Abstract: A wafer jig according to an embodiment may be used for a robot having a hand including a light emitting part and a light receiving part. The light receiving part detects detection light emitted from the light emitting part. The wafer jig includes a light source for emitting the notification light toward the light receiving part. The wafer jig outputs information to a hand side by emitting the notification light from the light source to the light receiving part.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for systems and methods related to kiosks for personalizing a packaged article. The kiosks may also be used for storage, inventory management, retrieval, packaging, and/or personalization of packaged articles. The kiosks discussed herein differ from non-kiosk personalization systems, such as personalization systems installed on a factory or warehouse floor, in that the kiosks are self-contained personalization systems. In some embodiments, the kiosks are portable and can be moved between different sites or events. This portability allows the kiosks to personalize packaged articles for concerts, festivals, conventions, trade shows, and the like.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method performed by data processing apparatuses includes receiving order data that represents a plurality of ordered items for delivery to a location; selecting a first policy from a store of first policies; transforming at least a portion of the order data into a plurality of item units, based on rules associated with the selected first policy; selecting a second policy from a store of second policies; for each item unit, based on rules associated with the selected second policy, modifying the item unit to include annotated information that corresponds to operations to be performed on the item unit; and generating instructions for grouping the plurality of item units for delivery to the location, based on the annotated information for the item units.

Abstract: Agents are configured to collect data from terminals and send the data in real time to a data integrator. The data integrator identifies the data types and processes custom aggregation on select ones of data types from the data. The data and the output of any aggregations are translated to a select output format and sent to one or more select resources for further processing. The data integrator determines when to send the data and the output from any aggregation in the select output format to the one more select resources based on a defined condition. In an embodiment, the data integrator sends the data and output from any aggregation in real time to at least one of the one or more select resources.

Abstract: Analyte monitoring systems, devices, and methods associated with analyte monitoring devices, and devices incorporating the same are provided. Various graphical user interfaces (GUI) and navigation flows are provided for performing various features, activities, functions, etc., associated with the analyte monitoring device or system. Intuitive navigation is provided to enhance the interpretation of analyte measurements.

Abstract: A receiving structure providing real-time information as to the materials constituting its contents includes a box body, a first side plate, and a second side plate. The box body, the first side plate, and the second side plate forming a receiving space, and the receiving space receives materials. A discharge port is formed between the second side plate and the first side plate, the discharge port is in communication with the receiving space, and the discharge port is configured to take out the material. A material checking unit is provided on the first side plate, the material checking unit detects and enables real time identification of the materials in the receiving structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for designating a location for a delivery item that is being sorted by an operator. The operator scans the delivery address of the item using a scanner having a particular attribute, such as being painted red. Using delivery address along with an identifier for the scanner that was used, the system determines a sort output location for the item, identifies a designator (e.g. a specific color, such as red) that corresponds to the scanner, and identifies an indicator device (e.g., a multicolor LED device) that corresponds to the sort output location. The system then commands the indicator device to present or display the designator. For example, the indicator device may be commanded to illuminate a LED to give off red light. The operator of the red scanner then places the item at the location corresponding to the red light designator.

Abstract: A shelf, a dispatching method, a dispatching device, and an operation dispatching system relating to the field of intelligent warehousing technology, the shelf including: a storage device for placing an article; a motion device for moving the shelf; a power device for providing energy to the motion device; a communication device configured to communicate with a control center; and a controller that controls communication of the communication device with the control center and controls motion of the motion device.

