Abstract: The high-position robot includes a pallet fork; an image collector and a distance sensor are arranged on the pallet fork; the image collector is configured to collect positioning information provided on a target stock container and obtain image data representing a positional relationship between the pallet fork and a projection image of the positioning information on a specified plane; and the distance sensor is configured to measure a distance between the pallet fork and a target stock container and obtain distance data. After a pallet fork lifts a storage container to be placed up to a same height as a target layer of a target stock container, adjusting and controlling a positional relationship between the pallet fork and a projection image of positioning information on a specified plane; and adjusting and controlling a distance between the pallet fork and the target stock container according to distance data.

Abstract: An autonomous rover including a frame having a first end and a second end longitudinally spaced from the first end and forming a payload bay, the payload bay being sized to support a pickface, a common active registration surface configured to engage the pickface, and a drive section connected to the common active registration surface, the drive section being configured to variably position the common active registration surface relative to at least one storage shelf of an automated storage and retrieval system to effect placement of the pickface on the storage shelf so that pickfaces are substantially continuously arranged along the at least one storage shelf with a predetermined storage spacing between the pickfaces.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a storage grid for storage of storage containers and a delivery system for transport of said storage containers between a delivery port of the storage grid and an access point of the delivery system. The access point is adapted for handling of items held in the storage containers by a robotic operator or human operator.

Abstract: In a method for operating a system, and a system, the system includes a mobile part drivable on a driving surface, and a load carrier. The mobile part includes a radar sensor connected to a control of the mobile part. The frequency spectrum of an intermediate frequency signal is determined, and, using pattern recognition, the frequency spectrum is compared with stored pattern samples, and the result of the comparison is conveyed to the control. The control actuates actuators such as a drive and/or steering unit of the mobile part as a function of the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes an automated storage and retrieval grid, a container accessing station, a delivery rail system, and a delivery vehicle operating on the delivery rail system.

Abstract: A storage setup and method for robotic delivery and retrieval of crates from shelving blocks are disclosed. At least one shelving block in the setup comprises non-uniformly spaced apart storage surfaces. The storage surfaces are accessible to lift-robots. A computerized control system is configured to differentiate between storage locations based on which crate sizes from at least two different ranges of crate sizes a storage location can store. The storage may be automatically optimized by routing robots to store crates in storage locations sized in correlation with the size of the crate to be stored.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smart device housing configured to fixably attach to a beverage vessel having a domed surface at a distal end, the domed surface adjacent a wall terminating at a lip, the smart device housing having an exterior configured as a transformable shape enabling a locking fit between the lip and the domed surface of the beverage vessel. Also disclosed is a system wherein a smart device has at least one proximity, image or distance sensor having a beam of detection with a path, the sensor located and directed such the beam of detection covers a location where a coupler can be attached to the beverage vessel, the smart device configured to determine whether the coupler is attached to the beverage vessel by measuring whether the path is obstructed by the coupler. Also disclosed is a method of determining the fill status of a beverage container.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a first conveyor line to convey an article in a first direction, a second conveyor line parallel or substantially parallel with the first conveyor line to convey the article in a second direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction, a backup line parallel or substantially parallel with the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line and able to change states between a state of conveying the article in the first direction and a state of conveying the article in the second direction, first connecting lines to convey the article between the first conveyor line and the backup line, and second connecting lines to convey the article between the second conveyor line and the backup line.

Abstract: A transport vehicle for transporting payloads is provided. The transport vehicle includes primary and secondary chassis, and first and second sets of wheels for supporting the respective primary and secondary chassis. A guide arrangement is mounted on the primary chassis and the secondary chassis is slidably mounted on the guide arrangement. The primary and secondary chassis are parallel and spaced apart from each other. A payload lifting arrangement is positioned on a top surface of the secondary chassis to lift a payload. When a weight of the payload is below or equal to a threshold weight, the weight is distributed across the second set of wheels by way of the suspension arrangement. When the weight of the payload exceeds the threshold weight, the weight is distributed across the first and second sets of wheels by way of the guide arrangement and the suspension arrangement, respectively.

