Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of wafer containers in a facility includes: using an overhead hoist transport system to transport the wafer containers, the overhead hoist transport system includes a vehicle, the vehicle includes a grip device, each of the wafer containers includes a top flange, and the grip device is configured to grip the top flange; categorizing each of the wafer containers into a safe-to-use group or an unsafe-to-use group; and covering the top flange of each wafer container in the unsafe-to-use group with a top cover, wherein the top cover is sized or shaped to prevent the top flange from being gripped by the grip device.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for an automated material handling system, which comprises at least one hanger, a control module, and a crane module. The hanger is installed on a ceiling, has a receiving space and at least two positioning pins in the receiving space. The crane module is disposed under the ceiling and electrically connected to the control module. The hanger is located in an operating range of the crane module, wherein a front opening unified pod (FOUP) is carried by the crane module to be delivered to one of the hanger, a top flange of the FOUP is guided and positioned by the positioning pins so as to be limited in the receiving space, and the FOUP is stored onto the ceiling via the hanger.

Abstract: A gripping equipment includes a moving module, a gripping module and a driving device. The moving module includes a moving body, a first charging portion and a power supply. The first charging portion and the power supply are disposed on the moving body configured to move along a rail. The power supply electrically connects with the first charging portion. The gripping module includes a gripping body, a rechargeable battery and a second charging portion. The rechargeable battery and the second charging portion are disposed on the gripping body configured to grip an object. The second charging portion electrically connects with the rechargeable battery and aligns with the first charging portion. The driving device is configured to move the gripping module relative to the moving module, such that the second charging portion is moved to electrically connect with or away from the first charging portion.

Abstract: A temperature detection apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus captures an image and a thermal image of an object. The apparatus determines a first contour of the object in the image based on the image. The apparatus overlaps the first contour in the image onto the thermal image to generate a second contour in the thermal image. The apparatus generates a temperature record of the object based on a plurality of temperature values among the second contour in the thermal image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of operating an automatic handling system. The method includes: controlling a handling device to move forward to a load port of a production equipment; receiving a signal of a load request by a receiver of the handling device; controlling an image capturing device of the handling device to capture an image of the load port; determining whether the receiver receives the signal of the load request; and determining whether there is any abnormal condition in the load port.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of wafer containers in a facility includes: using an overhead hoist transport system to transport the wafer containers, the overhead hoist transport system includes a vehicle, the vehicle includes a grip device, each of the wafer containers includes a top flange, and the grip device is configured to grip the top flange; categorizing each of the wafer containers into a safe-to-use group or an unsafe-to-use group; and covering the top flange of each wafer container in the unsafe-to-use group with a top cover, wherein the top cover is sized or shaped to prevent the top flange from being gripped by the grip device.