Abstract: A container handling vehicle with a cantilever solution operates on an automated storage and retrieval system. The automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing storage containers for storing items. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns. A rail system is arranged on the framework structure, rails of the rail system extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction to define a grid and to define a perimeter of each access opening on top of each storage column. The rail system provides available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. Each rail has a first track and a parallel second track allowing two container handling vehicles to pass each other using the same rail.

Abstract: A method for optimising the picking of items from containers at a port of an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a framework structure (100) forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure (104) for storing storage containers (106) for storing items, where the grid structure (104) forms vertical storage columns (105) each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening (112) of the vertical storage columns (105) and where the framework structure comprises a rail system (108) arranged above the storage columns (105), the rail system comprising a plurality of rails extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction to form a grid, the rails defining a perimeter of each access opening (112) on top of each storage column (105), the rail system (108) providing available routes in the X-direction or the Y-direction for container handling vehicles (201, 301) handling and transferring the storage containers (106) to and from the storage columns (105), wherein the method comprises the fol

Abstract: Rescue system for retrieving a malfunctioning vehicle from a rail system of an automated storage and retrieval system, the rail system comprising a plurality of rails with tracks extending in an X-direction and a plurality of rails with tracks extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, a plurality of remotely operated vehicles configured to move in the X and Y-directions on the tracks of the rail system, a first rescue vehicle configured to run on the tracks of the rail system, the first rescue vehicle being provided with a lifting device on one side of the vehicle, the lifting device facing for engagement in a first X-direction; a second rescue vehicle configured to run on the tracks of the rail system, the second rescue vehicle being provided with a lifting device on an opposite side of the vehicle, the lifting device facing for engagement in a second X-direction opposite to the first; wherein the first and second rescue vehicles are configured to work in tandem so that when one of the plu

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated storage and retrieval system, comprising a three-dimensional storage grid for storing storage containers, first and second container handling vehicles operating on the storage grid and a central communication system for controlling and communicating with the container handling vehicles for handling storage containers in the storage grid. The system also comprises a barrier separating the three dimensional storage grid into a first section and a second section, wherein the barrier has two states. A first state in which the container handling vehicles are allowed to move between the first section and the second section. A second state, in which the container handling vehicles are physically prevented from moving between the first section and the second section by means of the barrier.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle includes an arrangement to provide a pre-alert and tracking of a position of the vehicle following a travelling route relative to tracks laid out on rails in x-, y-directions on a rail system. The vehicle has first and seconds sets of wheels connected to drives for moving the vehicle in corresponding x-, y-directions on the rail system. The arrangement includes at least one sensor module provided with at least four sensors. A first sensor is directed vertically downwards to detect the rails in the x-direction on the sensor module. A second sensor is directed vertically downwards to detect the rails in the y-direction on the sensor module. A third sensor is positioned on the sensor module to detect a corner of an intersection between the rails in the x-direction and y-direction.

Abstract: A method controls the operation of container handling vehicles and remotely operated specialized container handling vehicles. A specified storage container is to be transferred from a storage column and its corresponding grid cell to a specialized container handling vehicle.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle includes an arrangement to provide a pre-alert and tracking of a vehicle following a travelling route relative to tracks laid out on rails. The vehicles have first and second sets of wheels connected to drives. The arrangement includes at least one sensor module provided with at least four sensors. A first sensor is directed vertically downwards to detect the rails in the x-direction, a second sensor is directed vertically downwards to detect the rails in the y-direction, a third sensor is positioned on the sensor module to detect a corner of an intersection between the rails in the x-direction and y-direction, and a fourth sensor is configured to detect a remaining distance to the arrival of the vehicle at a set position.

Abstract: Storage containers may be stored a storage system including a framework structure. A robotic consolidation station for use in the storage system includes a first conveyor pathway for transfer of storage containers accommodating items to be picked, a second conveyor pathway for transfer of storage containers in which items are to be consolidated or have been consolidated, and a robotic picking arm arranged to reach the first conveyor pathway and the second conveyor pathway. Each of the first conveyor pathway and the second conveyor pathway includes a first end and a second end. Each first end may be operatively connected to a container outlet of the framework structure for transfer of storage containers from the framework structure and each second end may be operatively connected to a container inlet of the framework structure for transfer of storage containers into the framework structure. The first conveyor pathway includes a picking section. The second conveyor pathway includes a consolidation section.

Abstract: A rescue system for retrieving a malfunctioning vehicle from a rail system of an automated storage and retrieval system includes a first rescue vehicle and a second rescue vehicle. The rail system includes a plurality of rails with tracks extending in an X-direction and a plurality of rails with tracks extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, and a plurality of remotely operated vehicles configured to move in the X and Y-directions on the tracks of the rail system. The first rescue vehicle is configured to run on the tracks of the rail system. The first rescue vehicle is provided with a lifting device on one side of the vehicle, which faces for engagement in a first X-direction. The second rescue vehicle is configured to run on the tracks of the rail system. The second rescue vehicle is provided with a lifting device on an opposite side of the vehicle, which faces for engagement in a second X-direction opposite to the first X-direction.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a three-dimensional storage grid for storing storage containers; first and second container handling vehicles operating on the storage grid; and a central communication system for controlling and communicating with the container handling vehicles for handling storage containers in the storage grid. The automated storage and retrieval system includes a barrier separating the three dimensional storage grid into a first section and a second section. The barrier has two states: a first state in which the container handling vehicles are allowed to move between the first section and the second section; and a second state, in which the container handling vehicles are physically prevented from moving between the first section and the second section by means of the barrier.

