Abstract: A calculation amount and calculation time for a substrate conveyance schedule are reduced. A scheduler is provided which is incorporated in a control section of a substrate processing apparatus including a plurality of substrate processing sections that process a substrate, a conveyance section that conveys the substrate, and the control section that controls the conveyance section and the substrate processing sections, and calculates a substrate conveyance schedule. The scheduler includes: a modeling section that models processing conditions, processing time and constraints of the substrate processing apparatus into nodes and edges using a graph network theory, prepares a graph network, and calculates a longest route length to each node; and a calculation section that calculates the substrate conveyance schedule based on the longest route length.

Abstract: A loose component supply device in which a stage on which components are scattered is imaged by an imaging device and the area of the stage imaged by the imaging device is divided into 20×20 blocks. A difference value between first imaging data that is imaging data of the stage without any components loaded and second imaging data that is imaging data of the stage after component supply has been started and components replenished onto the stage is calculated for each block. If the difference value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is determined that a component is present in the block, and if it is determined that the quantity of blocks for which it is determined that a component is present is equal to or less than a set quantity, components are replenished to the stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assistive glove for daily activities of stroke patient which comprises a main body, a first pulling member, a second pulling member, and plural circular strings. The main body comprises a thumb sleeve, at least one finger sleeve a palm portion connected to the thumb sleeve and the at least one finger sleeve by one side and a wrist portion connected to another side of the palm portion. The first pulling member and the second pulling member are disposed on the palm portion and having a first hook and at least one second hook corresponding to the thumb sleeve and the at least one finger sleeve. The plural circular strings are hung on the first hook and the at least one second hook and fixed to the thumb sleeve and the at least one finger sleeve respectively.

Abstract: A container crane control system including: a camera configured to be fixedly mounted to a crane to obtain a series of captured images, a video output configured to provide a video signal including a series of cropped image based on the series of captured images; and a control device configured to, for at least part of the captured images and the respective cropped image, receive an input signal indicating a current height of a load of the crane, wherein the control device is configured to control a position of the respective cropped image within the captured image based on the current height of the load.

Abstract: A system for transporting containers using heavy goods vehicles which comprises a separate operating region in which the heavy goods vehicles can be operated, with at least one automated heavy goods vehicle and at least one manually driven heavy goods vehicle being operated together in a mixed traffic situation in the separate operating region.

Abstract: A robot system is provided with a robot, a hand, and a range sensor that acquires information about a distance to a workpiece. Claw parts of the hand include grip regions having a shape for gripping the workpiece. A controller stops the robot when the hand collides with the workpiece. The controller determines whether or not a target workpiece can be gripped by a part other than the grip regions of the hand. When it is determined that the target workpiece can be gripped by the part other than the grip regions, the controller performs control for gripping the target workpiece by using the hand, and for moving the target workpiece inside a container.

Abstract: A system and method of combining move commands of an automated data storage library is disclosed that includes receiving a first command from a host system to remove a first data storage cartridge from a data storage drive of the automated data storage library; maintaining the first data storage cartridge within the data storage drive until receiving a second command from the host system to move a second data storage cartridge into the data storage drive; responding to the host system with a successful move completion status of the first data storage cartridge from the data storage drive, even though the first data storage cartridge is maintained within the data storage drive; and updating a cartridge inventory for the host system to indicate that the first data storage cartridge is located in a requested storage slot location after receiving the first command from the host system to remove the first data storage cartridge from the data storage drive, even though the first data storage cartridge is maintained

Abstract: Radial counterbalance mechanisms and related techniques are provided to improve the accuracy and reliability of gimbal systems. A radial counterbalance system includes a radial counterbalance mechanism, an orientation sensor, and a logic device. The radial counterbalance mechanism includes a counterbalance weight and a motor configured to adjust a radial position of the counterbalance weight. The orientation sensor is configured to provide an orientation of a payload coupled to the gimbal ring, a platform coupled to the gimbal ring, and/or the gimbal ring. The logic device is configured to determine a compensating radial weight position for the counterbalance weight based, at least in part, on a received orientation, and to control the motor to position the counterbalance weight at the compensating radial weight position. The compensating radial weight position is configured to reduce a radial displacement of a center of gravity of the payload from the rotational axis of the gimbal ring.

