction switching module for lift robots using a pair of pinions coupled to a rack for propelling vertically and horizontally according to the track's orientation, is disclosed. In a linear motion mode both pinions rotate in the same velocity. In a direction switching mode, when changing from vertical to horizontal motion mode and vise versa, the module is capable of propelling one pinion on a vertical track and its counterpart on a horizontal track, simultaneously, each pinion in a different velocity. A bogie propelled by two pairs of said module is also disclosed, and a controller configured to drive both pinions in same velocity during linear motion and each pinion in a separate appropriate velocity during the direction switching mode. A method for turning a pinion-driven lift-robot in an intersection of rails and a controller for controlling the linear motion modes and the direction switching modes of the lift robot are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path. An automated conveyor carrier (ACC) is supported by the rail and drivable along the rail by an on-board motor in a self-driving trolley of the ACC, the motor powering a drive wheel. The rail defines a first section and a second section separate from the first section. The conveyor system is adapted to provide a first amount of traction for the ACC on the rail in the first section and a second amount of traction, greater than the first amount of traction, in the second section.

Abstract: An elevator system can include an elevator car comprising an elevator floor, the elevator car connected to a control system, wherein the elevator floor is configured to enable a rolling device to roll from a floor level onto the elevator floor, an elevator wireless communication module connected to the control system, an elevator framework in which the elevator car is configured and an elevator motor configured to raise and lower the elevator car as instructed by a mobile robot and as controlled by the control system according to instructions to the elevator system received via the elevator wireless communication module. The elevator system can be attached to a rack of shelves and be used to autonomously move mobile robots up and down to or from respective shelfs and/or a floor level.

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 containers comprise liners formed from flame retardant or flame suppressant material. Containers comprising liner means are used to store ignitable items within the storage system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and retrieving products is provided. A system may include: a grasping head; first and second grasping members, each grasping member comprising: a top member; a post member; and first and second grasping fingers, where the first and second grasping fingers extend from the post member and are spaced apart from the top member by a predetermined distance, where the first and second grasping members are connected to the grasping head, where at least one of the first and second grasping members is movably connected to the grasping head, where the at least one of the first and second grasping members is movable relative to the other of the first and second grasping members.

Abstract: System includes an article supply location that includes a plurality of articles to be sorted, first and second transport vehicles, each having a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container, and one or more removal devices that transport the container to a location of further processing. System further includes a control system configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the destination container, deposit the article in the destination container, and transport the destination container to a location for further processing by manipulation of the removal device.