A vehicle for use with an object handling system, the object handling system including two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a first grid, a plurality of first uprights supporting the first grid, a plurality of containers arranged in stacks, each stack being located underneath the first grid, one or more robotic load handling devices configured to drive on top of the rails of the first grid, the one or more load handling devices including means for removing or replacing at least one container from the stacks. The vehicle includes two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a second grid substantially at the top of the vehicle above a storage space for carrying containers. The second grid interfaces with the first grid to allow the one or more load handling devices to drive from the rails of the first grid onto the rails of the second grid.

For parking a bicycle, a bicycle parking device includes a storage tray, a lifting mechanism, and a rotary platform. The storage tray is located at the bottom of the bicycle parking device and has a plurality of bicycle parking spaces. The lifting mechanism drives a bicycle carrying platform to move up and down. The rotary platform that is rotatably disposed on the lifting mechanism and is docked with the bicycle parking space. The bicycle carrying platform transfers between the bicycle parking space and the rotary platform.

A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. Each container may be provided with connectors having a push fit male connector located at a top edge of the container and a female connector at a bottom edge of the container. Adjacent containers in a stack can be linked by routing means, which form moldings on each container. The connectors can also have spring-loaded contacts. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

A device for parking vehicles includes a platform a synchronization traction element on each side on the platform. One end of each traction element is fixed in a first region of the platform, and another end of each traction element is fixed in an opposite second region of the platform. Each traction element has a first part in the first region of the platform, a second part along the platform, and a third part in the second region of the platform. Each traction element is guided by a roller, and the rollers are connected by a synchronization shaft.

A storage system is disclosed where goods can be stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of rails (e.g., tracks) on which load handling devices can run. To take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensors, and data logging devices. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, can allow for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. Each container may be provided with connectors having a push fit male connector located at a top edge of the container and a female connector at a bottom edge of the container. Adjacent containers in a stack can be linked by routing means, which form moldings on each container. The connectors can also have spring-loaded contacts. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers (10) and the containers (10) are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The containers (10) may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, and data logging means. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

A system, comprising: a storage workspace including a first framework defined by a series of first uprights, the first uprights supporting a grid of two substantially perpendicular sets of rails; and a plurality of containers for storing objects, wherein the plurality of containers are arranged in stacks, each stack of containers is located underneath a grid space in the workspace; and a grid extension including a continuation of the two substantially perpendicular sets of rails, and wherein the plurality of containers can be moved by one or more load handling devices between the storage workspace and an area beneath the grid extension, wherein the area beneath the grid extension is configured for positioning a roll cage such that containers can be placed or removed from the roll cage.

This disclosure relates to a load handling system including a container having a load carrying platform and a side wall extending around at least part of the perimeter of the load carrying platform. The side wall is to move with respect to the load carrying platform between a first position in which the load carrying platform is held substantially at a lower end of the side wall and a second position in which the load carrying platform is located substantially at or above an upper end of the side wall. The load handling system is configured to receive the side wall as the side wall moves after the load carrying platform has been lowered onto the support station.

A system for docking a vehicle to a building, wherein the vehicle functions as a space of the building when the vehicle is connected thereto, and wherein the building includes at least one station inside or outside thereof such that the vehicle can dock at the at least one station, includes a server configured to check whether the at least one station is available to allow a user to select a station for a vehicle, to select the station randomly when the user does not select the station, and when the vehicle is docked at the selected station, to connect the vehicle to the selected station in wired or wireless manner to manage use of the selected station.