A device (10) is placed on an object (30) handled by a robot (100). Based on measurements performed by at least one sensor of the device (10), engagement of the robot (100) with the object (30) is detected. The measurements may for example include acceleration measurements which allow for detecting movement of the object (30) caused by the robot (100).

Embodiments are directed to conveyor systems and methods for controlling induction of items within the conveyor systems. In one scenario, a conveyor control system implements a hardware sensor in a conveyor system to generate sensor readings regarding an operational status of a first zone in an operational environment, where the first zone is an area where orders are fulfilled. The conveyor control system receives sensor data from the hardware sensor of the conveyor system. The sensor data includes feedback information for controlling the conveyor system. The conveyor control system then evaluates the received sensor data to determine which conveyable items are currently in the first zone and, based on the evaluation, induces the conveyable items onto the conveyor for the first zone.

A workpiece processing apparatus includes: a first rotational distance information storage unit that stores multiple pieces of first rotational distance information, each of which is information having, in association with each other, a rotational angle, and first distance information regarding a distance from a rotation center to an edge of a circular workpiece corresponding to the rotational angle, in a case where the workpiece is rotated; an acquiring unit that acquires information for positioning the workpiece, information for specifying an orientation of the workpiece, and information regarding a defective portion at the edge of the workpiece, using the multiple pieces of first rotational distance information stored in the first rotational distance information storage unit; and an output unit that outputs the information for positioning the workpiece, the information for specifying the orientation of the workpiece, and the information regarding the defective portion, which are acquired by the acquiring unit.

Systems and methods for object guidance and collision avoidance are provided. One system includes a location sensor disposed on a movable crane. The system also includes a plurality of sensors disposed on a plurality of objects within a facility. The system further includes a controller having a receiver for monitoring signals transmitted from the location sensor disposed on a movable crane and the plurality of sensors disposed on a plurality of objects within the facility. The controller is configured to generate a travel path for the movable crane to move an object coupled with the movable crane based on the one or more intersection regions and generate an output signal to an alarm device to provide an alert, when at least one object of the plurality of objects is within a predetermined proximity of at least the object being moved by the crane.

A workpiece processing apparatus includes: a first rotational distance information storage unit that stores multiple pieces of first rotational distance information, each of which is information having, in association with each other, a rotational angle, and first distance information regarding a distance from a rotation center to an edge of a circular workpiece corresponding to the rotational angle, in a case where the workpiece is rotated; an acquiring unit that acquires information for positioning the workpiece, information for specifying an orientation of the workpiece, and information regarding a defective portion at the edge of the workpiece, using the multiple pieces of first rotational distance information stored in the first rotational distance information storage unit; and an output unit that outputs the information for positioning the workpiece, the information for specifying the orientation of the workpiece, and the information regarding the defective portion, which are acquired by the acquiring unit.

A system. The system includes an apparatus and a server. The apparatus is configured for securely transporting an item from a first location to a second location, and includes a mobile robot and a cart. The cart is coupled to the mobile robot and includes at least one secure storage area. The server is communicably connected to the apparatus and includes a module. The module is configured to maintain a chain of custody record for the item.

A method for controlling a handling of a further object (90) which is handled at a site (10) by at least two different workstations (51, 52) and which is moved between the at least two different workstations, determining a site plan of the site (10), the site plan indicating the at least two workstations at predefined positions in the site plan, determining a trajectory of a first object (90) moving in the site (10) in an absolute coordinate system of the site, deducing absolute positions of the at least two workstations (51, 52) in the absolute coordinate system from the determined trajectory of the first object, using the absolute positions of the at least two workstations (51, 52) for controlling the handling of the at least one further object handled by the at least two workstations.

A method for replacing a working component in an automatic machine has a mapping phase and a working phase. The mapping phase involves defining a first reference point fixed relative to the automatic machine and a position in machine of the working component. The working phase involves: stopping the automatic machine (2); starting a procedure of configuration change preparing the automatic machine for a withdrawal of the working component; detecting the first reference point; determining the position in machine of the working component; picking up the working component from the position in machine by means of a gripping device; releasing the working component in a storing position; picking up a replacement working component from a stocking position by means of the gripping device; positioning the gripping device at the position in machine; and inserting and fixing the replacement working component in the position in machine.

An assistance method for execution of a format change in an automatic machine can include dividing the format change into an orderly succession of operations for the removal of components designed for the old format and installation of components designed for the new format; communicating the orderly succession of removal and installation operations to an operator; electronically and automatically detecting the actual presence or absence of a component designed for the old or new format before communicating to the operator the operation for removal or installation of the component; electronically and automatically detecting the actual absence or presence of a component designed for the old or new format after having communicated to the operator; and communicating to the operator the operation following an operation for the removal or installation of a component only after having electronically and automatically checked for the actual absence or presence of the component.