Abstract: In one implementation, a system for automatically profiling pallets includes a frame defining an opening that is sized and shaped for a pallet to pass through, and cameras mounted to the frame, the cameras being configured to capture images of a pallet as it passes through the frame. The system further includes a profiling computer system that is configured to receive the images captured by the cameras and to automatically profile the pallet based, at least in part, on analysis of the images. Automatically profiling the pallet includes generating a point cloud representing the pallet based on the images, determining a size of the pallet based on the point cloud generated from images of the pallet, identifying contents of the pallet based on the images, and providing pallet information identifying, at least, the size and contents of the pallet to a warehouse management system in association with the pallet.

Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for a method and system for an augmented reality-based aircraft cargo monitoring and control system. The embodiments include a controlling device in communication with a master control panel (MCP), wherein the controlling device include a capturing module that is configured to receive an image and an object identification module that is configured to detect an identifier of an object from the image. The controlling device also includes a tracking module that is configured to track movement of the object, a rendering module that is configured to overlay an indicator over the image, and a microprojector that is configured to project the image on a display, wherein the display configured to display the mode and status of the object.

Abstract: A substrate transfer robot, first and second sensors are provided in a hand such that a planar-view intersection point of optical axes is located on a center of a substrate when the hand holds the substrate in planar view, and a control device operates an arm, scans a target placed at a teaching position with the first and second sensors, and acquires the teaching position when the target is located at the planar-view intersection point of the optical axes.

Abstract: The present disclosure shows an apparatus for the automated removal of workpieces arranged in a bin, said apparatus having a first object recognition device for detecting the workpieces in the bin; a first picker for picking and removing the workpieces from the bin; a controller for evaluating the data of the first object recognition device, for path planning and for controlling the first picker; and a transport device on which the workpieces removed from the bin are placed. Provision is made that a robot arm that is used for placing the workpieces on the transport device is arranged on a pedestal above the transport device.

Abstract: A storage rack includes a plurality of storage portions each configured to store a container. The container has a supported portion and an intake portion in a bottom surface of the container, the intake portion supplying gas into the container, wherein the center of gravity of the container is located between the supported portion and the intake portion as seen along a vertical direction. Provided to each of the storage portions are a container support in which a support surface is formed for supporting the supported portion from below, a nozzle configured to contact the intake portion from below to supply gas into the container through the intake portion, and a restriction member configured to contact a side surface of the container when stored on the storage portion to restrict movement of the container along a horizontal direction. The container is supported only by the support surface and the nozzle.

Abstract: A calculation amount and calculation time for a substrate conveyance schedule are reduced. A scheduler is provided which is incorporated in a control section of a substrate processing apparatus including a plurality of substrate processing sections that process a substrate, a conveyance section that conveys the substrate, and the control section that controls the conveyance section and the substrate processing sections, and calculates a substrate conveyance schedule. The scheduler includes: a modeling section that models processing conditions, processing time and constraints of the substrate processing apparatus into nodes and edges using a graph network theory, prepares a graph network, and calculates a longest route length to each node; and a calculation section that calculates the substrate conveyance schedule based on the longest route length.

Abstract: A synchronization primitive provides robots with locks, monitors, semaphores, or other mechanisms for reserving temporary access to a shared limited set of resources required by the robots in performing different tasks. Through non-conflicting establishment of the synchronization primitives across the set of resources, robots can prioritize the order with which assigned tasks are completed and minimize wait times for resources needed to complete each of the assigned tasks, thereby maximizing the number of tasks simultaneously executed by the robots and optimizing task completion. The synchronization primitives and resulting resource allocation can be implemented with a centralized coordinator or with peer-to-peer robotic messaging, whereby private keys and blockchains secure the precedence and establishment of synchronization primitives by different robots.

Abstract: A method for optimizing at least one motion profile, a computer program product for performing the method and a related control device for this purpose, wherein commencing from a master motion profile, at least one slave motion profile describes a motion of an actuator, the respective slave motion profile being connected via a cam disk function and/or a kinematic transformation, where the motion profiles are divided into areas, based constraints of slave motion profiles, the maximum speed of the master motion profile is computed for each area, a difference between the highest and the lowest maximum speed is selected, the area having the highest maximum speed is subsequently reduced, and the area having the lowest maximum speed is enlarged, until the difference between the two maximum speeds is less than a tolerance.

Abstract: A method of authorizing transactions is provided that includes receiving from a user an action parameter, associating the action parameter with a user profile associated with the user, storing the action parameter, receiving an authorization request from a merchant for a transaction with the user, comparing the action parameter with transaction identification information, and sending an authorization response in response to comparing the action parameter with transaction identification information.