Abstract: A system for eliminating interference of randomly stacked workpieces is disclosed. The system includes a three-dimensional sensing module, a pick-up apparatus and a control module. The control module is coupled to the three-dimensional sensing module and the pick-up apparatus. The control module is configured to control the three-dimensional sensing module to capture a three-dimensional image, analyze the three-dimensional image to obtain an image information, select a target workpiece to be picked up according to the image information, arrange an interference elimination path for the target workpiece, and control the pick-up apparatus to eliminate interference of the target workpiece according to the interference elimination path.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a central control method. The method includes: obtaining identifications, locations and states of objects in a port; generating and displaying a port electronic map based on the identifications, locations, and states of the objects; and displaying, upon detecting that an object in the port electronic map is being operated, the identification, location, and/or state of the operated object. With the present disclosure, the monitored content can be extended to information, such as identifications, locations and states, related to the respective objects. Compared with the existing port monitoring system, the monitoring is more thorough and comprehensive, which is advantageous for improving port operation security and service execution efficiency. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a central control system.

Abstract: A layer pick system optimizes usage of a layer picker gantry or robotic arm by arranging and/or displacing the gantry or arm in optimal locations with respect to one or more groups of pallets, and/or by grouping pallets by their attributes and arranging the same group of pallets close to each other. In some implementations, a plurality of pallets is categorized into multiple groups by different velocities.

Abstract: A commodity replenishment method and device, which relate to the technical field of smart shopping, the method includes determining warehouse-out information and an association relation of shelved commodities according to historical sales information of the commodities; determining placement information of the shelved commodities on shelves based on commodity attributes, the warehouse-out information, the association relationship and shelf information; controlling a shelf management system to adjust shelf layout according to the placement information; determining a replenishment quantity and replenishment position of the shelved commodities according to the current remaining quantity of the shelved commodities; controlling a commodity conveying system to place replenished commodities to the replenishment position.

Abstract: A machine vision-based method and system to facilitate the unloading of a pile of cartons within a work cell are provided. The method includes the step of providing at least one 3-D or depth sensor having a field of view at the work cell. Each sensor has a set of radiation sensing elements which detect reflected, projected radiation to obtain 3-D sensor data. The 3-D sensor data including a plurality of pixels. For each possible pixel location and each possible carton orientation, the method includes generating a hypothesis that a carton with a known structure appears at that pixel location with that container orientation to obtain a plurality of hypotheses. The method further includes ranking the plurality of hypotheses. The step of ranking includes calculating a surprisal for each of the hypotheses to obtain a plurality of surprisals. The step of ranking is based on the surprisals of the hypotheses.

Abstract: A control method in a mobile automation system including a mobile automation apparatus and a control server. The method comprises, at the mobile automation apparatus: receiving a task identifier and a plurality of task fragments from the control server, each task fragment containing (i) a subset of identifiers for respective sub-regions in a facility, and (ii) an operational constraint. The method further includes, for each task fragment: generating a path traversing the subset of sub-regions, and while travelling along the path, performing the identified task.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for controlling equipment are provided. One of the method includes: acquiring distance data between a current position and a target position of transportation equipment; and controlling operations of the transportation equipment and a lifting device of the transportation equipment according to the distance data, comprising: determining, based on a current elevation of the lifting device, a target elevation of the lifting device, and the distance data, an elevating speed of the lifting device and a travel speed of the transportation equipment; and controlling the lifting device to elevate or lower at the elevating speed from the current elevation to the target elevation, and controlling the transportation equipment to travel at the travel speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an item transport system. The item transport system includes: a control server, at least one carrying robot, at least one storage container and at least one picking container. The control server obtains order information and container information of items to be transported and integrates the order information with the container information to provide transport information for the at least one carrying robot. The storage container and the picking container are both configured to accommodate items to be stored and items to be picked interchangeably. The carrying robot carries the storage container or the picking container based on the transport information received from the control server. Further disclosed is an item transport method.

