A method and a device for controlling a number of robots to emergency stop are provided. The method includes arranging multiple position points in a site where robots work and position identifiers corresponding to the position points, and providing corresponding recognizers at bottoms of the robots; when fault signals reported by the robots are detected, determining, according to the fault signals, whether all the robots in the site need to be controlled to emergency stop, wherein if yes, according to current positions and moving speeds of the robots, position points in the site are allocated to the robots as respective emergency stop positions, the robots are controlled to move to the corresponding emergency stop positions, and thereafter the robots are controlled to stop movement. The device comprises a configuration module, a determination module, an allocation module and a control module.

A control device 1A includes a task group generation means 16A and an operation sequence generation means 17A. The task group generation means is configured to generate, in a case where multiple tasks to be executed by one or more robots are designated, one or more task groups obtained by classifying the multiple tasks. The operation sequence generation means 17A is configured to generate one or more operation sequences of the one or more robots for completing the multiple tasks so as to put completion time of tasks included in the one or more task groups close to one another.

A method of calibrating positions of wheels in an AGV, the method including positioning a second wheel tangentially on an imaginary second circle centered with respect to a center position in which a first wheel is fixed; driving the second wheel a second distance along the second circle such that the AGV rotates about the center position; determining the second distance based on data from a second wheel sensor device of the second wheel; determining an angle of rotation about the center position based on data from a first steering sensor device of the first wheel during the rotation of the AGV; and determining relative positions between the first wheel and the second wheel based on the second distance and the angle of rotation. An AGV is also provided.

A method and apparatus for carrying a shelf. One specific implementation of the method comprises: receiving first task information from a task server (104); determining, according to an identifier of a shelf to be transported, the position of a shelf storage space (201) for storing the shelf as a starting point position; determining, according to an identifier of a first picking station, the position of a first buffer storage space in a buffer storage space set corresponding to the first picking station as an ending point position; generating first transporting information according to the determined starting point position and ending point position; and sending the first transporting information to automated guided vehicles (106,107), so that the automated guided vehicles (106,107) transport the shelf.

A robot system includes a robot arm driven by an electric motor and a vehicle that is movable and supports the robot arm. A control method includes (a) moving the vehicle to a work station of a first type and (b) driving the robot arm in the work station of the first type. The (a) executes a first operation mode for, in a part of the movement to the work station of the first type, moving the vehicle in a state in which electric power is not supplied to the electric motor, starting supply of the electric power to the electric motor during the movement of the vehicle in the state in which the electric power is not supplied to the electric motor, and arranging the vehicle in the work station of the first type in a state in which the electric power is supplied to the electric motor.

Systems and methods for optimizing factory scheduling, layout or both which represent active factory elements (human and machine) as computational objects and simulate factory operation to optimize a solution. This enables the efficient assembly of customized products, accommodates variable demand, and mitigates unplanned events (floor blockages, machines/IMRs/workcell/workers downtime, variable quantity, location, and destination of supply parts).

Provided are systems, methods, and devices for storing and transporting articles with a multi-shelf storage unit. A system for article handling includes a multi-shelf storage unit and a robotic unit. The multi-shelf storage unit includes a plurality of shelves disposed on a frame, the plurality of shelves including at least one vertically moveable shelf configured to move in first and second vertical directions relative to the frame, and a lift mechanism configured to automatically drive, in response to receiving a drive input, the at least one vertically moveable shelf in the first or second vertical direction. The robotic unit includes an end effector disposed on a robotic manipulator for engaging an article and a lift mechanism actuator that is connectable to the lift mechanism and configured to provide the drive input to actuate the lift mechanism.

A system for automated guided vehicle safety may include an automated guided vehicle (AGV) having a propulsion system configured to move the AGV, and a processor configured to control the propulsion system, and a laser imaging system configured to deploy a virtual safety fence at least partially surrounding the AGV. The laser imaging system may include a plurality of laser imaging sensors including a front sensor and a rear sensor, and a movable boom, the front sensor being mounted to the movable boom and configured to extend in front of the housing of the AGV.

A safety system is disclosed for failsafe servicing of areas within an order fulfillment facility. During normal operation, a number of battery-powered robots receive wireless instructions from a management control system (MCS) to transfer items to/from workstations or storage shelves in a multi-level storage structure. The order fulfillment facility may be divided into dynamically configurable service zones. When service is required in a service zone, different safety protocols may be employed based on a determination as to the priority level of service required and/or the estimated length of time service will take. One safety protocol involves physically blocking all access points to a service area with mechanical guards, so that order fulfillment operations may be proceed around the service zone while service is performed.

A dolly for indoor and outdoor use including a supporting frame extending along a main axis of extension and a loading platform mounted above said frame. The dolly also includes at least one steering and drive wheel coupled to the bottom of the frame and at least one pair of idle wheels coupled to the bottom of the frame and positioned symmetrically relative to the main axis of extension. The dolly also includes a control structure including a plurality of sensors configured for measuring a plurality of operating parameters of the dolly and for generating respective signals representing operating parameters and a processing unit configured to receive the representative signals and to impart a steering command to the at least one steering and drive wheel at least as a function of the representative signals.