Abstract: A device that dispenses spacer material is disclosed. The device may be implemented in connection with a robotic palletization/depalletization system. The device may include a mounting hardware configured to mount the device on or adjacent to an end effector of a robotic arm, a communication interface configured to receive a control signal, and an actuator configured to dispense a quantity of spacer material from a supply of spacer material in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A multi-mode robotic end effector is disclosed. In various embodiments, a multi-mode robotic end effector includes a first set of structures configured to grasp objects in a first mode of operation; a retraction mechanism configured to retract the first set of structures to a stowed position associated with a second mode of operation in response to a retraction command; and a second set of structures configured to grasp objects in a second mode of operation.

Abstract: A robotic system configured to use a multi-mode end effector is disclosed. In various embodiments, a grasp strategy is determined for a robot to grasp an object in a workspace, wherein the determined grasp strategy is associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of grasping modes of operation of a multi-mode robotic end effector associated with the robot. A command to grasp the object using the multi-mode robotic end effector in the grasping mode of operation associated with the determined grasp strategy is sent to the robot.

Abstract: A robotic system is disclosed. The system includes a communication interface, and one or more processors coupled to the communication interface and configured to: generate based at least in part on the received data a plan to stack the items on or in the destination location. For each item, the generating the plan includes determining the destination location based at least in part on a characteristic associated with the item, and at least one of (i) a characteristic of a platform or receptacle on which one or more items are to be stacked, and (ii) an existing stack of one or more items on the platform or receptacle. The destination location is determined from among a plurality of zones in which platforms or receptacles are disposed, and each of the plurality of zones are within a range of a robotic arm. A robotic arm is controlled to implement the plan.