Abstract: An automated container cutting system for cutting a container includes a cutting platform and a cutting tool held by the cutting platform. The cutting tool is configured to cut the container. The automated container cutting system includes a force feedback sensor operatively connected to the cutting tool such that the force feedback sensor is configured to measure resistive force exerted on the cutting tool. The automated container cutting system includes at least one processor communicatively coupled to the force feedback sensor. The processor is configured to receive resistive force data from the force feedback sensor. The resistive force data represents resistive force exerted on the cutting tool as the cutting tool pierces a wall of the container. The at least one processor is configured to determine whether the cutting tool has penetrated through the wall of the container using the received resistive force data.

Abstract: A solution for automated food selection includes: an order processing component operable to receive an order identifying an item; a selection component comprising: a first hyperspectral sensor operable to sense a reflection from the item and produce a sensor output based at least on the reflection; and a picking mechanism; a control component operable to: based at least on identification of the item, select a hyperspectral profile from a set of hyperspectral profiles; compare the sensor output with the selected hyperspectral profile; and based at least on the comparison, determine whether to select the item for fulfillment of the order, wherein the picking mechanism is operable to divert the item to a selection output based at least on a determination to select the item for fulfillment of the order; and a transport component operable to transport the item to an order storage zone.

Abstract: First scanned images of the first container are received from a scanning device that show the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened. Second scanned images that are of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened are also received. The images are analyzed and, based upon the analysis, selective modifications to the operating parameters of the container opening machine are determined and made.

Abstract: Examples provide a system and method for autonomously placing items into non-rigid containers. An image analysis component analyzes image data generated by one or more cameras associated with picked items ready for bagging and/or a non-rigid container, such as, but not limited to, a bag. The image analysis component generates dynamic placement data identifying how much space is available inside the bag, bag tension, and/or contents of the bag. A dynamic placement component generates a per-item assigned placement for a selected item ready for bagging based on a per-bag placement sequence and the dynamic placement data. Instructions, including the per-item assigned placement designating a location within the interior of the non-rigid container to the selected item and an orientation for the selected item after bagging, is sent to at least one robotic device. The robotic device places the selected item into the non-rigid container in accordance with the instructions.

Abstract: First scanned images of the first container are received from a scanning device that show the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened. Second scanned images that are of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened are also received. The images are analyzed and, based upon the analysis, selective modifications to the operating parameters of the container opening machine are determined and made.

Abstract: Examples provide an item storage cart for verifying correct item placement into containers on the item storage cart. A cart manager component outputs planogram data identifying a location of a selected item. Weight data generated by one or more weight sensors associated with the set of item storage containers is analyzed to verify whether a correct item is placed in a given storage container on the cart and/or verify a selected item is placed into a correct storage container. The cart manager component determines if an unselected item is removed from a storage container and/or if an unselected item is added to a storage container. A notification is output if an incorrect item is added to a cart, an incorrect item is removed from the cart, an item is added to the wrong container or removed from the wrong container.

Abstract: Autonomous carriers or totes that include vacuum units are provided. As the totes move or are moved through a warehouse carrying products, they collect debris. The debris can be analyzed at the tote, and actions can be performed based upon the analysis.

Abstract: Examples provide an item storage cart for verifying correct item placement into containers on the item storage cart. A cart manager component outputs planogram data identifying a location of a selected item. Weight data generated by one or more weight sensors associated with the set of item storage containers is analyzed to verify whether a correct item is placed in a given storage container on the cart and/or verify a selected item is placed into a correct storage container. The cart manager component determines if an unselected item is removed from a storage container and/or if an unselected item is added to a storage container. A notification is output if an incorrect item is added to a cart, an incorrect item is removed from the cart, an item is added to the wrong container or removed from the wrong container.

Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for picking up and transferring a variety of different types of merchandise, such as at shopping facilities. In one form, the system includes: a shopping facility with a merchandise order assembly area; an automated retrieval for transporting merchandise to the merchandise order assembly area; an image sensor; at least one robotic device including a plurality of end effectors for picking up merchandise; and a merchandise database identifying surface areas suitable for engagement with end effectors. The system also includes a control circuit that identifies a merchandise item being transported, receives images of the merchandise item and determines its orientation, chooses a surface area of the merchandise item for engagement, selects an end effector to be used to engage the merchandise item, and instructs movement and transfer of the merchandise item by the robotic device.

Abstract: First scanned images of the first container are received from a scanning device that show the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened. Second scanned images that are of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened are also received. The images are analyzed and, based upon the analysis, selective modifications to the operating parameters of the container opening machine are determined and made.

Abstract: Features are applied to a mathematical model to produce a cutting pattern for opening a container. The cutting pattern specifies which of one or more cutting tools is to be used and the location of where cuts are to be made on the container. The cutting pattern is sent to a container opening machine. The container opening machine is operated and the container cut and opened by the container opening machine according to the cutting pattern.

Abstract: Examples provide a tote conveyance system for autonomously conveying totes from a storage system to a pickup/receiving area via smart container transport carts. The smart container conveyance cart aligns with the induction station on the storage system. The system utilizes actuators to move totes onto the cart from an induction station on the storage system or move totes off the cart into the induction station. Loading or unloading of totes are performed in accordance with priorities assigned based on cold-chain compliance temperature thresholds associated with the contents of the totes, weights of the totes, and destination of totes.

Abstract: Examples provide an item storage cart for verifying correct item placement into containers on the item storage cart. A cart manager component outputs planogram data identifying a location of a selected item. Weight data generated by one or more weight sensors associated with the set of item storage containers is analyzed to verify whether a correct item is placed in a given storage container on the cart and/or verify a selected item is placed into a correct storage container. The cart manager component determines if an unselected item is removed from a storage container and/or if an unselected item is added to a storage container. A notification is output if an incorrect item is added to a cart, an incorrect item is removed from the cart, an item is added to the wrong container or removed from the wrong container.