Abstract: Storage containers may be stored a storage system including a framework structure. A robotic consolidation station for use in the storage system includes a first conveyor pathway for transfer of storage containers accommodating items to be picked, a second conveyor pathway for transfer of storage containers in which items are to be consolidated or have been consolidated, and a robotic picking arm arranged to reach the first conveyor pathway and the second conveyor pathway. Each of the first conveyor pathway and the second conveyor pathway includes a first end and a second end. Each first end may be operatively connected to a container outlet of the framework structure for transfer of storage containers from the framework structure and each second end may be operatively connected to a container inlet of the framework structure for transfer of storage containers into the framework structure. The first conveyor pathway includes a picking section. The second conveyor pathway includes a consolidation section.

Abstract: A method handles malfunctioning vehicles on a track system constituting part of a storage and retrieval system configured to store a plurality of stacks of storage containers. The track system forms a grid pattern of adjacent cells. The storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of remotely operated vehicles configured to move laterally on the track system, wherein each of the plurality of remotely operated vehicles comprises driving wheels, and a control system for monitoring and controlling wirelessly movements of the plurality of remotely operated vehicles. The control system performs at least the following steps by wireless data communication: detecting an anomaly in an operational condition of a vehicle on the track system, registering the vehicle with the anomalous operational condition as a malfunctioning vehicle, registering a halt position of the malfunctioning vehicle relative to the supporting track system, and setting up a two-dimensional shutdown zone on the track system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for handling malfunctioning vehicles on a track system, a storage and retrieval system using such a method and a control system executing the steps of the method.

Abstract: A container accessing station which has been configured to offer multiple access points where access to each access point may be permitted through an upper working surface of the container accessing station to an underlying container that has been delivered to the access point. The working surface is provided by one or more working surface sections, each working surface section having a common attachment configuration to allow either an access panel or a blanking-off panel to be fitted as part of the container accessing station at any of the multiple access points.

Abstract: A method for handling malfunctioning vehicles on a rail system constituting part of a storage and retrieval system includes storing a plurality of stacks of storage containers and a control system. The storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of remotely operated vehicles configured to move laterally on the rail system. The method includes wirelessly monitoring and controlling, via the control system, movements of the plurality of vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for a variable temperature zone (503, 504, 505, 506, 507) in a storage and retrieval system (1), wherein the storage and retrieval system comprises a framework structure (100) which includes a rail system (108) comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged to guide movement of a container handling vehicle (201, 301, 401) in a first direction (X) across the top of the framework structure, and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails to guide movement of the container handling vehicle in a second direction (Y) which is perpendicular to the first direction (X), the first and second sets of parallel rails dividing the rail system into a plurality of grid cells, the framework structure comprising upright members (102) defining storage columns (105) for storing containers (106) within the framework structure, wherein the storage and retrieval system comprises at least one container handling vehicle configured to operate on the rail system wherein the di

Abstract: A container accessing station is configured to offer multiple access points where access to each access point may be permitted through an upper working surface of the container accessing station to an underlying container that has been delivered to the access point. The container accessing station includes one or more working surface sections, access panels and blanking-off panels. Each working surface section has a common attachment configuration to allow either the access panel or the blanking-off panel to be fitted as part of the container accessing station at any of the multiple access points.

Abstract: An access station for an automated storage and retrieval system includes a frame structure; a drawer arranged in the frame structure and including a compartment for accommodating a goods holder; and a blocker operational with the drawer for providing a safety zone above the receiving position. The drawer is movable between a receiving position for receiving the goods holder from above where the drawer is retracted into the frame structure for preventing a user from accessing the compartment, and a picking position for presenting the goods holder to a user. The blocker is configured to block movement of the drawer located in the receiving position when an object is located in the safety zone. The blocker is configured to block movement of the object into the safety zone when the drawer is at least partly located outside the receiving position.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a grid-based rail structure and a plurality of remotely operated delivery vehicles arranged to operate on the grid-based rail structure. The automated storage and retrieval system includes a locking device arranged in a zone of the grid-based rail structure where a human and/or a robotic operator is permitted to interact with the remotely operated vehicle or contents of a storage container that the remotely operated vehicle is carrying. The locking device is arranged to latch to a motorized vehicle body of the remotely operated delivery vehicle, and to lock the remotely operated delivery vehicle against accidental displacement prior to interaction with the human and/or robotic operator. The locking device is arranged to unlock the remotely operated delivery vehicle once interaction with the human and/or robotic operator is no longer required.

Abstract: A storage system includes at least one container handling vehicle, a horizontal rail grid and a charging system for charging a rechargeable power source of the container handling vehicle. The container handling vehicle includes a vehicle framework, a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels for moving the container vehicle upon the rail grid in two perpendicular directions. The charging system includes two separated charge-receiving elements arranged on a sidewall of the container vehicle and connected to the power source, and a charging station. The charging station includes a support structure and two separated charge-providing elements connected to a power source charger. The charge-receiving elements are arranged to couple with the corresponding charge-providing elements when the container vehicle is moved in a horizontal connection direction towards and adjacent to the charging station.