Abstract: A monitoring system for automated detection of egress or ingress of a drive unit between first and second spaces in an inventory system includes a path for conveying the drive unit between the first and second spaces that defines an intermediate space between the two spaces. A sensor is configured to detect passage of the drive unit between the first space and the intermediate space, and an identification sensor is arranged to read an identifier of the drive unit. In combination with an inventory management system, the monitoring system can be used to update and maintain accuracy of a virtual representation of a physical inventory space that employs automated drive units or shuttles.

Abstract: An end of arm tool subassembly includes three identical linear drive mechanisms connected directly together to provide three directions of movement. Each linear drive mechanism includes a base defined by a longitudinal axis and a slide movably coupled to the base. The base has at least one mounting surface disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and an end mounting surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The slide traverses in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and has a slide mounting surface thereon. One of the identical linear drive mechanisms is directly attached to the end mounting surface of the base of another linear drive mechanism to provide two of the three directions of movement.

Abstract: Implementations of a system for determining the relevancy of a plurality of alarms may include: a plurality of sensors configured to be coupled to a patient, wherein the plurality of sensors is configured to gather physiological data, a medical monitoring device coupled to the plurality of sensors through a telecommunication channel, and wherein the medical monitoring device is configured to determine a physiological state of the patient using the physiological data. The medical monitoring device may be further configured to issue a plurality of alarm states, and a processing unit coupled to the medical monitoring device through a telecommunication channel, is then configured to evaluate the plurality of alarm states, determine the relevancy of each alarm state of the plurality of alarm states, and issue one or more alarms corresponding with each relevant alarm state to a computing device associated with a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for operating a conveyance system (e.g., a conveyor belt, tilt plane, robotic arm) of a mobile drive unit (MDU) independent of the MDU's navigation system. The MDU may be configured to obtain, convey, and deliver items within the workspace. Navigation information related to navigating the MDU within a workspace may be obtained. Operations of a navigational system of the MDU may be performed to move the MDU to various locations within the workspace in accordance with the navigation information. Conveyance information related to physically obtaining and/or delivering an item within the workspace may be obtained by the MDU (e.g., via conveyance-related fiducial markers and/or sensors of the MDU). At least one operation of a conveyance system of the MDU may be executed which may cause the item to be physically relocated based at least in part on the conveyance information.

Abstract: An automated photomask storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of mobile storage units aligned in a first direction. Each mobile storage unit is movable in the first direction and includes a plurality of storage cells. A gantry is disposed over the plurality of mobile storage units. The gantry includes a supporting frame movable in the first direction. The plurality of mobile storage units interpose a pair of supporting members of the supporting frame. A beam connects the pair of supporting members and is movable along the pair of supporting members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The beam includes a plurality of buffer cells. A robotic arm is disposed adjacent to the plurality of buffer cells and movable along the beam. The robotic arm is configured to transfer a container containing a photomask between a storage cell and a buffer cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automating robotic end effector alignment using real-time data from multiple distance sensors to control relative translational and rotational motion. In accordance with one embodiment, the alignment process involves computation of offset distance and rotational angles to guide a robotic end effector to a desired location relative to a target object. The relative alignment process enables the development of robotic motion path planning applications that minimize on-line and off-line motion path script creation, resulting in an easier-to-use robotic application. A relative alignment process with an independent (off-board) method for target object coordinate system registration can be used. One example implementation uses a finite-state machine configuration to control a holonomic motion robotic platform with rotational end effector used for grid-based scan acquisition for non-destructive inspection.

Abstract: Systems for storing items in customer-owned product storages at an automated locker are provided. An example system can include: an automated locker comprising a plurality of product storages and a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud scanner; a platform, wherein the platform comprises: a processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: receiving a request from a customer to rent a product storage located in one of a plurality of automated lockers; assigning the product storage to the customer; selecting a payment method by the customer and confirming a payment transaction; issuing a verification code to the entity to retrieve the item; automatically retrieving the first item from the product storage; and processing, via the 3D point cloud scanner, a return request from the customer.

