Abstract: The present invention relates to developing and design a coater & developer with high throughput that in-line with lithograph equipment during integrated circuit production, which needs to reasonably set the quantity of processing modules and the transfer speed of robots in the coater & developer. The present invention provides a method for setting the quantity of the processing modules and the transfer speed of the robots in the coater & developer, including steps of determining the processing time parameter of the coater & developer according to the target throughput, and designing the processing periodic time parameter of each processing module and the transfer periodic time parameter of each wafer transfer robot in the coater & developer make the three time parameters tend to consistency.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method for fulfilling orders from an inventory comprising serialized products. For example, a computer system may receive an order and derive from the order a plurality of products, a unit quantity for each of the plurality of products, and a serial identifier referencing a first product unit of at least one of the plurality of products. At least one of the plurality of products may be a non-reserved product. Also, the computer system may determine a first bin selected from a plurality of non-reserved product bins that is associated with product units of the non-reserved product and generate a pick instruction specifying the first bin and the unit quantity of the non-reserved product specified by the order. The computer system may also instruct a robot to retrieve the first product unit from one of the plurality of robot accessible bins.

Abstract: An inventory system includes inventory holders, container holders, containers carried by the container holders, mobile drive units, stations, and a management module. The management module instructs the mobile drive units to move the inventory holders and container holders to stations. Container holders are loaded with containers of inbound inventory items at a first station. Inbound inventory items are transferred from containers to inventory holders at a second station. Outbound inventory items are transferred from inventory holders to containers at a third station. Containers of outbound inventory items are removed from container holders at a fourth station.

Abstract: A library device includes: a recording medium storage unit that stores at least a first recording medium, and a second recording medium that is a take-out request target; an accessor that takes out the second recording medium from the recording medium storage unit after taking out the first recording medium from the recording medium storage unit; an evacuation destination drive device that receives the first recording medium taken out by the accessor; a take-out destination drive device that draws in the second recording medium taken out by the accessor; and an operation interruption control unit that performs a control that interrupts an operation of the evacuation destination drive drawing in the second recording medium taken in the evacuation destination drive device.

Abstract: A pharmacy picking device including a housing with a plurality of shelf bases disposed one above the other, at least one operating device, a conveyor device, a housing-coupling interface, and a universal supply-and-control module is described herein. This universal supply-and-control module includes a feed device, an identification and measurement device, operator input/output devices, an electronic controller and a voltage supply assembly, as well as a housing-coupling interface and an electrical interface, the supply-and-control module being arranged adjacent to the housing such that a mechanical coupling is produced by said housing-coupling interface and module-coupling interface, in such a manner that drug packages in or on the supply-and-control module, which are to be deposited, are delivered to a position on the conveyor device which is known to the electronic controller.

Abstract: An inventory system has inventory pods that are freely and independently moved about a facility and include inventory holders having dynamically reconfigurable storage bins. For various operating scenarios, the components of the inventory system are directed to dynamically reconfigure the storage bins, thereby maintaining efficient product density amongst the inventory holders and permitting the use of automated equipment to manipulate inventory items stored in the inventory pods. One or more inventory pods may be used with lifting modules and picking modules to dynamically reconfigure the storage bins as inventory items are added to and removed from the inventory holders.

