Abstract: A storage system includes a first grid structure of storage cells. Each cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins. The first grid structure has a top level. The system further includes a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.

Abstract: A method of operating a bin storage system includes a plurality of storage columns for storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins and a plurality of robot vehicles for transporting storage bins. A plurality of supporting rails are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix at the top of the columns. The supporting rails are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The method includes positioning a cavity displaying a downwardly facing opening for the storage bin of one of the plurality of robot vehicles such that the cavity is aligned with one of the storage columns to permit the cavity to receive a storage bin from the storage columns, receiving a storage bin from the storage column into the cavity, and moving the robot vehicle along the bin storage system, using a plurality of wheels attached to the robot vehicle. A first set of wheels is arranged to allow the robot vehicle to travel in the first direction along the supporting rails.

Abstract: A remotely-operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for changing vehicle direction includes a body displaying a cavity, a lifting device connected to the body for lifting the bin into the cavity, a displacement arrangement including a displacement motor which provides power to displace one or both of first and second sets of vehicle wheels between a displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are displaced away from the underlying system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are in contact with the underlying system during use, and driving wheels coupled to the displacement arrangement. The driving wheels further includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels connected to the body allowing movement of the vehicle along first and second directions, respectively, within the system. The first and second directions are perpendicular.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.

Abstract: A storage system includes a grid structure of storage cells. Each storage cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level. The grid structure includes a plurality of vertical aluminum columns interconnected by top rails. The columns form adjacent rows of storage cells. The storage system includes at least one remotely operated vehicle arranged to move on the top rails and receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure. The storage system includes an insulated cover covering at least one of the storage cells at the top level.

Abstract: A bin holding device includes two side elements vertically spaced to accommodate a storage bin between the two side elements. Each side element is provided with a bin supporting assembly comprising a bin support. The bin support comprises an upper bin interacting part configured to interact with the storage bin when the storage bin is accommodated in the bin holding device, such that a top edge of the accommodated storage bin is held at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of operating a bin storage system including a plurality of storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, and a plurality of robot vehicles for transporting storage bins, the method includes: positioning a cavity of one of the plurality of robot vehicles such that it is aligned with one of the storage columns, receiving a storage bin from the storage column into the cavity, and moving the robot vehicle along the bin storage system, using a plurality of rolling members attached to the vehicle body about the cavity that are arranged for travelling in a first direction and a perpendicular second direction along the bin storage system.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated storage system, comprising a three-dimensional storage structure and plurality of remotely controlled robot vehicles. The three-dimensional storage structures comprises a plurality of pillars which are positioned with internal distances and in a rectangular arrangement, wherein the rectangular arrangement of the pillars define storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, supporting rails arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the pillars, said supporting rails arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the supporting rails defining openings for the storage columns.

Abstract: A remotely-operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for changing vehicle direction includes a body displaying a cavity, a lifting device connected to the body for lifting the bin into the cavity, a displacement arrangement including a displacement motor which provides power to displace one or both of first and second sets of vehicle wheels between a displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are displaced away from the underlying system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are in contact with the underlying system during use, and driving wheels coupled to the displacement arrangement. The driving wheels further includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels connected to the body allowing movement of the vehicle along first and second directions, respectively, within the system. The first and second directions are perpendicular.

Abstract: A storage system for storing product items includes a grid structure and a number of first storage bins configured to be stored in vertical stacks in the grid structure. Each first storage bin is configured to contain at least one product item. A vehicle is arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the grid structure, and further arranged to pick up, carry, and place the first storage bins at desired locations within the grid structure. The storage system further includes a robot device that includes a movable arm with a picking mechanism in one end thereof. The robot device is configured to move a storage item between a first location and a second location by means of its picking mechanism. The first location is the location of a first storage bin stored in the storage grid.

