Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for light curtain contour detection failure compensation. In one embodiment, an example carrier may include a first base portion, a second base portion, and a platform disposed between the first base portion and the second base portion, where the platform is configured to support a first rollable cart and a second rollable cart. Some embodiments include a frame and a first light curtain assembly coupled to the frame on a first side of the carrier. The shuttle may include a first reflective component removably coupled to the first base portion on the first side of the carrier, and a second reflective component removably coupled to the second base portion on the first side of the carrier, where the first reflective component and the second reflective component are configured to reflect light emitted by the light curtain assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for stabilization of autonomous vehicles using electromagnetic force. In one embodiment, an example autonomous vehicle may include a base comprising a first side and a second side, and a first container handling assembly coupled to the base. The first container handling assembly may be configured to support a first stack of containers, and may be configured to extend from the autonomous vehicle in a first direction over the first side of the base. The autonomous vehicle may include a first electromagnet coupled to the base along the second side, and a controller configured to energize the first electromagnet when the first container handling assembly is in an extended position in the first direction, such that the autonomous vehicle is stabilized via an electromagnetic force generated by the first electromagnet.

Abstract: A loading system (e.g., in a warehouse or other item-fulfillment environment) can include a rotary hub that supports one or more chambers. In a first orientation of the rotary hub, one of the chambers may be in a first position aligned for item receipt (e.g., through an open top of the chamber by feeding from a conveyor belt or other feeding system). The rotary hub can rotate to a second orientation in which the chamber is in a second position aligned for item discharge (e.g., through an open end of the chamber and into a receiving zone of a packaging machine or other system).

Abstract: A system for moving items in a facility may be described herein. The system may instruct components of the system to move the items at different speeds or velocities based on an item's fragility rating. A fragility rating may indicate an amount of force that an item withstands prior to damaging the item. A fragility rating for an item may be determined based on known fragility ratings of items with similar item metrics.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a pusher for inducting items into a packaging system. In one embodiment, the pusher moves an item through a mandrel and into a loading volume where the item is enclosed in a package. To mitigate the likelihood the item becomes stuck or does not fully come to rest in the loading volume, the pusher has a scoop that pushes the item through the mandrel into the loading volume. Further, the scoop is designed to perform a springing action to help move the item into the loading volume. In one embodiment, the scoop is cantilevered where an upper edge connects to a back side of the pusher but a lower edge is not connected to the pusher, to help perform the springing action. When the pusher stops moving, the compressed scoop performs the springing action to help propel the item into the loading volume.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a pneumatic mandrel for a packaging system. In one embodiment, the mandrel includes a pneumatic nozzle proximate to a loading volume in which items are disposed before being packaged. The pneumatic nozzle can contain multiple ports for directing airflow in different directions. The directions at which the ports generate the airflow may be selected to move items that may be stuck or snagged into the loading volume. Stated differently, the mandrel may generate airflows in multiple directions for pushing items towards the loading volume.