Abstract: A method and system for computing the price for shipping goods. The method includes causing a computer to deliver first information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer information about a rail transportation service for shipment of goods by one or more railcars. Information about a basic pool of railcars is received and filtered based on one or more filtering criteria to produce a filtered pool of railcars. The computer is then caused to deliver second information to the user prompting the user to select at the computer one or more railcars among the filtered pool of railcars for the shipment of goods. A price for the shipment of the goods is then computed at least in part on the basis of the rail transportation service and the one or more characteristics of the railcars in the filtered pool of railcars selected by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and/or a method of telepresence based inventory pick and place operations through actuator controlled robotic arms affixed to each row of a shelf. A method includes mounting a robotic arm at an end of a row of a shelf of inventory on a set of rails affixed to the row of a shelf. The robotic arm is permitted to move horizontally along the row of the shelf. The robotic arm is repositioned along the three axes using a set of actuators. A haptic motion of a human user is mirrored that is remotely using a positioning device (e.g., human may feel the feedback of the remote arm as it touches the objects). An item is placed on a counting platform in front of the robotic arm. The items are placed automatically in the designated location down through a transport means when a pick operation is completed.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus—which may be a bed or the like—and one or more mobile electronic tags that are positionable in the room and which communicate wirelessly with the patient support apparatus. The electronic tags are attached to one or more of a patient, a medical device, or a caregiver. After detecting the tag(s), the patient support apparatus implements one or more patient care protocols, and provides alerts if the protocols are violated. The implementation may be automatic or require caregiver confirmation. The protocols can be for fall prevention, bed sore prevention, pneumonia prevention, caregiver hand washing, dialysis, and/or other purposes. The patient support apparatus determines the protocol(s) based on one or more of the following: the type of medical device, the specific patient, the presence or absence of the caregiver, and/or information transmitted to, or input into, the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: Thorough optimization and improvement have been made on the basis of original closed-shelf stack room by the unattended full-automatic book management system of the invention. The concept of a book basket is brought in to process an order of each borrower in a batch. The device is simplified and the efficiency of single functional part is enhanced during the period of storing books, taking books, returning books, conveying a book basket and transmission, thereby the functions of the whole system being optimized. The system includes bookracks, a laneway vehicle, a laneway vehicle interface, a transmission device, a book taking window, and a book returning window, and further includes a book basket and a book box independent of the bookracks.

Abstract: A light positioning system for use in transferring a container to a buffer is disclosed. The system includes a light signal that is disposed adjacent the buffer for guiding an operator to position a chassis into the buffer and a program logic controller. The system also includes a thru beam sensor. The thru beam sensor senses movement of the container into the buffer and outputs data to the program logic controller. The system further includes a distance sensor. The distance sensor determines a distance from the distance sensor to the container and outputs data to the program logic controller. The program logic controller determines a length of the container based on the data received from the thru beam sensor and the distance sensor and provides an output signal to the light signal based on the length of the container and the data received from the distance sensor.

Abstract: A cloud based system that constantly monitors the consumption of each medication by an individual, specifies medication regimes and schedules and provides a means of enforcing compliance based on both local and cloud based intelligence. Enforcing compliance to a medication schedule is achieved through complex logic that correlates events from the medication bottles; behavior learned from the individual, individual's schedules and geo-location. The system employs this complex logic per medication and generates a variety of email, phone call, SMS, MMS, voice messages, audio, visual and multimedia cues and alerts to enforce compliance. These same alerts are also used by multiple caregivers, who can further reinforce compliance by the patient via similar types of communications.

Abstract: An inventory system has inventory pods that are freely and independently moved about a facility and include inventory holders having dynamically reconfigurable storage bins. For various operating scenarios, the components of the inventory system are directed to dynamically reconfigure the storage bins, thereby maintaining efficient product density amongst the inventory holders and permitting the use of automated equipment to manipulate inventory items stored in the inventory pods. One or more inventory pods may be used with lifting modules and picking modules to dynamically reconfigure the storage bins as inventory items are added to and removed from the inventory holders.

Abstract: A storage shelf (10) has a plurality of supports (14) arranged on top of each other for supporting stock carriers (15) which can be moved by means of an automatic transfer and removal device (13), has at least one access opening (18) for supplying and removing the stock carriers (15), and has a computer (20) in which information about the stored goods (17, 17a) is saved. At least one image sensing device (24) is provided which is suitable for the optical detection of goods placed on the stock carriers (15) and can produce digital image information, wherein the digital image information can be stored in the computer (20) and called up by means of a display unit (22, 23). The display unit (22) is associated with a selection device which uses the digital image information to allow selection of a stock carrier (15) and movement thereof to the access opening (18) by means of the computer.

Abstract: Implementations relate to systems and methods for processing workflow data and providing location-based and/or entity-based workflow statistics. A processing module or other logic can receive workflow data related to operations of vehicles though a supply chain network comprising a set of locations. The processing module can process the workflow data by generating various context views, filtering out some of the data, and other functions. A user or entity can request the processing module for different views or results of the workflow data to gauge efficiencies or inefficiencies in the supply chain. The user or entity can perform modifications to components of the supply chain based on results of the workflow data.