Abstract: A system for packaging parcels includes a plurality of parcel packaging stations associated with varying packaging volume capacities. The system further includes a tote delivery conveyor configured to provide transport links to the plurality of parcel packaging stations, for transporting thereto, a tote containing a batch of parcels sorted to a common destination. The system is configured to select a parcel packaging station for the batch of parcels, from the plurality of parcel packaging stations, based on an overall volume of parcels being sorted to that destination. The tote delivery conveyor is controllable to transport the tote containing the batch of parcels to the selected parcel packaging station.

Abstract: A load handling device that is installed between a supply position and a loading position, and configured to load at the loading position the load that has been fed from the supply position. The load handling device includes a base platform, a lifting unit that is movable up and down relative to the base platform, a pair of forks that is configured to support a bottom surface of the load that has been fed from the supply position, a fork distance adjusting mechanism that is configured to adjust a distance between the pair of forks in accordance with a size of the load, and a fork advancing/retracting mechanism that is configured to cause the pair of forks to advance to or retract from the loading position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying a relative rotation between a rotary unit and a base unit in a drive unit, receiving a command that changes the relative rotation when the command is executed by the drive unit, determining that rotating at least one of the base unit or the rotary unit in a first direction in response to the command results in the relative rotation exceeding a maximum rotation value, and rotating at least one of the base unit or the rotary unit in a second direction opposite the first direction while executing the command. In one example, the drive unit may include cables that transfer power and control signals from the base unit to the rotary unit. Determining whether executing the command results in the relative rotation exceeding the maximum rotation value can ensure the cables are not damaged.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle assembly for an automated storage and retrieval system moves a product item between a storage container stored in an automated storage and retrieval grid configured to store a plurality of stacks of storage containers, and target containers. The remotely operated vehicle assembly includes a first vehicle including a vehicle body and a wheel arrangement connected to the vehicle body configured to move the remotely operated vehicle along a rail system of the automated storage and retrieval system; and a picking system for moving the product item. The first vehicle includes a container lifting device configured to carry a first target container. The vehicle assembly further includes a second vehicle including a vehicle body and a wheel arrangement connected to the vehicle body configured to move the remotely operated vehicle along a rail system of the automated storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A first storage section includes a first support portion that supports an article and a movable support portion that movably supports the first support portion in the path width direction. A second storage section includes a second support portion whose position in a path width direction relative to a movement path is fixed, and supports the article. A space occupied by the article in a state of being supported by the second support portion is a target space, a position at which the first support portion overlaps the target space in an up-down view along an up-down direction is an overlapping position, and a position that is adjacent to a first side relative to the overlapping position and at which the first support portion does not overlap the target space in the up-down view is a non-overlapping position.

Abstract: A stocker includes a transporter that travels through a traveling space within a stocker and transports an article, a pair of rails that flank the traveling space extend in parallel or substantially in parallel in a horizontal direction, platforms movable along the pair of rails, and a housing provided on a stocker outer side of a door that separates an inside and an outside of the stocker, and that houses the platforms. The pair of rails extend from the inside of the stocker to the housing through an opening directly under the door. At least one of the platforms includes a fence in an upright standing manner and an upper end of the fence is higher than an upper end of the opening. The platform that includes the fence extends across the inside of the stocker and the outside of the stocker via the opening while the fence is arranged on a stocker inner side.

Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system is disclosed having different temperature zones and robots and containers capable of and/or configured to work in these different temperature zones.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a first conveyor segment, a second conveyor segments offset from the first segment along a vertical direction, a first vertical lift at a first end of the module, and a second vertical lift at a second end of the module, which together define a movement path that is elongate along a longitudinal direction between the first and second ends. The storage module can translate inventory storage containers around the movement path until a desired one of the inventory storage containers is presented at one of the first end and the second end. In another embodiment, a plurality of instances of the storage module are arranged in a vertical stack of independently controllable storage modules.