Abstract: A wireless load control system for controlling one or more electrical loads comprises a wireless control device (e.g., a gateway device) able to obtain a present time from a server via a network (e.g., the Internet), control the electrical loads according to a timeclock schedule, and disable the timeclock schedule if the present time is not able to be obtained from the server via the network. The wireless control device may also be able to obtain the present time from a digital message received from an external device (e.g., a smart phone or a tablet device) via the network. The wireless control device may be configured to receive a control signal indicating a power outage (e.g., from a battery backup device), and to operate in a low-power mode in response to receiving the control signal indicating the power outage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing an item acquisition modeling service. An item acquisition modeling service may determine the expected amount of time required to acquire a set of items from a distribution center. The item acquisition modeling service may estimate travel times and acquisition times for individual items in the set, using a machine learning model that is trained on previous acquisitions of items, and may aggregate individual item estimates to generate a time estimate for the set of items. The item acquisition modeling service may generate and display user interfaces that indicate the elapsed time and remaining time relative to the estimated time, and may indicate whether items are being acquired more quickly or more slowly than the estimate. The item acquisition modeling service may further display target or goal acquisition times, and may indicate whether items are being acquired at a rate that achieves the goal.

Abstract: A control device executes retrieval control to, in response to a transport request in which a type and an order of each of a plurality of articles that are transported to a transport target location are specified, retrieve all the articles specified in the transport request from a target automatic warehouse, which is one automatic warehouse selected from among a plurality of automatic warehouses, to a retrieval transport device in a specified order that is specified in the transport request. The control device executes, before execution of the retrieval control, inter-warehouse movement control to, if at least one of the plurality of articles specified in the transport request is not stored in the target automatic warehouse, move the article that is not stored in the target automatic warehouse from another automatic warehouse to the target automatic warehouse by using an inter-warehouse transport device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motorized conveyor roller, comprising a roller body mounted so as to be able to rotate about a roller axle, a drive unit arranged inside the roller body and designed to generate a rotational movement about the roller axle between an axle element and the roller body. The invention is characterized by a control unit that is arranged inside the roller body and that is designed to receive a state signal from outside the roller body, to generate a control signal that describes a drive characteristic on the basis of the state signal, to control the drive unit by way of the control signal, to generate a self state signal that describes the state signal and/or the drive characteristic, and to transmit this self state signal outside the roller body.

Abstract: The carriage is coupled to the traveling device including a driving wheel and is towed and moved by the traveling device. The carriage includes: a traveling wheel provided in a bottom portion of the carriage; an accommodating part for accommodating the traveling device; and a passage which is provided on a side surface of the carriage and through which light emitted from a detector passes, the detector being provided in the traveling device to detect an obstacle around the traveling device.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided. In one embodiment, computing entities can establish direct communications with one another using a variety of protocols and standards. Such direction communications can be monitored or attempted to be established to determine whether an item is allowed or disallowed for delivery.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a carrier storage rack configured to place and store a carrier that accommodates a substrate; a gas supply configured to supply an inert gas into the carrier placed on the carrier storage rack; and a controller configured to control whether to supply the inert gas into the carrier based on at least one of carrier information and substrate information.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and computer readable media to access data on removable storage media via a network attached access device. In a particular embodiment, a method provides receiving one or more user provided, in the removable storage media access device, receiving data over a packet communication network for storage on a removable storage medium. After receiving the data, the method provides preparing the data for storage on the removable storage medium. After preparing the data, the method provides writing the data to the removable storage medium.

Abstract: A method and system for picking or put-away within a logistics facility. The system includes a central server and at least one mobile manipulation robot. The central server is configured to communicate with the robots to send and receive picking data which includes a unique identification for each item to be picked, a location within the logistics facility of the items to be picked, and a route for the robot to take within the logistics facility. The robots can then autonomously navigate and position themselves within the logistics facility by recognition of landmarks by at least one of a plurality of sensors. The sensors also provide signals related to detection, identification, and location of a item to be picked or put-away, and processors on the robots analyze the sensor information to generate movements of a unique articulated arm and end effector on the robot to pick or put-away the item.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify a sensor of a vehicle with a robotic arm, capture a plurality of images of the sensor with an unmanned aerial vehicle, and actuate the robotic arm to perform maintenance on the sensor upon inputting the plurality of images to an image recognition program and obtaining output that the sensor requires maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a path to/from the destination areas that are positioned along the path. Along the path, the vehicles are scanned to determine if any item on the vehicles extends beyond a dimensional constraint. If it is determined that an item on a vehicle extends above the pre-determined threshold, the vehicle is controlled, such as by stopping or re-directing the vehicle. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: An improved method and system increases throughput in an independent cart system. The independent cart system includes multiple movers, controlled by a first controller, travelling along a track. At least one station is defined, where a device external to the track interacts with the movers on the track. A process controller controls operation of the external device and receives a communication from the first controller to begin execution of a task that the external device must complete prior to interaction with the mover. The first controller determines a time to destination for each mover to reach the station and transmits the signal or data packet to the process controller to initiate execution of the preparation task with sufficient time for the process controller to begin or complete the preparation task prior to the mover arriving at the station.

