A kitting machine is disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine includes an actuator configured to move a surface or receptacle to a position associated with item retrieval; and a controller configured to control operation of the actuator to position an item in the position associated with item retrieval, in a manner that is synchronized at least in part with operation of a robotic retrieval device configured to retrieve the item from the position associated with item retrieval.

A method, system and apparatus for a kitting and automation assembly. The system includes an inspection apparatus that captures information of a component. A controller is coupled to the inspection apparatus for receiving and evaluating the information to determine a conforming component. The assembly apparatus includes a datum tool that is operatively configured to contact a datum reference of a part to determine a proper position of the part. The method includes capturing a data set indicative of a characteristic of a component and comparing the data set to a stored data set having a desired characteristic to determine a conforming component. The method also includes picking and positioning the conforming component at an installation position, contacting a datum reference of a part with a datum tool to confirm a proper position, and placing the conforming component on to the part at the proper position.

A device and method for testing foodstuffs for the presence of microorganisms including an infeed unit for a package containing a foodstuff, a sample analysis device configured to take a sample of the foodstuff and test for the presence of microorganisms, a discharge unit for discharging the package, and a display for displaying the results of testing by the sample analysis device.

Systems, devices, articles, and methods for the partition of a plurality of items. A system including at least one processor, a frame, an end-effector coupled to the frame, and a plurality of reception spaces proximate to the end-effector. Coupled to the at least one processor is the end-effector, and a storage device storing processor-executable instructions which cause the at least one processor to direct the end-effector partition a plurality of items into two or more defined parts per a defined partition for the plurality of items. The end-effector places the plurality of items in the plurality of reception spaces. Item(s) for a respective part of the two or more defined parts are placed in a respective reception space, and may be transferred to a respective container. A method of operation of a system including at least one processor and a robot substantially as described and illustrated herein.

A method, system and apparatus for a kitting and automation assembly. The system includes an inspection apparatus that captures information of a component. A controller is coupled to the inspection apparatus for receiving and evaluating the information to determine a conforming component. The assembly apparatus includes a datum tool that is operatively configured to contact a datum reference of a part to determine a proper position of the part. The method includes capturing a data set indicative of a characteristic of a component and comparing the data set to a stored data set having a desired characteristic to determine a conforming component. The method also includes picking and positioning the conforming component at an installation position, contacting a datum reference of a part with a datum tool to confirm a proper position, and placing the conforming component on to the part at the proper position.

A kitting machine is disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine includes an actuator configured to move a surface or receptacle to a position associated with item retrieval; and a controller configured to control operation of the actuator to position an item in the position associated with item retrieval, in a manner that is synchronized at least in part with operation of a robotic retrieval device configured to retrieve the item from the position associated with item retrieval.

Methods, systems and computer readable media are provided for automatic kitting of items. The system for automatic kitting of items includes a robotic device, a first imaging device, a computing device and a controller. The robotic device includes an arm with a robotic gripper at one end. The first imaging device is focused on a device conveying kitted items. The computing device is coupled to the first imaging device and is configured to process image data from the first imaging device. The computing device includes item arrangement verification software configured to determine whether each item desired to be in the kitted items is present or absent in the kitted items in response to the processed image data from the first imaging device and generates data based on whether an item desired to be in the kitted items is absent from the kitted items. The controller is coupled to the computing device to receive the data from the computer representing whether an item desired to be in the kitted items is absent from the kitted items. The controller is also coupled to the robotic device for providing instructions to the robotic device to control movement of the arm and the robotic gripper, wherein at least some of the instructions provided to the robotic device are generated in response to the item desired to be in the kitted items being absent from the kitted items.

A control device, computer program and method for determining a path of kinematics for picking up an object from a conveyor system includes providing a kinetic model depending on mass, moment of inertia or inertia tensor of the kinematics, specifying maximum drive forces and/or drive torques of drives, determining limit values for state variables of the path, as a function of the maximum drive forces and/or drive torques based on the kinetic model, the limit values being determined for a plurality of points of a working space, extrapolating a position of a virtual point on the conveyor system based on values of the position and speed and/or acceleration of the virtual point at respective sampling times, and determining setpoints for the path as a function of the determined limit values and the extrapolated position, where the movement path is modelled as a function of the position of the virtual point.

A manufacturing system including an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) structure with a three-dimensional array of storage locations distributed throughout a two-dimensional footprint of the ASRS structure at multiple storage levels; workpieces stored within the storage locations of the ASRS structure; robotic storage/retrieval vehicles (RSRVs) navigable within the ASRS structure in three dimensions to access the storage locations, and multiple manufacturing cells positioned outside the ASRS structure, is provided. The manufacturing system includes a track structure attached to the ASRS structure and defining one or more travel paths traversable by the RSRVs from the ASRS structure. The same fleet of RSRVs that is navigable within the ASRS structure is operable to deliver the workpieces to the manufacturing cells. One or more of the manufacturing cells are positioned along the track structure, thereby receiving convenient access to the workpieces along with associated tool pieces and workpiece supports for manufacturing goods.