Abstract: A robotic shuttle system includes a rack system and one or more shuttles. The rack system includes a rack and a shuttle frame. The rack has storage locations for containers containing items. The shuttle frame has rails disposed along the rack. The shuttle includes a powertrain, container transfer mechanism, and a robot arm. The power train is configured to move the shuttle along the rails of the rack and on a surface outside of the rack system. The container transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the containers between the rack and the shuttle. The robot arm extends from the shuttle to transfer the items between one of the containers on the shuttle and a container in a container holder of the shuttle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for mitigating contentions between mobile drive units (MDUs) within a workspace. A schedule may be generated that identifies execution steps associated with respective tasks to be performed by each of a plurality of mobile drive units (MDUs) within the workspace. A contention related to a first execution step associated with a first mobile drive unit (MDU) and a second execution step associated with a second MDU may be identified. The schedule may be altered to include an indication of the contention. It may be determined that the first MDU is at the location of the contention. Accordingly, the contended space may be reserved for the first MDU, and the schedule may be modified to restrict the second MDU from executing the second execution step until the first MDU has completed the execution of the first execution step.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a conveyor system transporting separated piece goods is disclosed. The conveyor system has a display device extending in sections along a transport path for the piece goods. The display device is designed to display at least one optical signal at different points of the transport path, and the display device is coupled to a control device. The control device determines information relating to the relationship of the actual conveyance of the piece good along the transport path with respect to the predetermined conveyance of the piece good along the transport path. An optical signal running along parallel to a piece good transported along the at least one transport path is displayed by the display device. The optical signal indicates the relationship of the actual conveyance of the piece good with respect to the predetermined conveyance of the piece good.

Abstract: An automated sample inspection system is provided with a conveyance line for conveying sample carriers; an empty sample carrier line for conveying empty sample carriers; and a buffer line for temporarily holding empty sample carriers supplied from the empty sample carrier line to the conveyance line. According to the depletion status of the buffer line of each processing system, and the depletion status of other processing systems adjacent to each processing system, the number of empty sample carriers to be conveyed from the empty sample carrier line to the buffer line of each processing system, and the number of empty sample carriers to be conveyed from the empty sample carrier line of each processing system to the empty sample carrier line of another adjacent processing system are determined. Consequently, delays in the processes in the system can be suppressed due to the suppression of the depletion of sample carriers.

Abstract: An order fulfillment system is disclosed including a storage structure and mobile robots capable of moving vertically and horizontally within the storage structure to transfer product totes to and from storage locations within the storage structure. The mobile robots may move along a track system including horizontal rails for horizontal travel of the mobile robot and vertical towers for vertical travel of the mobile robot. The vertical towers include two opposed pairs of tracks having U-shaped slots. The order fulfillment system may further comprise a mobile robot configured to travel vertically and horizontally along the track system to transfer product containers to and from the storage locations in the storage structure, and horizontally about a horizontal deck spanning the storage aisles. The mobile robot includes four wheel assemblies, each assembly including a pair of wheels mounted on ends of a climbing link.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful in retail store inventory storage and retrieval. Some embodiments provide systems, comprising: a rack system positioned above a dropdown ceiling and extending over the sales floor, and comprising: a plurality of racks, a rail system and the plurality of access passages; a plurality of unmanned vehicles; a plurality of access stations, wherein the access stations physically cooperate with one of the access passages; each rack comprises storage cells to receive a reusable tote; and wherein the central control circuit is configured to receive a request for a first product, identify a first access station, access the inventory tracking system to identify a first storage cell in which the first product is stored, identify an available unmanned vehicle, and communicate to the unmanned vehicle directing the unmanned vehicle to retrieve the tote and transport the tote to the first access station.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system includes transferring a first item storage container from an aisle to a first region of a first storage location, positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container, interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between, and applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location.

Abstract: A method for collecting products listed in an order in a product collecting system having a plurality of modules, the method including: assigning the order to a module, allocating a product listed in the order to the order if the product is already available in the module, allocating a product to the order from another module if the product of the “slow-moving” type is not already available in the module whereas it is available in the other module, allocating a product to the order from a pallet warehouse if the product of the “slow-moving” type is not already available in the module nor in another module, and releasing the order and loading the products onto a collecting carrier when all the products listed in the order have been collected in the module.

