Asynchronous conveyor networks serving as inter-process transport mechanisms eliminate transport capacity constraints of vehicle-based systems in integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing environments. Demand variability may be buffered without the use of off-line-storage such as stockers. The variability in wait times for transport service is also eliminated. Overall factory cycle times are thus reduced while manufacturing capacity is simultaneously increased. An autonomous conveyor network automated materials handling system combines clean frictionless conveyor principles with a unique network layout to fulfill the logistics requirements of IC manufacturing environments. Mechanical conveyor-to-tool interfaces, also referred to as equipment delivery interfaces (EDi's), bridge the conveyor network to individual tools. An operating software module integrates the functionality of the conveyor network and EDi's. The result is a full capability factory logistics system.

Methods and systems for sorting hides are provided. In particular, one or more embodiments comprise a tanning control system that enhances the traceability of hides by capturing and utilizing data related to the unloading, tanning, sorting, and packaging of hides. Furthermore, one or more embodiments enable the tanning control system to improve efficiency by sorting hides based, at least in part, on data generated during prior tanning processes. Additionally, one or more embodiments facilitate the tanning control system in customizing the sorting and packaging of hides based, at least in part, on one or more hide characteristics and/or customer specifications.

Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets are disclosed for fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. The disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.

There is provided a conveyor assembly for sorting merchandise items. In one form, the conveyor assembly includes: a merchandise identification module; sortation modules each comprising a multi-directional sorting portion with two sets of rollers, a first wing including a third set of rollers, a second wing including a fourth set of rollers, and a controller configured to receive an IP address; a first, disassembled state of the sortation modules; a second, assembled state of the sortation modules; a merchandise database; and a control circuit configured to receive identifying information about an unsorted merchandise item, assign a unique IP address to each sortation module corresponding to the position of the sortation module, determine a sortation destination for the unsorted merchandise item, determine the sortation module corresponding to the sortation destination; and instruct the controller of the corresponding sortation module to divert the unsorted merchandise item to the sortation destination.

The present document discloses a conveyor system comprising a plurality of workpiece carriers, each adapted for supporting at least one workpiece during transportation, a conveyor, adapted for transporting the workpiece carriers, at least one flow device for controlling a movement of one of the workpiece carriers relative to the conveyor, the flow device comprising a local controller, at least one workpiece carrier sensor and at least one actuator, and a central controller, which is in data communication with the flow device, and having a memory containing a flow plan comprising data describing an intended flow of workpieces in the conveyor system.

The invention relates to a method for managing a main module (1) of a production line, with said main module (1) being equipped with thermal means that operate in production at a setpoint temperature (1000), method in which during production, when there is a break in production continuity at said main module (1), the temperature of said thermal means is lowered, and then their temperature is reset until said setpoint temperature (1000) is reached. Advantageously, at least data from a past event comprising at least one temperature rise time of said thermal means from a first temperature to a second temperature is recorded, and based on said data, the temperature of said thermal means is adapted automatically to reach said setpoint temperature (1000), at the latest when the production continuity resumes at said main module (1). The object of the invention is also a corresponding management device.

A method and system for motion control of movers in an independent cart system is disclosed. In one implementation, the independent cart system includes a plurality of track segments, each section having a respective controller. One of the controllers receives a motion command for a plurality of carts, respectively. The controller generates a force command for each of the plurality of carts and transmits the respective commands to the track segments commutating the plurality of carts.

A mobile body positioning station and a mobile body positioning system include a first partition, a second partition disposed along a direction intersecting an extending direction of the first partition, and a guide device as a guide disposed on a movement path of a robot as a mobile body. The guide device is disposed along an oblique direction with respect to the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first partition to extend from the first partition toward the second partition side. The guide device is configured to make the robot move in the oblique direction more easily than move in directions other than the oblique direction, and the guide device moves the robot along the first partition toward the second partition.

A system and method relating to determining, by a processing device, a first number of parts waiting to be processed in a subsequent step by a plurality of machines housed in a plurality of buildings interconnected by rails, determining a second number of parts that the plurality of machines housed in the plurality of buildings is capable of processing in the subsequent step of the manufacture process over a determined period of time, calculating a capability occupancy ratio based on the first number and the second number for each one of the plurality of buildings, determining a target building of the plurality of buildings based on the capability occupancy ratio, and causing to dispatch the part to the target building via the rails.

A robot and work equipment are disposed near a work table including a work table-side controller and a process planning and designing controller capable of being operated by a user. The work table-side controller executes a work process in which the robot and the work equipment operate in conjunction, by receiving signals carrying identification and state monitoring information from a robot-side controller and the work equipment and then sending these signals to the process planning and designing controller, and by sending operation command signals to the robot-side controller and the work equipment in accordance with the aforementioned work process and then receiving operation status signals from the robot-side controller and the work equipment. Based on the signals carrying the identification and state monitoring information on the robot and the work equipment, the process planning and designing controller plans and designs the aforementioned work process.