Abstract: An operating method of a communication node in a wireless communication network, wherein the node communicates with a central communication unit via at least one access point, has been disclosed. The operating method comprises: receiving, at the node, a wireless signal from the access point; determining, by the node, channel quality information based on the received wireless signal; determining, by the node, an order of active channels ranked according to the determined channel quality; and selecting, by the node, an active channel for transmitting wireless signals in accordance with the determined order, and transmitting, by the node, wireless signals on the selected, active channel. A communication node which implements the method, and a communication system and a storage system with includes the communication node, have also been disclosed.

Abstract: In a wireless communication network, a node communicates with a central communication unit via at least one access point. An operating method of the communication node includes receiving, at the node, a wireless signal from the access point; determining, by the node, channel quality information based on the received wireless signal; and determining, by the node, an order of active channels ranked according to the determined channel quality. The operating method further includes selecting, by the node, an active channel for transmitting wireless signals in accordance with the determined order; and transmitting, by the node, wireless signals on the selected, active channel. The access point is configured to filter a message. When operating the access point in a beacon transmit mode, the access point transmits wireless beacon data to the node. In a listening mode, the access point relays data received from the node to the central communication unit.

Abstract: A storage system for storing product items includes a grid structure and a number of first storage bins configured to be stored in vertical stacks in the grid structure. Each first storage bin is configured to contain at least one product item. A vehicle is arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the grid structure, and further arranged to pick up, carry, and place the first storage bins at desired locations within the grid structure. The storage system further includes a robot device that includes a movable arm with a picking mechanism in one end thereof. The robot device is configured to move a storage item between a first location and a second location by means of its picking mechanism. The first location is the location of a first storage bin stored in the storage grid.

Abstract: A storage system includes a grid structure of storage cells. Each storage cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level. The grid structure includes a plurality of vertical aluminum columns interconnected by top rails. The columns form adjacent rows of storage cells. The storage system includes at least one remotely operated vehicle arranged to move on the top rails and receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure. The storage system includes an insulated cover covering at least one of the storage cells at the top level.

Abstract: A cooled storage system includes a grid structure of storage cells. Each cell may be arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level. At least one remotely operated vehicle may be arranged to move at the top level of the grid structure and receive a bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure. Additionally, a thermal insulation is provided between at least a section of the grid structure and the remotely operated vehicle, and the section of the grid structure has a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the remotely operated vehicle.

Abstract: A method of operating a bin storage system including a plurality of storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, and a plurality of robot vehicles for transporting storage bins, the method includes: positioning a cavity of one of the plurality of robot vehicles such that it is aligned with one of the storage columns, receiving a storage bin from the storage column into the cavity, and moving the robot vehicle along the bin storage system, using a plurality of rolling members attached to the vehicle body about the cavity that are arranged for travelling in a first direction and a perpendicular second direction along the bin storage system.

Abstract: A bin holding device includes two side elements vertically spaced to accommodate a storage bin between the two side elements. Each side element is provided with a bin supporting assembly comprising a bin support. The bin support comprises an upper bin interacting part configured to interact with the storage bin when the storage bin is accommodated in the bin holding device, such that a top edge of the accommodated storage bin is held at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of a robot on a plurality of tracks laid out on a frame structure forming a grid includes detecting a current speed and an angular position for one wheel in a pair of wheels of the robot; tracking a current position of the robot relative to at least a portion of the frame structure; and setting a driving sequence for the pair of wheels, based on a position information of the robot.

Abstract: Method and vehicle for tracking the position of a remotely operated vehicle following a set route relative to tracks laid out on a frame structure forming a grid, the vehicle having first and second sets of wheels connected to drives for moving the vehicle in corresponding x- and y-directions on the grid, the method comprising: receiving information of the number of track crossings to pass between start and stop positions in x- and y-directions according to the set route; directing sensors attached to the vehicle at the tracks along the route of the vehicle; detecting and monitoring track crossings passed when moving the vehicle in the x- and y-directions according to the set route, and transmitting a signal to a controller, controlling the drives of the wheels of the vehicle, when the number of track crossings passed is close to the total number of track crossings to pass between the start and stop positions in respective x- and y-directions along the set route.