Abstract: A process-line-to-process-line transport apparatus transports a transport subject between corresponding two of process lines. A first transport vehicle transports the transport subject in a first process line, and a second transport vehicle transports the transport subject in a second process line. A relay stocking apparatus is placed in a corresponding location, at which the relay stocking apparatus receives the transport subject from one of the first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle and passes the received transport subject to the other one of the first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle.

Abstract: A conveyance device, which conveys wafers in a casing 30, includes a primary blowing fan 17 that generates airflow within the casing 30 in a first direction; a discharge opening 26 that is located at a downstream side of the airflow generated by the primary blowing fan 17, is interconnected with the interior of the casing 30, and discharges gases at the interior of the casing 30 outside of the casing 30; a base 18d that is supported by a gate-shaped conveyance arm 22 disposed within the casing 30 and moves within the casing 30 at the upstream side of the discharge opening 26 and at the downstream side of the primary blowing fan 17; an end effector 21 that is located at the base 18d and that carries wafers; and a blowing fan 19 that is located at the base and that generates airflow in the first direction.

Abstract: An information processing system includes multiple information processors. Each of the information processors includes a control part configured to periodically store a duplicate copy of at least part of predetermined information stored inside the information processor in a first storage part. The control part is configured to cause the first storage part to be operable from the information processor prior to storing the duplicate copy in the first storage part, store the duplicate copy after causing the first storage part to be operable, and cause the first storage part to be inoperable from the information processor after completion of storing the duplicate copy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage shelf system (10) for storing storage goods, comprising at least one service opening (18) for introducing and for removing storage goods, at least one revolving storage shelf unit (20, 30) having a plurality of storage locations and at least one storage shelf unit (40) which has at least one shelving column having storage locations disposed one above the other. The invention further relates to a transfer device (60) for transporting the storage goods (12) from a storage location in the storage shelf unit (40) to a storage location in the revolving storage shelf unit (20, 30) and vice versa.

Abstract: A method for fulfilling requests in an inventory system includes receiving a request indicating an activity to be completed. The method also includes selecting a holder to fulfill the request and an inventory station at which to fulfill the request. The inventory station is associated with a queue that includes a plurality of queue spaces. The method further includes moving the selected holder from a first location to a second location remote from the selected inventory station. Additionally, the method also includes determining that a trigger event has occurred and, in response to determining that the trigger event has occurred, moving the selected holder from the second location to a queue space of a queue associated with the selected inventory station.

Abstract: Provided is a distributed system and method for enabling new and useful location dependent features and functionality to mobile data processing systems. Mobile data processing Systems (MSs) interact with each other as peers in communications and interoperability. Data is shared between mobile data processing systems to carry out novel Location Based eXchanges (LBX) of data for new mobile applications. Information transmitted inbound to, transmitted outbound from, is in process at, or is application modified at a mobile data processing system triggers processing of actions in accordance with user configured permissions, charters, and other configurations. In a preferred embodiment, a user configurable platform is provided for quickly building well behaving LBX applications at MSs and across a plurality of interoperating MSs. Tools, triggered interfaces and integrated applications are disclosed for a breadth of MS LBX configurations and functionality.

Abstract: A system for locating goods stored in a storage area includes a computer, radio frequency transceivers and modular hangers. Ordered goods are placed in storage units that each have addresses at a central filling center. The filled storage units are shipped to local storage areas where they are coupled to hook units to form modular hangers and stored on rails. The identifications of the goods and the electronic addresses for corresponding hangers are stored on a local computer database. When a user wants to pick up goods stored in the containers, the user inputs the identification or order information for the goods and the computer will cause the radio frequency transmitter to emit a data packet that includes a search address and illumination data. The hangers compare the search address to the electronic address. If there is a match, the hanger is illuminated so the ordered goods can be found.