Abstract: A method transfers unit loads to storage channels for storage by conveying the unit loads to the storage channels using a unit load receiving device movable along the storage channels in an x-direction and a transporter extendable into the storage channel in a z-direction. The transporter includes outer transport elements in opposite end sections and optionally an in-between inner transport element. The unit load is moved from the unit load receiving device into the storage channel up to an intermediate position using one transport element by moving the transporter in a first direction. The transporter is then moved to a second direction to position the other transport element behind a unit load side wall facing the unit load receiving device. The unit load is finally shifted in the storage channel from the intermediate to the second depth position using the other transport element by moving the transporter.

Abstract: A method for placing packets into and/or out of storage with or without loading aids into/from a particular storage rack aisle of a storage rack, wherein a distribution path conveys packets into storage and/or out of storage, wherein the distribution path comprises adjacent introducing and/or discharging devices which lead to incoming and/or outgoing paths which each supply goods to a storage rack aisle or remove goods therefrom. If the incoming/outgoing path of a destination storage rack aisle is overloaded, the packet is supplied to another incoming/outgoing path of another intermediate storage rack aisle, wherein a transfer takes place from the intermediate storage rack aisle to the destination storage rack aisle or vice-versa within the storage rack.

Abstract: Described herein is system in which separate networks are operated on behalf of system components associated within an inventory system. Mobile drive units may receive initial instructions from a central authority and may identify a number of system components relevant to the provided instructions. The mobile drive unit may be configured to traverse to locations associated with the identified system components. As the mobile drive unit traverses the inventory floor, it may connect to the separate networks that it comes into contact with. Upon connecting to a network associated with a system component relevant to its set of instructions, the mobile drive unit may provide instructions to the system component to cause it to execute an action. In some embodiments, the mobile drive unit may connect to a system component in order to perform a route guidance algorithm and/or collision avoidance algorithm.

Abstract: A method for fetching a target bin stored in a storage system (100), wherein the storage system includes a three-dimensional storage grid containing a plurality of bins stacked in vertical stacks, supporting rails (13) on the grid structure, and a plurality of vehicles (1), controllably arranged to move individually on the supporting rails. The method is performed by a control device in the system and comprises controlling at least one non-target vehicle to operate as intermediate storage for a bin located vertically above the target bin (5); controlling a target vehicle to pick up the target bin, and controlling the at least one non-target vehicle and the target vehicle to be positioned adjacent to each other in a linear manner on the supporting rails. A corresponding storage system has also been disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle comprising a fork carriage with a fork, a propulsion drive system, a sensor to acquire position data of objects located in a detection field and a computer. The vehicle comprises a reference member located in the detection field of the sensor rigidly secured to a common rigid frame with the sensor. The sensor periodically acquires control position data indicative of a position of the reference member. The computer periodically compares the control position data with a reference value stored in a memory.

Abstract: A transport vehicle controller causes a travel speed of the corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided to be reduced based on position information of corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided and the position information on another of the plurality of article transport vehicles if a separation distance between the corresponding one of the plurality of article transport vehicles to which the transport vehicle controller is provided and the another of the plurality of article transport vehicles is less than, or equal to, a set separation distance.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for initiating shipment of and payment for shipping a parcel. For example, in one embodiment, a customer/user can receive a message on a user device from a carrier that includes an authorization code for shipping a parcel. After the customer/user ships the parcel, the carrier can charge a variety of accounts for the shipping charges, including a wireless services provider associated with the user device. In another embodiment, the customer/user can interact with a kiosk to ship the parcel. In this embodiment, the carrier can also charge a variety of accounts for the shipping charges, including a wireless services provider.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for storing product containers. The control system of the system comprises a central control unit to determine a route for a carriage along a part of a guide system and to send a control signal for the route in question to the carriage control unit of the carriage. The guide system is provided with unique identification signs at at least some of the junctions. Each carriage is provided with a reader for reading an identification sign and communicating said identification sign to the carriage control unit. The central control unit is designed to mark certain junctions as “blocked” under certain circumstances and to generate a list of unique identification signs associated with the “blocked” junctions. Each carriage control unit is designed to store said list in a database of the carriage control unit and to cause the carriage to stop if the identification sign is on the list as stored in the database of the carriage control unit.

