A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.

A trolley of a rope crane, comprising a trolley body, a transverse load beam of the trolley, a hoisting mechanism and comprises a rope drum, a hoisting motor for driving the rope drum, and a gear for coupling the hoisting motor to the rope drum, whereby the gear has a primary side and a secondary side, and whereby the rope drum is located, in the vertical direction of the trolley, between the hoisting motor and load beam parallel to the load beam. The hoisting mechanism is supported by a three-point support to a main beam, whereby the first support point and second support point are adjacent to the secondary side of a gear, and whereby the third support point is formed by a support of the rope from end facing away from the gear to the load beam at a lateral distance from the first and second support point.

A trolley of a rope crane, comprising a trolley body, a transverse load beam of the trolley, a hoisting mechanism and comprises a rope drum, a hoisting motor for driving the rope drum, and a gear for coupling the hoisting motor to the rope drum, whereby the gear has a primary side and a secondary side, and whereby the rope drum is located, in the vertical direction of the trolley, between the hoisting motor and load beam parallel to the load beam. The hoisting mechanism is supported by a three-point support to a main beam, whereby the first support point and second support point are adjacent to the secondary side of a gear, and whereby the third support point is formed by a support of the rope from end facing away from the gear to the load beam at a lateral distance from the first and second support point.

Proposed are a transport vehicle which can prevent the risk of collision of the transport vehicle and minimize damage to parts of the transport vehicle in the event of the collision, and an article transport system including the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle for transporting an article in a manufacturing factory includes a driving unit which drives along a driving rail, and a hoist unit which is located under the driving unit and supports the article. The hoist unit includes a frame, and a pair of tail plates which is provided on a rear surface of the frame and protrudes rearward.

Proposed are a transport vehicle which can prevent the risk of collision of the transport vehicle and minimize damage to parts of the transport vehicle in the event of the collision, and an article transport system including the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle for transporting an article in a manufacturing factory includes a driving unit which drives along a driving rail, and a hoist unit which is located under the driving unit and supports the article. The hoist unit includes a frame, and a pair of tail plates which is provided on a rear surface of the frame and protrudes rearward.

An electric powered pneumatic balancer is provided. In an embodiment it includes: a housing; an air balancer located in the housing; and a compressor located in the housing. The housing includes an opening to receive air to the compressor as it generates compressed air. The compressor is in fluid communication with the balancer which operates in response to receipt of the pressurized air from the compressor. An electrical power supply is in electrical communication with the compressor to power the compressor to generate the pressurized air.

An electric powered pneumatic balancer is provided. In an embodiment it includes: a housing; an air balancer located in the housing; and a compressor located in the housing. The housing includes an opening to receive air to the compressor as it generates compressed air. The compressor is in fluid communication with the balancer which operates in response to receipt of the pressurized air from the compressor. An electrical power supply is in electrical communication with the compressor to power the compressor to generate the pressurized air.

A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.

In an overhead transport vehicle, an elevator includes shock absorbers attached to belts, and a base including a holder. The shock absorbers each include a support below the base. The base is vertically movable with respect to each of the supports with vibration isolators. The shock absorbers are connected by a link that operates to ensure similarity of respective distances between the base and the support connected to each other in each of the shock absorbers.

In an overhead transport vehicle, an elevator includes shock absorbers attached to belts, and a base including a holder. The shock absorbers each include a support below the base. The base is vertically movable with respect to each of the supports with vibration isolators. The shock absorbers are connected by a link that operates to ensure similarity of respective distances between the base and the support connected to each other in each of the shock absorbers.