Abstract: A pharmacy automation system having a robot having a hardware device and a software for internal mapping is configured to carry out at least the following different interactions: the robot communicates autonomously with a physician or an assistant directly or via an intermediary; the robot interacts with an inventory of goods and browses the inventory of goods to determine if a prescribed medication is available in the pharmacy; if the prescribed medication is available in the pharmacy, the robot interacts with a medication dispenser, using the internal mapping to fill a container with the prescribed medication, and store the container; when a patient or a proxy arrives to pick up the prescribed medication, the robot checks and approves an identification of the patient or the proxy; and hands the container with the prescribed medication over to the patient or proxy.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an order picking station (48) and a method of picking articles from loading aids (2) by an order picker, adjoined by automated conveyor systems (20, 41) disposed on different height levels, loading aids (2) being conveyed to the order picking station (48) on a first conveyor system (20) and loading aids (2) being conveyed away from the order picking station (48) by a second conveyor system (41), and comprising a loading aid supply apparatus (61), an automated first loading aid transport apparatus for transporting loading aids (2) to the loading aid supply apparatus (61) and an automated second loading aid transport apparatus for transporting loading aids (2) away from the loading aid supply apparatus (61), and the first loading aid transport apparatus has a first carrying unit (62) for a loading aid (2) and the second loading aid transport apparatus has a second carrying unit (63) for a loading aid (2).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing stock. The systems and methods may include identifying at least a first transfer order, a second transfer order, a first processing unit order, and a second processing unit order. In addition, the systems and methods may include creating an initial work order based at least on the first transfer order and the second transfer order. Furthermore, the systems and methods may include detecting the handling of the first transfer order by a first processing unit and the handling of the second transfer order by a second processing unit, and associating the first transfer order and the second transfer order with the first processing unit order and the second processing unit order respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for delivery of one or more objects is provided. The system and method includes the steps of determining if the object can be delivered to a first location; and in the event that the object cannot be delivered to the first location, a unique identifier is generated. The unique identifier is associated with the object and a reservation request is initiated to deliver the object to a second location. Determination of the second location is based on one or more parameters and notification of successful reservation request and second location is provided. A modular storage system having an actuator is also provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) for storing workpieces includes a main body, a robotic arm mechanism and at least one first station. The workpiece comprises a first container configured to hold at least one article. The main body includes at least one side wall configured to confine a storage space for the workpieces in at least one first direction parallel to a floor. The robotic arm mechanism is configured to reach the storage space, the storage space being further confined by the robotic arm mechanism in at least one second direction opposite to the at least one first direction. The at least one first station is configured with at least one first accessing port located within the storage space, and configured for the ASRS to perform a routine for a process flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides loading and unloading method and device for a cooling buffer in a precise length measuring machine. The loading and unloading method contains the steps of: S1: triggering a timer after a glass substrate is loaded into an empty slot of the cooling buffer having the highest priority; and S2: after the timer reaches a first time T1, starting the loading of a glass substrate into another empty slot having the next highest priority. The loading and unloading method and device disclosed by the present invention, through the design of delayed loading and unloading glass substrates into and from the cooling buffer, enhances the intelligence of the cooling buffer, ensures the uniformity of the cooling intervals of the glass substrates, improves the measurement precision, satisfies operator's advanced operational requirement, and achieves high utilization of the precise length measuring machine.

Abstract: An approach is provided to sort objects on a surface of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules that are controlled by processors. A request to sort the plurality of objects in a horizontal direction is received with each of the objects is assigned a sort position. Sets of the vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are selected. The vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are arranged in a grid formation on the surface, with each of the sets of selected transfer modules being underneath a different object. The sets of selected transfer modules are vertically adjusted causing each of the objects to move independently from the other objects while avoiding the other objects in two or more dimensions formed on the surface. The result of the movement is that each of the objects is moved to a position respective of the other objects according to each object's respective sort position.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically planning and controlling container flow operations in a large-scale container terminal shipping container transportation and storage terminals such as those at ports is disclosed. The system and method automatically scheduling operations of the container terminal in a holistic manner in multiple different time windows in advance in which operations are scheduled in a far-ahead horizon time window, in a candidate horizon time window, and in an imminent horizon time window.

Abstract: A device for removing tested semiconductor components from a clamping carrier having fixed stop elements and movable clamping elements, pre-tensioned by spring elements includes an actuation device arranged above the clamping carrier, which moves the clamping elements into an opening position enabling the clamping carrier to be discharged, and then moves the clamping elements into a rest position after discharge, an intermediate carrier, positioned under the clamping carrier during discharge, onto which the clamping carrier is emptied, a data memory in which data about each semiconductor component are stored, and a removal device, which removes the semiconductor components from the intermediate carrier and sorts them into at least two different categories in accordance with the data stored in the data memory.