Abstract: A storage rack (30) for use in an order-picking system (100) includes a plurality of rack planes (44) being arranged on top of each other, which respectively comprise a plurality of rack compartments (46, 48) being arranged side-by-side, a filling side (34) and a removal side (32), being different to the filling side (34), wherein the removal side preferably is arranged oppositely, wherein the rack compartments (46, 48) are filled with articles (66-70) at the filling side (34), wherein the articles in term are removed at the removal side (32) for the purpose of order-picking, and a plurality of serving units (52), each of which comprises at least a display element (54), a transmitter (62) and a receiver (64) and is at least arranged such at the filling side (34) that each of the rack compartments (46, 48) is assigned to one serving unit (52).

Abstract: Order allocation techniques pertaining to stops that a container makes in the process of fulfilling a customer order is disclosed. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by first identifying a pod that stocks the largest number of different items in a customer order. Then, a second pod is identified that stocks the largest number of remaining items in the customer order. The collection of pods defines a container path through the distribution center.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for automatically verifying the processing of items within a materials handling facility. In many instances one or more items are processed in a materials handling facility and an agent processing the item must place the item in a designated container so that the item can be routed to the appropriate destination. By using image capture and analysis, the placement of the item in the appropriate container can be verified without requiring the agent to scan or otherwise identify the container into which the item was placed.

Abstract: An article processing facility includes a transport control device which controls operation of at least one article transport device, management control device which transmits to the transport control device a transport command for transporting the article from a transport origin to a transport destination based on transport data with identifying information, and a display control which causes a display device to display transport-data-associated information. The management control device manages and stores attribute information of the article such that the attribute information is associated with identifying information which identifies the transport data.

Abstract: A system, method, and software are for moving inventory items to an unloading station in response to a fulfillment order. An input device is used to enter identification information about the inventory items. At a loading station, the inventory items are received and loaded into holders. The holders are then moved to storage area. A controller is configured for creating and storing a first association between the entered identification information and each of the holders in which each of the inventory items is placed. A selector and transporter are responsive to the fulfillment order and the first association, and are configured to select a holder which holds the inventory items corresponding to the fulfillment order, and configured to transport the holder from the storage area to the unloading station.

Abstract: An article transport system includes: a first transport device configured to transport an article within a first article storage area or a second article storage area; a second transport device configured to transport the article between the first article storage area and the second article storage area; an alternative power supplier configured to supply the second transport device with first power output by a first power part in the first transport device; and a power switcher configured to switch a power source for the second transport device from a second power part in the second transport device to the alternative power supplier, based on operation of the first transport device.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, an illustrative product cartridge comprises first and second opposing walls separated by a distance defined by a product to be transported by the cartridge, the first and second walls configured to define a product access aperture to allow ingress and egress of a plurality of instances of the product between the first and second walls. The product cartridge also comprises product engaging members disposed on the first and second walls, the product engaging members configured to slidingly engage and secure the plurality of instances of the product in parallel when inserted into the product access aperture and at a defined spacing between the plurality of instances of the product. A transfer access aperture opposite the product access aperture is configured to allow an external object to substantially simultaneously push each of the plurality of instances of the product out of the product access aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for surface mount assembly of PCBs, using an automated pick-and-place machine into which component tapes on reels are fed, uses component tape reels each of which has been pre-threaded into its appropriate tape guide and been stored as a reel/tape guide packet in an automated SMD storage tower, from which appropriate packets are retrieved for coupling to the pick-and-place machine.

Abstract: An order picking system includes a storage system for storing containers arranged in multiple rows at various horizontal levels with respect to ground, the containers including source containers with goods stored in the storage system and reception containers to be filled with the ordered goods. At least one mobile picking unit may be moved in a horizontal direction along an upper level of the storage system, the picking unit is configured for taking ordered goods from the source containers arranged at the upper level and placing the ordered goods into the reception containers for delivery to the customers. At least one transportation unit may be moved along a lower level of the storage system arranged lower than the upper level. The transportation unit is configured for taking the containers from levels of the storage system lower than the upper level, and delivering the containers to the upper level.

