According to one embodiment, an object holding apparatus includes a holding part, a recognition device, and a controller. The holding part is able to hold at least one object. The recognition device recognizes a plurality of objects to generate a recognition result. The controller selects a first object from the objects, based on the recognition result. The controller sets a first direction to one side of the first object along which the number of objects aligned with the first object is smaller than the number of objects aligned with the first object along the other side of the first object. The controller selects a second object aligned with the first object along the first direction. The controller controls a driving of the holding part, based on a selection result of the first object and the second object.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methodology to match and calibrate processing chamber performance in a processing chamber. In one embodiment, a method for calibrating a processing chamber for semiconductor manufacturing process includes performing a first predetermined process in a processing chamber, collecting a first set of signals transmitted from a first group of sensors disposed in the processing chamber to a controller while performing the predetermined process, analyzing the collected first set of signals, comparing the collected first set of signals with database stored in the controller to check sensor responses from the first group of sensors, calibrating sensors based on the collected first set of signals when a mismatch sensor response is found, subsequently performing a first series of processes in the processing chamber, and collecting a second set of signals transmitted from the sensors to the controller while performing the series of processes.

A communication system facilitates a closed loop, two-way communication network between machines at a worksite and a remote processing facility. A management and control system receives operations data and generates recommended adjustments to the worksite operations. A manager system provides manager outputs over the communication network to adjust operations of the machines at the worksite based on the recommended adjustments.

A method and apparatus for dimensioning an object carried by an automated pallet mover is disclosed. An example includes an image sensor configured to capture image data representative of a dimensioning area. A dimensioning coordinator is remotely located from an automated transportation system capable of moving the automated pallet mover. The dimensioning coordinator detects a dimensioning trigger condition associated with the pallet mover and sends first instructions to the automated transportation system to move the vehicle to the dimensioning area, and second instructions to coordinate movement of the vehicle and image capture operation to perform dimensioning on the object.

The invention relates to a method for bundling conveying streams on a materials handling element (Ka . . . Kz, K1 . . . K34) comprising a number of incoming conveyor segments (1a, 1b), at least one coupling (2) to an outgoing conveyor segment (3), on which the incoming conveyor segments (1a, 1b) converge, and a number of holding devices (4a, 4b) for holding a conveying stream on the incoming conveyor segments (1a, 1b). In a first step of the method, target arrival times (TA1 . . . TA3, TB1, TC1 . . . TC3), at which the objects arrive as planned at a destination (23a . . . 23c), are calculated for the conveyed objects (17). A conveyed object (17) is released at a release time which substantially corresponds to the target arrival time (TA1 . . . TA3, TB1, TC1 . . . TC3) minus the target pass-through time (t1, t2, t6) required for the conveyed object (17) to be transported as planned from a current position to the destination (23a . . . 23c). The invention further relates to a materials handling element (Ka . . . Kz, K1 . . . K34) for carrying out said method.

An example method is carried out in a warehouse environment having a plurality of inventory items located therein, each having a corresponding on-item identifier. The method involves determining a target inventory item having a target on-item identifier. The method also involves determining that a first inventory item having a first on-item identifier is loaded onto a first robotic device. The method further involves transmitting a request to verify the first on-item identifier. The method still further involves receiving data captured by a sensor of the second robotic device. The method yet further involves (i) analyzing the received data to determine the first on-item identifier, (ii) comparing the first on-item identifier and the target on-item identifier, and (iii) responsive to comparing the first on-item identifier and the target on-item identifier, performing an action.

A cart having a wheel, a drive motor coupled to the wheel such that an output of the drive motor causes the wheel to rotate and propel the cart, a cart-computing device communicatively coupled to the drive motor; and one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the cart-computing device, the one or more sensors generating one or more signals in response to a detected event. The cart-computing device receives a communication signal and electrical power via the wheel. The communication signal corresponds to one or more instructions for controlling an operation of the cart. The cart-computing device receives the one or more signals from the one or more sensors. The cart-computing device generates and transmits a control signal to the drive motor to cause the drive motor to operate based on at least one of the one or more signals generated by the one or more sensors or the communication signal.

A cart having a wheel, a drive motor coupled to the wheel such that an output of the drive motor causes the wheel to rotate and propel the cart, a cart-computing device communicatively coupled to the drive motor, wherein the cart-computing device generates a control signal to adjust the operation of the drive motor, and a sensor module communicatively coupled to the cart-computing device. The sensor module, in a first mode, generates a signal and transmits the signal to the cart-computing device in response to a detected event. The sensor module, in a second mode, transmits a first communication signal in response to the first communication signal generated by the cart-computing device. The sensor module, in a third mode, receives a second communication signal in response to a source external to the cart transmitting the second communication signal to the cart.

An automated palletizer for building a mixed case pallet, the automated palletizer including a case infeed that feeds mixed cases to provide an input queue feed sequence of mixed cases. At least one pallet building robot communicably connected to the case infeed and configured to receive the mixed cases in the input queue feed sequence of mixed cases, and place the mixed cases according to and dependent on the input queue feed sequence of mixed cases so as to effect building the mixed case pallet at a predetermined substantially steady placement rate. A controller communicably connected to the case infeed and at least one pallet building robot, and being configured so as to generate a complete and stable mixed case arrangement plan that completes at least a predetermined whole part of the mixed case pallet and that describes a predetermined planned location and pose for each case.

A method for transporting inventory items includes moving a mobile drive unit to a first point within a workspace. The first point is a location of an inventory holder. The method further includes docking the mobile drive unit with the inventory holder and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to a second point within the workspace. The second point is associated with conveyance equipment. The method further includes moving the inventory holder to a third point within the workspace using the conveyance equipment.