A robotic service device for a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device can be configured for driving to any location on the grid in order to restart malfunctioning robotic load handling devices or to perform maintenance operations or cleaning in situ. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device can include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. A deployable, releasable electrical connecting device is shaped to conform to a charging, powering, or battery component of one or more of the load handling devices.

A robotic service device for a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device can be configured for driving to any location on the grid in order to restart malfunctioning robotic load handling devices or to perform maintenance operations or cleaning in situ. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device can include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. A deployable, releasable electrical connecting device is shaped to conform to a charging, powering, or battery component of one or more of the load handling devices.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a service vehicle. In some embodiments, the service vehicle comprises a platform configured to service a container handling vehicle while the service vehicle is on a grid-based rail system of a storage grid of an automated storage system for storing storage containers, and one or more wheel modules, each wheel module configured to move the service vehicle along the grid-based rail system, wherein the platform is mounted on the one or more wheel modules and comprises an enclosure having at least one opening.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a service vehicle. In some embodiments, the service vehicle comprises a platform configured to service a container handling vehicle while the service vehicle is on a grid-based rail system of a storage grid of an automated storage system for storing storage containers, and one or more wheel modules, each wheel module configured to move the service vehicle along the grid-based rail system, wherein the platform is mounted on the one or more wheel modules and comprises an enclosure having at least one opening.

A method for enabling elevated trains to travel both above as well as below a vertically-tiered pair of tracks by having wheels both in the upper and lower area of the train with the ability to switch from traveling on the upper tracks using lower wheels to traveling on the lower track using tipper wheels, where the said method of switching between upper and lower tracks enables trains to be moved between multiple levels serving as passing loops as well as vertical depots.

A method for enabling elevated trains to travel both above as well as below a vertically-tiered pair of tracks by having wheels both in the upper and lower area of the train with the ability to switch from traveling on the upper tracks using lower wheels to traveling on the lower track using tipper wheels, where the said method of switching between upper and lower tracks enables trains to be moved between multiple levels serving as passing loops as well as vertical depots.

A multifunctional track system with two or more independently movable trolleys which can run along the track system and are adapted to receive multiple interchangeable components for data collection, navigation, and cargo transportation is disclosed. The trolleys and the track system communicate data to a central station, which monitors and sends instructions to the trolleys. The system can have horizontal, vertical or angular segments and the trolleys are enabled to move along all segments and switch between tracks. Various operational units in the trolleys are possible in the same system.

A multifunctional track system with two or more independently movable trolleys which can run along the track system and are adapted to receive multiple interchangeable components for data collection, navigation, and cargo transportation is disclosed. The trolleys and the track system communicate data to a central station, which monitors and sends instructions to the trolleys. The system can have horizontal, vertical or angular segments and the trolleys are enabled to move along all segments and switch between tracks. Various operational units in the trolleys are possible in the same system.

An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first track system and a second track system. The first track system includes a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a first horizontal plane and extending in a first direction of the first track system and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the first horizontal plane and extending in a second direction of the first track system which is orthogonal to the first direction of the first track system. The first and second sets of tracks of the first track system forming a grid pattern in the first horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell of the first track system comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks. Storage columns are located beneath the first track system for storing storage containers in a plurality of stacks. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening. The second track system includes a third set of parallel tracks arranged in a second horizontal plane and extending in a first direction of the second track system, and a fourth set of parallel tracks arranged in the second horizontal plane and extending in a second direction of the second track system which is orthogonal to the first direction of the second track system. The third and fourth sets of tracks forming a grid pattern in the second horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell of the second track system including a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the third set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the fourth set of tracks. Storage columns are located beneath the second track system for storing storage containers in a plurality of stacks. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening. The first horizontal plane of the first track system and second horizontal plane of the second track system are arranged vertically displaced relative each other. The automated storage and retrieval system further includes a vehicle lift device for transfer of at least one vehicle arranged on the first track system to the second transfer system and vice versa. The vehicle lift device includes a platform arranged to carry the vehicle and a lift mechanism arranged to move the platform between: a first lift stop position establishing access between the platform and the first track system for enabling relocation of the vehicle between a support position on the platform and an operative position on the first track system, and a second lift stop position establishing access between the platform and the seco

An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first track system and a second track system. The first track system includes a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a first horizontal plane and extending in a first direction of the first track system and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the first horizontal plane and extending in a second direction of the first track system which is orthogonal to the first direction of the first track system. The first and second sets of tracks of the first track system forming a grid pattern in the first horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell of the first track system comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks. Storage columns are located beneath the first track system for storing storage containers in a plurality of stacks. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening. The second track system includes a third set of parallel tracks arranged in a second horizontal plane and extending in a first direction of the second track system, and a fourth set of parallel tracks arranged in the second horizontal plane and extending in a second direction of the second track system which is orthogonal to the first direction of the second track system. The third and fourth sets of tracks forming a grid pattern in the second horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell of the second track system including a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the third set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the fourth set of tracks. Storage columns are located beneath the second track system for storing storage containers in a plurality of stacks. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening. The first horizontal plane of the first track system and second horizontal plane of the second track system are arranged vertically displaced relative each other. The automated storage and retrieval system further includes a vehicle lift device for transfer of at least one vehicle arranged on the first track system to the second transfer system and vice versa. The vehicle lift device includes a platform arranged to carry the vehicle and a lift mechanism arranged to move the platform between: a first lift stop position establishing access between the platform and the first track system for enabling relocation of the vehicle between a support position on the platform and an operative position on the first track system, and a second lift stop position establishing access between the platform and the seco