This document describes a simulation system that simulates robots and other actors performing tasks in an area. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a graph representing a physical area. The graph includes area nodes that represent regions of the area that are traversed by a set of actors that perform tasks in the area and terminal nodes that represent regions of the facility where the actors perform the tasks. A set of agents that each include a model corresponding to an actor is identified. At least a portion of the agents includes models for robots that perform tasks in the area. The model of an agent represents durations of time for traversing area nodes and performing tasks are terminal nodes during simulations. A sequence of tasks being performed in the area is simulated using the graph and the set of agents.

A machine tool for machining workpieces having at least in parts of wood, wood materials, plastic, composite material or the like, includes: a machining unit for performing workpiece machining, a supporting table for supporting workpieces to be machined, and an assistance robot which is arranged at least temporarily on or above the supporting table and which includes a transport device that enables it to move with respect to the supporting table. A navigation system including at least one sensor is provided for navigating the assistance robot with respect to the supporting table.

A method for controlling a robot is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining a first comparison axis with reference to a first target area specified by a camera module of a robot, and determining a second comparison axis with reference to a second target area specified by a scanner module of the robot and associated with the first target area; and correcting a reference coordinate system associated with the camera module with reference to a relationship between the first comparison axis and the second comparison axis.

Provided is a method of controlling a conveyor for item transportation and an electronic apparatus therefor, the method including acquiring information associated with a plurality of destinations, identifying a weight for each of the plurality of destinations based on the acquired information, determining, in response to an item being identified, a destination among the plurality of destinations based on the identified weight, wherein the item is placed in the determined destination, and controlling the conveyor to transport the item to the determined destination.

Systems and methods for flexible conveyance in an assembly-line or manufacturing process are disclosed. A fleet of self-driving vehicles and a fleet-management system can be used to convey workpieces through a sequence of workstations at which operations are performed in order to produce a finished assembly. An assembly can be transported to a first workstation using a self-driving vehicle, where an operation is performed on the assembly. Subsequently, the assembly can be transported to a second workstation using the self-driving vehicle. The operation can be performed on the assembly while it is being conveyed by the self-driving vehicle.

A method for retrieving an inventory item based on a handling robot, where the handling robot includes: a storage frame; and a material handling device installed on the storage frame, and including a telescopic arm and a manipulator installed to the telescopic arm; and the method for retrieving an inventory item includes: driving, by the telescopic arm, the manipulator to extend to a preset position of warehouse shelf along a preset horizontal reference line; loading, by the manipulator that is remained on the reference line, the inventory item located in the preset position; driving, by the telescopic arm, the manipulator loaded with the inventory item to move to the storage frame along the reference line; and unloading, by the manipulator that is remained on the reference line, the inventory item to the storage frame.

Embodiments relate to autonomous operation of a mobile robot, which can include use of a receiver hitch, a tow arm, and a trained model. Embodiments include use of sensors and identifiers to facilitate autonomous operation based solely on receiver hitch data. The receiver hitch data can allow the robot to autonomously position itself and orient the tow arm for proper alignment with the receiver hitch. Receiver hitch data can also be used to autonomously increase a field of view for the robot. Additional sensor data can allow the robot to detect a ledge or similar obstacle and avoid steering towards or over the ledge.

Embodiments relate to a robotic system having a plurality of sensors attached to a robot. The system includes an identifier attached to a receiver hitch of a cart. The identifier includes information related to a cart with which the identifier is attached. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect the identifier and transmit sensor data to a computing unit of the robot. The computing unit of the robot operates the robot and/or the plurality of sensors based on the cart information. Some embodiments include a facility sensor attached to a facility. The facility sensor is configured to detect presence or absence of a cart.

A method for retrieving an inventory item based on a handling robot, where the handling robot includes: a storage frame; and a material handling device installed on the storage frame, and including a telescopic arm and a manipulator installed to the telescopic arm; and the method for retrieving an inventory item includes: driving, by the telescopic arm, the manipulator to extend to a preset position of warehouse shelf along a preset horizontal reference line; loading, by the manipulator that is remained on the reference line, the inventory item located in the preset position; driving, by the telescopic arm, the manipulator loaded with the inventory item to move to the storage frame along the reference line; and unloading, by the manipulator that is remained on the reference line, the inventory item to the storage frame.

A method for retrieving an inventory item based on a handling robot, where the handling robot includes: a storage frame; and a material handling device installed on the storage frame, and including a telescopic arm and a manipulator installed to the telescopic arm; and the method for retrieving an inventory item includes: driving, by the telescopic arm, the manipulator to extend to a preset position of warehouse shelf along a preset horizontal reference line; loading, by the manipulator that is remained on the reference line, the inventory item located in the preset position; driving, by the telescopic arm, the manipulator loaded with the inventory item to move to the storage frame along the reference line; and unloading, by the manipulator that is remained on the reference line, the inventory item to the storage frame.