Abstract: A system for detection of human or vehicle activity comprising at least one sensor adapted to generate a signal and at least one processor operating to denoise the signal; generate an autocorrelation of the signal; partition the signal into a predetermined number of overlapping segments to form a time series of data; generate symbols for the overlapping segments; compare the pattern of generated symbols with known predetermined patterns of symbols representing human or vehicular activity; determine whether a threshold probability is exceeded which attributes the data signal to human or vehicular activity; analyze the patterns presented in the data signal by transforming the patterns of symbols into states; determine the transitions between states; and classify the signal as to being attributable to human or vehicular activity based upon the transitions between states. A method of detection and classification of sensor data signals via detecting patterns using time series analysis.

Abstract: A gas supplying device has a plurality of connectors each of which is configured to be connected to a container stored in the corresponding one of supplying storage sections, supply lines configured to divide and supply gas to the plurality of connectors, and a mass flow controller configured to control a flow rate of gas that flows through one of the supply lines. The supply lines include first supply lines each of which is installed to a corresponding supplying storage sections, a second supply line installed upstream of the first supply lines, and a branching supply line for dividing gas supplied from the second supply line into the first supply lines. The mass flow controller is installed in the second supply line and in an installation area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for replenishing containers with goods from stock keeping units (SKUs) arriving at a replenishment area in a distribution center. A central controller receives a first set of data comprising a plurality of first predefined threshold values, each indicative of a maximum capacity of goods in a corresponding SKU. The central controller associates the first set of data to a second set of data comprising one or more container identifiers having a second predefined threshold value indicative of a capacity of a corresponding container. Further, the central controller generates an ordered sequence of container identifiers indicative of the containers to be retrieved to the replenishment area for receiving goods from the plurality of SKUs based on the association of the first set of data with the second set of data.

Abstract: An computer-implemented inventory control system and a method of inventory control which includes an inventory control program executable to analyze a sensor signal generated by a distance sensor having a fixed position at a target location to calculate the inventory level of a target product positioned at the target location based on separation distance between the distance sensor and the target product.

Abstract: A module manages memory in a computer. The module monitors usage of a primary memory associated with the computer. The primary memory stores memory blocks in a ready state. In response to primary memory usage by the memory blocks in the ready state exceeding a ready state threshold, the module compresses at least some of the memory blocks in the ready state to form memory blocks in a ready and compressed state. In response to primary memory usage by the memory blocks in the ready and compressed state exceeding a release threshold, the module releases at least some of the memory blocks in the ready and compressed state. In response to primary memory usage by the memory blocks in the compressed state exceeding a compressed threshold, the module transfers at least some memory blocks in the compressed state to a secondary memory associated with the computer.

Abstract: A mobile robot includes a receiving unit that receives a request for providing a service, a notifying unit that notifies a client that the request is received by performing an operation oriented toward the client who has made the request, a moving unit that moves toward a user designated as a receiver of the service in accordance with the request, and a providing unit that provides the service.

Abstract: A method of controlling a movement of a medical instrument comprises receiving an input instruction from an operator input device movement and determining a control factor based on the input instruction. The method also comprises receiving a motion scaling parameter determined from the control factor and mapping the input instruction to an output instruction for a medical instrument movement. The mapping includes applying the motion scaling parameter to the input instruction to create the output instruction. The method also includes moving the medical instrument according to the output instruction.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles may be deployed to areas where an item is in demand, and configured to fulfill orders for the item received from the areas. The autonomous vehicles are loaded with the item and dispatched to the area under their own power or in a carrier. When an order for the item is received, an autonomous vehicle delivers the item to a location in the area. Autonomous vehicles may also be equipped with a 3D printer or other equipment and loaded with materials for manufacturing the item. When an order for the item is received, the autonomous vehicle manufactures the item from such materials, and delivers the item. Autonomous vehicles may be configured for collaboration, such as to deliver or manufacture items in multiple stages and to transfer the items between vehicles. Autonomous vehicles may also be configured to automatically access locations in the area, e.g., using wireless access codes.

Abstract: A method of controlling a non-productive movement of a tool from a starting position to an end position in a travel envelope of a machine tool includes the steps of a) providing a collision-free first trajectory for the non-productive movement of the tool, b) determining a second trajectory that is improved over the first trajectory with regard to a selectable target parameter using an algorithm, and c) checking the second trajectory for collisions and, if the second trajectory is free of collisions, providing an instruction corresponding to the second trajectory. The first trajectory in step a) includes plural rectilinear segments and the second trajectory in step b) includes a polynomial segment and, if the second trajectory is not free of collisions in step c), steps b) to c) are repeated so that the algorithm is provided with a modified model of the travel envelope in a repeat of step b).