Abstract: A storage facility having lift robots and ground robots cooperating in transferring of totes within the facility, is disclosed. The transferring of totes between ground robots and lift robots in the facility through buffer locations, allows the totes to be carried on top of the lift robots, which are thereby secured against unintentional dropping of the tote. The efficiency of the storage facility may be further improved in that the buffer locations, and in various embodiments also short height storage locations, which are accessible directly to ground robots, are utilized for storing totes that are ranked as associated with high prevalence to be transferred by ground robots, without the involvement of lift robots.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for tracking inventory items in an area of real space. A plurality of cameras, or other sensors, produce respective sequences of images in corresponding fields of view in the real space. The field of view of each camera overlaps with the field of view of at least one other camera. The system is coupled to the plurality of cameras and uses the sequences of images produced by at least two cameras in the plurality of cameras to identify inventory events. The inventory event includes an item identifier, a location and a timestamp. A plurality of cells having coordinates in the area of real space are stored as a data set in the memory. The processing system calculates scores at a scoring time, for inventory items having locations matching particular cells using respective counts of inventory events.

Abstract: A system for managing containers includes a server, a portable electronic device and a check apparatus. The server stores a piece of transaction data. The portable electronic device is configured to receive the piece of transaction data from the server, to determine whether a shaking criterion is met based on acceleration of the portable electronic device, and to display a barcode corresponding to the piece of transaction data when the shaking criterion is met. The portable electronic device is further configured to capture an image and send the image to the server. The check apparatus is configured to read and decode the barcode, and to display information relating to the piece of transaction data based on data encoded in the barcode.

Abstract: A terminal device configured to be able to communicate with a measuring device for measuring biological information includes a first processing unit executing the processing of a first application and a second processing unit executing the processing of a second application. The first processing unit stores biological information acquired from the measuring device. The second processing unit determines whether the second application is able to use biological information, based on specifying information for specifying an application able to use biological information and the identification information of the second application. When the second application is able to use biological information, the second processing unit reads out biological information from the biological information storage unit and outputs the read biological information.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the storage of metabolically active produce in a defined confined environment. The control system comprises gas analyzing and pressure measurement means including a control unit for determining an adjusted gas medium composition of the confined environment for protecting the produce against metabolic degradation. An operating/actuating means for adapting the gas medium in the confined storage environment is based on the determined adjusted gas medium composition. The control unit is adapted for determining the adjusted gas medium composition based on a mathematical model of the system that determines a metabolic coefficient of the produce by combining measured changes of gas composition in the confined environment with dynamic pressure changes in the confined space. The value of the metabolic coefficient is used as input for a control algorithm to continuously adjust the gas composition in the confined space in response to the metabolic activity of the produce.

Abstract: An automated system comprising a processor and a database are described. The processor executes communication software reading: at least one image corresponding to an identifier of a blood product from a donor; and at least one database storing at least one communication from a receiver of the blood product. The communication software executed by the processor determines an intermediary from the identifier and contacts the intermediary to obtain contact information of the donor.

Abstract: In an approach for storage optimization for products manufacturing, a processor pulls parts data for a set of part numbers. A processor calculates an average shelf time for each part number of the set of part numbers. A processor calculates a priority index for each part number of the set of part numbers based on the average shelf time for each part number of the set of part numbers. A processor determines a category for each part number of the set of part numbers based on the priority index for each part number of the set of part numbers and a quantity of parts cumulative percentage for each part number of the set of part numbers.

