Systems and methods for mutual authentication of a user and a container administrator computer system. A container administrator computer system receives a request from a mobile computing device for a user to access a secure container. The request includes a user identifier. The administrator system receives a first authentication factor corresponding to the user. The administrator system authenticates the user by verifying that the first authentication factor matches a first reference authentication factor associated with the user identifier. The administrator system sends a second authentication factor associated with the administrator system to a human-machine interface associated with the secure container or the mobile computing device. The administrator system receives a notification of authentication of the administrator system using the authentication factor. The administrator system transmits an unlock signal to unlock the secure container.

A management system includes an autonomously movable mobile robot configured to be managed by the management system and transport a transport article. The mobile robot includes a storage locker capable of containing a transport article and being electrically locked or unlocked. The management system is configured to determine whether to unlock the storage locker according to a security level set for unlocking the storage locker. The management system is configured to, when the management system receives a notification of an emergency event, lower the security level.

A shuttle for handling and transporting goods, including: a receiving base suitable for receiving a removable support for goods; a gripper suitable for cooperating with the removable support, the gripper being movable relative to the receiving base; and an extension system connected to the gripper, for moving the removable support on the receiving base. The extension system moves the gripper along a transverse axis while remaining parallel to itself, between retracted position, a first protruding position, and a second protruding position opposite the first protruding position with respect to the retracted position.

Apparatus and methods for tracking or otherwise accounting for chattel (e.g., personal property such as keys, pocket knives, and the like) at a point of departure such as an airport, bus station, train station, etc., or areas where people congregate (e.g., sporting events, concerts, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a kiosk adapted for use near a security checkpoint, wherein passengers or patrons can efficiently deposit their items for shipment to their home, travel destination, or third party.

This disclosure includes a parcel terminal that may include a shelving unit comprising a plurality of shelves that are separated by respective predetermined distances along a dimension of the unit. In an embodiment, the plurality of shelves may be evenly spaced. The parcel terminal may further include a receptacle for receiving a parcel from a user, a loader configured to transfer the parcel from the receptacle to a shelf on the shelving unit, and an electronic controller in electronic communication with the loader. The electronic controller may be configured to determine a number of open shelves required to accommodate the parcel based on a size of the parcel and on the respective predetermined distances, to select a set of shelves having at least the required number of open shelves, and to initiate a movement of the loader so as to place the parcel within the selected set of shelves.

This disclosure includes a parcel terminal that may include a shelving unit comprising a plurality of shelves that are separated by respective predetermined distances along a dimension of the unit. In an embodiment, the plurality of shelves may be evenly spaced. The parcel terminal may further include a receptacle for receiving a parcel from a user, a loader configured to transfer the parcel from the receptacle to a shelf on the shelving unit, and an electronic controller in electronic communication with the loader. The electronic controller may be configured to determine a number of open shelves required to accommodate the parcel based on a size of the parcel and on the respective predetermined distances, to select a set of shelves having at least the required number of open shelves, and to initiate a movement of the loader so as to place the parcel within the selected set of shelves.

A rack for scooters is disclosed. The rack generally includes a base portion and a rack plate mounted to the base portion. The rack plate may include a top plate that is generally parallel to the ground and a front plate extending downward from the top plate. The top plate may include a plurality of slots, each of which is configured to receive a neck portion of a scooter. Each of the slots may be configured to support a scooter in an upright position when the scooter is placed therein. The slots may be tapered, allowing for scooters of varying designs to be supported therein. The rack plate may also include one or more apertures configured to receive a portion of a locking mechanism, such that the locking mechanism can be used to secure a scooter within a slot to prevent theft.

A rack for scooters is disclosed. The rack generally includes a base portion and a rack plate mounted to the base portion. The rack plate may include a top plate that is generally parallel to the ground and a front plate extending downward from the top plate. The top plate may include a plurality of slots, each of which is configured to receive a neck portion of a scooter. Each of the slots may be configured to support a scooter in an upright position when the scooter is placed therein. The slots may be tapered, allowing for scooters of varying designs to be supported therein. The rack plate may also include one or more apertures configured to receive a portion of a locking mechanism, such that the locking mechanism can be used to secure a scooter within a slot to prevent theft.

An autonomous storage and retrieval tower for receiving, storing, and dispensing free physical products.

A money handling apparatus includes: a safe having a safe door; a plurality of drawers configured to be drawable from the safe when the safe door is opened, each drawer including one or a plurality of storage units configured to store money therein; at least one locking unit configured to restrict drawing-out of each drawer from the safe; and a control unit configured to control the at least one locking unit to put each drawer into either an unlocked state where drawing-out of the drawer is allowed or a locked state where drawing-out of the drawer is restricted.