Abstract: An antenna device includes a base and a coil element that includes a coil conductor, first and second terminals respectively connected to first and second ends of the coil conductor, and third and fourth terminals extended from a secondary coil conductive portion of the coil conductor. First, second, third, and fourth electrodes and a radiating conductor are disposed on the base. The first electrode is connected to the first terminal and links to a power feed circuit. The second electrode is connected to the second terminal and links to the power feed circuit. The third electrode is connected to the third terminal. The fourth electrode is connected to the fourth terminal. The radiating conductor links to the third electrode and the fourth electrode. The coil element and the radiating conductor are magnetically coupled to a communication-partner antenna.

Abstract: System and method for item management are provided. The system includes storage compartments, a scanner on each storage compartment, a memory, and at least one processor. Each scanner is configured to scan an identification code on an item that is picked up from and placed down in the storage compartment. The processor is coupled to the scanner and the memory. The processor is configured to: decode an identification code on an item scanned by one scanner; generate decoding information for the identification code upon a successful decoding; determine an operation type of the item based on the scanning of the identification code on the item; obtain item location information for the identification code, based on the one scanner for the identification code; and update item management information according to the decoding information, the item location information, and the operation type of the item for the identification code.

Abstract: A system to record equipment location in an equipment rack is disclosed. The system includes a support frame having at least one slot. An identification label is located in proximity to the support frame. The identification label corresponds to the location of the slot. A device is installed in the at least one slot. An imaging sensor is coupled to the device and captures an image of the identification label.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for the automated tracking of services performed on machines by service robots, technicians, and other devices are provided. A system includes a robot fingerprint reader, service tool, and robot fingerprint database. The robot fingerprint reader may be associated with a machine receiving service and configured to receive a robot fingerprint from the service tool. The service tool may be associated with the device performing the service, and include an interface that is configured to allow the robot fingerprint to be obtained by the robot fingerprint reader. The service robot may be configured to register the robot fingerprint with the robot fingerprint database, and the robot fingerprint database may be configured to create an entry associated with the robot fingerprint of the device performing the service.

Abstract: Load handling equipment comprises vertical support structures between which transport means are mounted to be moved along a horizontal support structure between the vertical support structures to move a load relative to the support structures, and a distance-measuring device capable of generating distance measurement data is mounted in at least one of said support structures. The distance-measuring device is arranged to generate distance measurement data on at least two of the following objects relative to their mounting position, the objects comprising: a vehicle positioned beneath or on a side of the load handling equipment, the door of a vehicle, a person, a load, a reflector and transport means for moving a load.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to manage reservations and deliveries for a docking station. More specifically, the various embodiments described herein track spaces on a docking station to determine whether one or more spaces are available when requested by a delivery device. Each space on the docking station has a corresponding capacity unit for each location on the docking station. The transactions for the capacity units are tracked in a ledger, with available capacity units indicating an open location on the docking station or contracted out capacity units indicating that either the location has a locker secured thereto or that the location is reserved for a future delivery.

Abstract: An improved deposition aid for manual sample preparation, particularly on flat MALDI sample supports, comprises a holder for a sample support with several sample sites, which is adapted to standardized sample supports for ionization with matrix-assisted laser desorption and a device which projects a two-dimensional optical image, or a suitable sequence of images, onto the sample sites. The image, or sequence of images, is constructed such that a selected sample site or group of selected sample sites is highlighted in a way which can be perceived by the human eye, at least with respect to neighboring, not-selected sample sites. The deposition aid also includes an interface for confirming the manual deposition and/or a device for the automatic detection of a manual deposition process; and a guidance system which selects a sample site or group of sample sites, and controls the device accordingly.

Abstract: A system for use in delivering physical customer items to a customer is described. The system includes a database and a server computer. The database includes customer item lists that include customer item records indicative of physical customer-owned items previously collected from customers. The server computer includes a processor that is programmed to display a website including a plurality of consumer goods and allow the customer to select goods for purchase and delivery. The processor also retrieves a customer item list associated with the customer, displays customer-owned items that are eligible for delivery, and allows the customer to select eligible customer-owned items to be included in a customer delivery order request. The processor also generates and displays a delivery order report including the selected consumer goods, the selected eligible customer-owned items, and a customer specified delivery location for use in assembling and delivering the goods and customer-owned items.