Abstract: It is an object to enable a grasping operation to be executed according to a state of an object. The invention provides an information processing apparatus which determines the grasping operation in a grasping unit for grasping the object. The information processing apparatus has: an obtaining unit for obtaining an image acquired by capturing the object; a recognizing unit for recognizing a state of the object from the image obtained by the obtaining unit; and a generating unit for generating information for allowing the grasping unit to execute the grasping operation on the basis of the object state recognized by the recognizing unit and conditions to execute the grasping operation.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first time-parameterized path for the first robotic device, and an indication of a second robotic device having a second time-parameterized path that overlaps with the first time-parameterized path at a first location. The method also includes executing, by the first robotic device, a first portion of the first time-parameterized path before reaching the first location, wherein execution of the first portion corresponds to a first rate of progress of the first robotic device along the first time-parameterized path. The first robotic device then receives a communication signal from the second robotic device indicating a second rate of progress of the second robotic device along the second time-parameterized path. The method then includes the first robotic device determining a difference between the first rate of progress and the second rate of progress, and modifying execution of the first time-parameterized path based on the determined difference.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing movement of transport vehicles in a storage facility is provided. A server determines first and second paths in the storage facility to be traversed by first and second transport vehicles, respectively. The server identifies a common path that corresponds to an overlap between the first and second paths. The server determines a safe distance to be maintained between the first and second transport vehicles, for avoiding a collision therebetween, when the first and second transport vehicles traverse the common path in the same direction. The server communicates a message, indicative of the safe distance, to the second transport vehicle for synchronizing movement of the first and second transport vehicles. Based on the message, the second transport vehicle follows the first transport vehicle along the common path and maintains a distance greater than or equal to the safe distance from the first transport vehicle.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of automated storages includes: storage shelves with multiple levels; a plurality of transport carriages; a plurality of relay portions; and a lift base capable of being raised and lowered. A transport device includes a plurality of transport conveyors. Each of the plurality of transport conveyors includes: a plurality of receiving portions configured to receive articles; a loading portion configured to deliver articles transported by the transport conveyor and to load the articles to the automated storages; and a transport portion configured to transport articles received at the receiving portions to the plurality of loading portions. The transport portion included in each of the plurality of transport conveyors is installed such that a movement trajectory of articles transported by the transport portion does not overlap a movement trajectory of articles transported by another transport portion.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system includes a vertical shelving system including a frame and at least one shelf movably mounted to the frame such that the at least one shelf is movable relative to the frame between a docked position and an undocked position, the at least one shelf being configured to carry at least one instrument. The system also includes a robotic device proximate the vertical shelving system and being configured to access the at least one instrument carried by the at least one shelf.

Abstract: A parcel terminal system and method are provided to allow fast loading of parcels on storage space of a parcel terminal.

Abstract: A conveyance system for conveying a workpiece to each of a plurality of processing apparatuses includes a track extending over the plurality of processing apparatuses and fixed to the upper portions of the processing apparatuses; an automated conveying vehicle for traveling on the track, the automated conveying vehicle including a storage member having a housing space for housing the workpiece therein, a traveling member coupled from above to the storage member, a traveling mechanism mounted on the traveling member, a lifting and lowering mechanism mounted on the traveling member, for lifting and lowering the storage member while suspending the storage member from above, and a receiver for receiving control signals.

Abstract: A location monitoring system tracks a location of a user within a healthcare facility. When the user is detected in a patient room an electronic controller activates a voice command database having a plurality of voice commands specific to the user. A microphone located in the patient room receives one of the plurality of voice commands. The electronic controller transmits the one of the plurality of voice commands to a remote device positioned outside of the patient room.