Abstract: A system includes a climate-controlled inventory holder, a mobile drive unit, and a management module. The climate-controlled inventory holder is configured to control a climate of one or more inventory items stored by the inventory holder. The mobile drive unit is operable to transport the climate-controlled inventory holder from a first location to a second location based at least in part upon one or more instructions received from a management module. The management module is operable to receive an order for an inventory item, determine that the inventory holder stores the inventory item, and instruct the mobile drive unit to transport the climate-controlled inventory holder from the first location to the second location.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface and a processor. The interface is operable to wirelessly transmit instructions to one or more mobile drive units. The processor is communicatively coupled to the interface and is operable to instruct a mobile drive unit to transport a first shipping container storing at least one completed order to a shipping station, instruct the mobile drive unit to connect the first shipping container to a second shipping container to form a group of connected shipping containers. The processor is also operable to detect a trigger event, and in response to detecting the trigger event, coordinate movement of one or more mobile drive units to transport the group of connected shipping containers onto a vehicle for shipment.

Abstract: A container unloading system that is adapted to automatically unload containers from carts while the containers and carts reside in an unloading station. The containers may be off-loaded onto a conveyor. The system includes a frame that is movable along the path of ingress/egress of the carts, and a vertically and horizontally movable lifting device that is supported on the frame and adapted to engage and lift the containers. A number of sensors may be present to gather information about the carts and/or containers and to send corresponding signals to a controller that is programmed to automatically operate the system.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for receiving articles from a first location, such as a product delivery system, transporting the articles to a second location for unloading the articles such that they are placed in a desired orientation and number of columns, rows, and stacks.

Abstract: A system includes a first mobile drive unit and a second mobile drive unit. The first mobile drive unit is operable to dock with a first item holder at a first end of a column of connected item holders. The second mobile drive unit is operable to dock with a second item holder at a second end of the column of connected item holders. The system also includes a management module that is operable to instruct the first mobile drive unit and the second mobile drive units to transport the column of connected item holders from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling containers, with at least one handling device which handles the containers in a pre-set manner, a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path, with a control device for controlling the apparatus, with an input unit, by way of which information is capable of being entered in the apparatus by a user. The apparatus has an information output unit for delivering information to the user, wherein this information unit is made portable and is capable of being brought into at least indirect communication connection with the input unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated detection and removal of workpieces comprising an object recognition device for detecting the workpieces and a gripper for picking the workpieces; and a gripper for picking the workpieces; and a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for track planning and for controlling the gripper, wherein the object recognition device is arranged at a travel arrangement by which it can be traveled from a position of rest into at least one measuring position and back.

Abstract: There is proposed a unit including a station for preparing orders, controlled by a control system. The station has a first circuit that includes a first outward conveyor, which receives containers for storing products, and an accumulator for accumulating a predetermined quantity of storage containers received on the first outward conveyor. The accumulator includes: at least one first shaft comprising superposed mobile positions that can each receive and downwardly move at least one storage container, the at least one first shaft vertically accumulating and sequentially dispensing storage containers previously placed in the positions; and at least one first elevator moving vertically along the at least one first chute up to each of the locations of the at least one first chute.

Abstract: A handling system for containers includes an automated zone in which floor-bound, rubber-tired and driverless container transport vehicles are used which transport containers between container bridges and a container storage facility. A non-automated zone is provided in which floor-bound, rubber-tired and manned container transport vehicles are used, the container transport vehicles being optionally operable in a driverless or manned mode and thus being optionally transportable in the automated zone or the non-automated zone. A corresponding container transport vehicle which can be connected to an auxiliary device for control in the manned mode is characterized in that the auxiliary device comprises a driver's cab that is equipped with a control system for steering, motion control and braking in the manned mode, the container transport vehicle having a detachable fastening possibility for the driver's cab at the front face of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for control of bailment inventory is disclosed. The method includes receiving a customer identifier from a customer, receiving from the customer at least one customer item for bailment, associating the customer identifier with the at least one customer item, storing the at least one customer item, and returning the at least one customer item to the customer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the defined intermediate storage of produced articles of the same type but different size and for the simultaneous composition of consignments of said articles, having the following features: a) a delivery path (3) for the continuous conveying of the produced products into the region of stacking robots (7), b) a multiplicity of transport vehicles (9) for transporting stacking pallets and order-picking pallets (6), c) a multiplicity of storing positions (10) for stacking pallets, d) one or more stacking robots (5) for filling order-picking pallets (6), e) a plurality of induction lines (8) for power supply and control of the transport vehicles (9).