Abstract: The present description is directed to moving a car within a shuttle connection that connects a first library string and a second library string contained in a shuttle complex. The shuttle complex determines a first library string data chunk count of a first library string, determines a second library string data chunk count of a second library string, and moves the car within the shuttle connection to the first library string if the first library string data chunk count is greater than the second library string data chunk count. A library string data chunk count is generally the sum of respective cartridge data chunk counts of each cartridge located within the library string. The library string data chunk count may be updated after a data chunk write to a cartridge located within the library string, may be updated after a cartridge is moved from the library string, and may be updated after a cartridge is moved to the library string.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate mounting method of bringing a substrate close to a mounting table to mount the substrate on the mounting table by reducing a protrusion amount of a plurality of projections configured to protrude from a substrate-mounting surface of the mounting table and to support the substrate, the protrusion amount being defined to protrude from the substrate-mounting surface. The method includes: after at least a portion of the substrate is brought into contact with the substrate-mounting surface, halting an operation of bringing the substrate close to the mounting table; and after the halting the operation of bringing the substrate close to the mounting table, resuming the operation of bringing the substrate close to the mounting table.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for presenting event information to a user and, if necessary, obtaining confirmation of different aspects (user, item, action) of the event. In some implementations, an event includes a user, an action, and an item. For example, an event may include a user picking an item from an inventory location, a user placing an item into a tote associated with the user, etc. if the aspects of the event cannot be determined with a high enough degree of confidence, a user interface may be generated and sent to the user requesting confirmation of one or more of the aspects of the event.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling an order-picking, rack-transporting robot. More specifically, the robot is controlled to select a minimized number of movable racks storing ordered products identified in one or more orders for product deliveries, while still ensuring that all ordered products are included.

Abstract: There is a method of and a system for determining a location of a mobile device having both a module that is part of a terrestrial-based location system and a module that is part of a satellite-based global positioning system. The system comprises a remote system. The mobile device is configured to activate one of the location determining modules of the mobile device, where the type of either location determining module activated is selected according to a location module type datum in a message received by the mobile device from the remote system. The mobile device establishes a connection between the mobile device and the remote system and the remote system receives the determined location. A type of location determining module to be next used by the mobile device is determined or a period of time before the module device next determines it location is determined. A message is send from the remote system to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for storing piece goods of different dimensions in storage channels conveys the goods to the channels using a piece goods receiving device movable along the channels in an x direction and into the channels using a transport device extendible into the channels in a z direction. The goods are stored tightly-packed in the channels. A width dimension of the goods is detected and the goods are assigned to the different width classes. The goods are supplied to a pick-up station selectively according to width classes using a conveying system, then transferred to the receiving device, and using the transport device a group of goods is moved from the receiving device into the channel simultaneously in a storage direction and in a depth direction of the channel so that a lateral wall of the rearmost good in the storage direction is substantially flush with the channel end edge.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for fulfillment of perishable goods using transportable climate-controlled units. A computing environment may control operation and transportation of network-enabled refrigeration units using mobile drive units capable of navigating a materials handing center or other space. The mobile drive units may recharge or otherwise provide power to the refrigeration units, for example, as they are transported.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles may be deployed to areas where an item is in demand, and configured to fulfill orders for the item received from the areas. The autonomous vehicles are loaded with the item and dispatched to the area under their own power or in a carrier. When an order for the item is received, an autonomous vehicle delivers the item to a location in the area. Autonomous vehicles may also be equipped with a 3D printer or other equipment and loaded with materials for manufacturing the item. When an order for the item is received, the autonomous vehicle manufactures the item from such materials, and delivers the item. Autonomous vehicles may be configured for collaboration, such as to deliver or manufacture items in multiple stages and to transfer the items between vehicles. Autonomous vehicles may also be configured to automatically access locations in the area, e.g., using wireless access codes.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an industrial vehicle are presented. The system includes a first imaging subsystem for acquiring a plurality of load-carrying-portion images. A cargo-detection subsystem is configured for analyzing each of the plurality of load-carrying-portion images to determine whether cargo is positioned on the load-carrying portion. A power-detection subsystem is configured for determining when the industrial vehicle is running. A motion-detection subsystem is configured for determining when the industrial vehicle is in motion. An analytics subsystem is configured for calculating the amount of time that the industrial vehicle is running, the amount of time that the industrial vehicle is running while cargo is positioned on the load-carrying portion, the amount of time the industrial vehicle is in motion, and the amount of time the industrial vehicle is in motion while cargo is positioned on the load-carrying portion.