Abstract: Computerized methods for modifying at least one component of a clinical order are provided. The methods may include receiving a clinical order, the clinical order having a first component associated with a first phase and a second component associated with a second phase, wherein the first and second components have a first attribute in common, receiving an indication to modify the first attribute of the first component, and modifying the first attribute of the first component and the second component based on the indication received. The methods may further include associating the first and second components of the clinical order to form a cross-phase group and displaying the first and second components in association with an electronic record, e.g., an electronic medical record, in conjunction with a cross-phase group identifier to identify the components as members of the cross-phase group. Computerized systems for performing the disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system and related methods for management, planning and control of a connected fleet of vehicles. A unique, single integrated platform may be provided for management, planning and control of a connected fleet of vehicles, including fleet planning, in-fleeting operations, vehicle acquisition and provisioning, vehicle assignment, vehicle transfers, vehicle use operations, vehicle servicing, vehicle maintenance and repairs, and de-fleeting operations. Fleet communications can be by cellular, wireless, or low earth orbit satellite communications. Fleet vehicles include a programmable TCU installed in the vehicle and connected, directly or indirectly, to the CAN bus or similar vehicle network, and carries out various operations, including controlling vehicle access. Where outside communications links are not available, access to a vehicle may be through a protected, secure, single-use token stored on a user's computing device upon making a reservation, which is later securely communicated to the vehicle.

Abstract: An automated system comprising a processor and a database are described. The processor executes communication software reading: at least one image corresponding to an identifier of a blood product from a donor; and at least one database storing at least one communication from a receiver of the blood product. The communication software executed by the processor determines an intermediary from the identifier and contacts the intermediary to obtain contact information of the donor.

Abstract: A system for medicine dosage compliance may comprise a dispensing component that provides for medicine to be dispensed based at least upon authorized identification of a user and a secondary authorizer. The dispensing component may comprise an identity authentication component that automatically authenticates an identity of the user and the secondary authorizer at the time of a dispensing event. The system may further comprise a communication component providing one or more notifications to one or more third parties. The communication component may comprise a wireless personal area networking component that sets up a local networking connection between the dispensing component and a local device to share data between the dispensing component and a local device. The local device may communicatively be coupled to a remote network component. A notification component may generate notification information of the dispensing event for one or more third parties.

Abstract: Disclosed autonomous mobile robot systems can be used to safely and efficiently navigate through a facility while avoiding objects in the path of the autonomous mobile robot during completion of a task. Specifically, a first bounded area based on first sensor data may be generated around an autonomous mobile robot where the first sensor data is used to identify objects in a travel path for the autonomous mobile robot and determine a speed for navigating the facility. A second bounded area of a size less than the first bounded area may be generated around the autonomous mobile robot based on speed information from propulsion components of the autonomous mobile robot. A new travel path and new speed information may be generated based on identifying an object in the travel path, dimensional measurements of a space around the object, and a current size of the second bounded area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for allocating cells of a sorting apparatus include associating, in a database, an identifier of the sorting apparatus with an identifier of a first container storing a first item of the purchase order, the purchase order including a second item stored in a second container; before associating the sorting apparatus with the second container, receiving an identifier of the first item; determining, in the database using the identifier of the first item, whether any cell of the sorting apparatus is associated with the purchase order; when no cell of the sorting apparatus is associated with the purchase order, associating, in the database, an identifier of a cell of the sorting apparatus with the identifier of the purchase order; and transmitting a first signal to a computer associated with a worker instructing placement of the first item in the cell.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for static warehouse area sizing and slotting of a multi-mode forward area. Method includes: receiving article dimensional attributes and demand information of more than article identified by a stock keeping unit (SKU); receiving storage dimensional attributes of more than one storage configuration of pick media; for each of a forward area and a reserve area, receiving a picking cost and a restocking cost for each storage configuration; optimizing slotting of each of the SKUs based upon the article dimensional attributes and the storage dimensional attributes; defining possible designs of the more than one storage configuration up to a maximum size of a facility; calculating a first cost for each design in picking and restocking in the forward area and a second cost for each design in picking from reserve area; and optimizing forward area based upon a difference between first and second costs.