Abstract: In a chemical liquid container replacement device D2 configured to replace a chemical liquid container 50, multiple chemical liquid containers 50 respectively connected to base end sides of chemical liquid supply paths configured to supply chemical liquids, and a nozzle attachment/detachment device 61 is configured to attach/detach the base end side of the chemical liquid supply path with respect to the chemical liquid container 50 of a container arrangement section 60. A loading/unloading port 62 loads a new chemical liquid container 50 for performing a liquid process on a substrate W and unloads a completely used chemical liquid container 50. A container transfer device 7 unloads the completely used chemical liquid container 50 from the container arrangement section 60 toward the loading/unloading port 62 and loads the new chemical liquid containers 50 from the loading/unloading port 62 toward the container arrangement section 60.

Abstract: A method and system for fulfilling orders includes establishing a queue of orders that are available to be filled, each order in the queue containing at least one unique item type. An order from the order queue is selected and opened as a first order. Another order from the order queue is selected and opened as a second order. Inventory containers each having a unique item type for at least one of the orders are delivered and an operator picks the unique item type from the inventory container. The orders are assembled at order assembly locations that are a particular distance from the operator. The orders are selected and/or the assembly locations assigned in a manner that improves order fulfillment productivity, such as by reducing order fulfillment time, reducing operator travel distance, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting and combining items in an outbound container through the use of autonomous vehicles, each of which includes means for automatically loading and unloading a payload, to perform both transfer and transport functions in moving containers of items within a workspace via a network of roadways. Under computer control, said autonomous vehicles transfer and transport case containers of item units between incoming receiving stations, intermediate storage locations, and outgoing order-assembly stations where entire containers or individual item units are combined in the outbound container.

Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a storage structure having storage sections and a carry-in-and-out portion, one or more environment adjusters for adjusting storage environment individually for each of the storage sections, an environment managing portion for collecting information about storage environment and controls operation of the one or more environment adjusters, a storage transport device for performing a transport operation, and a carry-in-and-out managing device for managing the locations of storage sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for retrieving medication packages from a pharmacy order-picking device. In the method according to the invention, an operating device is displaced in a displacement position to a predetermined shelf position, at least one medication package on a shelf belonging to the shelf position is moved with a gripping device in the direction of a support and it is then checked whether the at least one medication package has moved fully onto the support. If the check has a negative outcome, an edge of the shelf on which the at least one medication package is stored is detected with a sensor of the operating device and said operating device is displaced to a corresponding shelf position, the gripping device having been brought into the displacement position before displacement.

Abstract: The apparatus is a Lift and Storage Racking Apparatus for Human Remains to store human remains in an efficient manner. The lift component of the apparatus, through other connected components, when operated will either raise or lower human remains vertically, while maintaining the horizontal orientation of the human remains. The storage component of the apparatus accommodates extraordinary variations in the height, width, depth, and weight of human remains. Parallel storage rollers, glides, slides, and/or bearings facilitate efficient loading and unloading, as well as, expansion of the depth of storage for multiple human remains. Additional vertical levels placed within the storage component proportionally increase the capacity of the storage component. The apparatus is suitable for new installation as well as existing spaces for the storage of human remains; including but not limited to temperature controlled environments, such as buildings, structures, rooms, coolers, and/or freezers.

Abstract: A transport system includes a first track that passes above loading ports of the processing devices, and an overhead travelling vehicle that travels along the first track and includes a hoist. A second track is below the first track, passes above the loading ports, and is disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel with the first track. A buffer is provided below the second track at a position higher than the loading ports, and is arranged such that the articles can pass in a vertical direction over the loading ports. The buffer is disposed such that the articles can pass through the height position of the buffer in a vertical direction over the loading ports. A local vehicle travels along the second track and includes a hoist to perform delivery and receipt of the articles between the buffer and the loading ports.