Abstract: A control unit is disclosed to control an imaging unit to perform imaging of a tray/container. The control unit can cause the performance of actions on the container using automated machines and/or directing humans to perform an action. For example, the presence of contamination in a container can be detected based on an image of the container captured by an imaging unit. The control unit can receive an image of the container from the imaging unit, determine whether the container is contaminated, and direct the container to a cleaning unit. Moreover, the control unit can detect a product based on an image of the product, determine an identity of the product based on the received image, and command an indicating unit to indicate a failure to determine the identity of the product.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method to automatically detect vehicle damage which minimises the time taken to detect damage per vehicle. For example, the action of damage detection is also performed with an action of causing the fixing of any detected damage, where appropriate. A damage detection unit is configured and arranged to detect damage on a vehicle. The damage detection unit includes a receiving unit arranged to receive an image from a camera and a determining unit arranged to determine damage on the vehicle based on the received image. Moreover, the damage detection unit includes a storing unit arranged to store information about damage previously determined to be present on the vehicle and a comparing unit arranged to compare the damage determined by the determining unit with the information about previous damage as stored by the storing unit.

Abstract: A robotic picking station is provided for use with a cubic automated storage and retrieval system. The picking station is configured to operate on the grid of the storage and retrieval system such that is received within a single grid cell of the storage and retrieval system. The picking station is mounted to the framework of the storage and retrieval system and includes one or more robotic arms. The picking station includes a support which extends below the grid of the storage system and is secured beneath the grid. The support may be connected to a floor of the storage system. The support may be connected to one or more framework elements.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern has a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of a single grid space. The load handling device can move laterally on the rails above the stacks and includes a container receiving space located above the rails in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container receiving space. The load handling device also includes a mechanism for enabling lateral movement of the device in one of two transverse directions by enabling either a first or second set of wheels to selectively engage the first or second set of rails.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method to automatically detect vehicle damage which minimises the time taken to detect damage per vehicle. For example, the action of damage detection is also performed with an action of causing the fixing of any detected damage, where appropriate. A damage detection unit is configured and arranged to detect damage on a vehicle. The damage detection unit includes a receiving unit arranged to receive an image from a camera and a determining unit arranged to determine damage on the vehicle based on the received image. Moreover, the damage detection unit includes a storing unit arranged to store information about damage previously determined to be present on the vehicle and a comparing unit arranged to compare the damage determined by the determining unit with the information about previous damage as stored by the storing unit.

Abstract: A control unit is disclosed to control an imaging unit to perform imaging of a tray/container. The control unit can cause the performance of actions on the container using automated machines and/or directing humans to perform an action. For example, the presence of contamination in a container can be detected based on an image of the container captured by an imaging unit. The control unit can receive an image of the container from the imaging unit, determine whether the container is contaminated, and direct the container to a cleaning unit. Moreover, the control unit can detect a product based on an image of the product, determine an identity of the product based on the received image, and command an indicating unit to indicate a failure to determine the identity of the product.

Abstract: A storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern includes a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. A load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load handling device includes a container receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container receiving space. The load handling device includes a mechanism for enabling lateral movement of the device in one of two transverse directions by enabling either a first or second set of wheels to selectively engage the first or second set of rails or tracks.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern has a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of a single grid space. The load handling device can move laterally on the rails above the stacks and includes a container receiving space located above the rails in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container receiving space. The load handling device also includes a mechanism for enabling lateral movement of the device in one of two transverse directions by enabling either a first or second set of wheels to selectively engage the first or second set of rails.

Abstract: A storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern includes a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. A load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load handling device includes a container receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container receiving space. The load handling device includes a mechanism for enabling lateral movement of the device in one of two transverse directions by enabling either a first or second set of wheels to selectively engage the first or second set of rails or tracks.

Abstract: The present invention's side-arm recovery system enables large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) to operate from small vessels or from ground sites with a minimal footprint. The side-arm recovery system allows arresting an UAS independent of a runway. On the ground or on a ship, the system makes use of a specialized crane system that includes capture and energy absorption devices. A fuselage-mounted top hook snags a horizontal cable and the arresting forces act in the plane of symmetry through the central structure of the UAS. After the capture energy is absorbed, the recovery system safely lowers the aerial vehicle to a ground handling cart. The same system can be combined into a launcher and retriever system which further reduces the footprint by eliminating the need for a separate launcher.

Abstract: A system for deploying a deployable structure in an aircraft, comprising a drogue parachute, at least one deployable structure, a riser line attached to the drogue parachute and the at least one deployable structure, wherein when the drogue parachute is deployed, a tension is applied to the riser line, and a parachute deployment system, wherein the parachute deployment system is configured to utilize the applied tension to deploy the at least one deployable structure.