Abstract: The present disclosure is for systems and methods for providing observational support. The invention comprises an observational support system which generally operates as a supplemental system to an existing automated decision support system, such as a primary vision system for robotic picking operations. The observational support system provides an auxiliary sensor module which is operable to obtain data associated with a pick scene independently of the primary vision system and provide the data to an intervention system for further review and processing. The observational support system is generally called upon in situations where the primary vision system fails or encounters circumstances it cannot handle in a timely manner. The observational support system in combination with the intervention system provides supplemental assistance in these circumstances so that robotic picking operations can continue more readily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pick planning for robotic picking applications to improve efficiency of automated picking operations and reduce robot down time. A pick plan is computed by obtaining data of a pick scene, processing the obtained data to identify objects and determine features associated with the objects, and determining an order and pick instructions based on the features. A computed pick plan may be periodically verified by reacquiring data of the pick scene and comparing the reacquired data with previous pick scene data in order to determine if a pick plan remains appropriate or should be updated or discarded and recomputed.