Abstract: A robot system according to the embodiments includes a robot that includes a hand including a gripping mechanism that grips a thin plate-shaped work and an arm that moves the hand, and a robot control apparatus that controls the robot. The robot control apparatus, when causing the robot to transfer the work at a predetermined work transfer position by controlling the robot, performs a presence/absence confirmation of the work by operating the gripping mechanism while causing the hand to retract after the hand reaches the work transfer position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for crane control and stock management, the method includes attaching to the goods to be stored an identifier associated with a code, such as number or name, given to the goods in stock accounting or the like; reading the identifier with a reader, when the goods are being transferred by a crane; transmitting the identifier information from the reader to the memory of the crane control; transferring the goods with the crane to a selected location in the warehouse; and storing the coordinates of the goods to the memory of the crane control so that they are associated with the identifier; and when the goods are removed from the warehouse, reading with the reader from a work order or the like the identifier information associated with the goods; and transmitting the identifier information from the reader to the memory of the crane control; and activating the crane control with the identifier information, whereby the crane moves to the location of the earlier stored goods.

Abstract: Method and systems for sorting are described. In one embodiment, a container is released into a pocket section, with the pocket section being at a first alignment stage. The pocket section is rotated with the container away from the first alignment stage to a second alignment stage. Attributes of the container are acquired at the second alignment stage. An order to which the container belongs is identified with the acquired attributes. The pocket section with the container is rotated to a third alignment stage. The location of the third alignment stage is selected based on the identified order. The container is received to group with one or more containers in the identified order. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a package delivery kiosk (PDK) including an integrated robotic package lifting assembly and shelving system. The system includes a PDK, associated front end and back end package delivery management systems, including portals for the consumer, retailer, common carrier, sender, and recipient, a package inventory management system, integrated retailer access, and a real and automated retailer bidding system. The shelving system has shelves with receiving apertures and dividers configured to fit into the receiving apertures, where the dividers each have a receiving slot. A package retrieving apparatus includes a base, a vertical support interconnected with the base, and a package picker module. The package picker module is oriented to move up and down on the vertical support. The package picker module includes grippers configured to surround and grip the object. A kiosk includes a kiosk body having a package delivery slot and an interface slot.

Abstract: The present example of transferring and organizing articles from a shelf into a container, (or “controlled transfer and packing”) also allows a warehouse distribution system to be provided that receives items from a manufacturer or distributor, and boxes or packages the items to produce a shipment to another reseller, or customer, according to a received order in a way that may be efficient than current methods. In particular, the system makes use of a specialized floor plan and equipment that aids in processing the order according to the pricing methods described. The processing also provides an example of transferring and organizing articles from a shelf into a container that controls article tumble when loading the article into a container that tends to increase packing efficiency. Loading of items to be packed into magazines to aid transferring of articles from a shelf into a container is also described.

Abstract: In an infrastructure that uses a mobile order fulfillment system, robotic drive units may be dispatched and instructed to bring inventory holders to a workstation where at least one of the inventory holders is packed and prepared for shipment. The robotic drive units are then instructed to move the prepared inventory holder to a transport vehicle such as a truck. Fiducial marks may be removably placed within the transport vehicle to aid navigation of the robotic drive units. At a destination facility, additional robotic drive units may be instructed to move the inventory holders from the truck and place the inventory holders at appropriate storage locations.

Abstract: Thorough optimization and improvement have been made on the basis of original closed-shelf stack room by the unattended full-automatic book management system of the invention. The concept of a book basket is brought in to process an order of each borrower in a batch. The device is simplified and the efficiency of single functional part is enhanced during the period of storing books, taking books, returning books, conveying a book basket and transmission, thereby the functions of the whole system being optimized. The system includes bookracks, a laneway vehicle, a laneway vehicle interface, a transmission device, a book taking window, and a book returning window, and further includes a book basket and a book box independent of the bookracks.