A parcel transfer system transfers a parcel or a similar article directly between a conveyor and a self-driving vehicle (SDV) while the conveyor and SDV are moving. The conveyor, SDV, or both may be configured to initially transport a parcel in a first direction of travel and then subsequently offload the parcel in a second direction of travel. The SDV is configured to travel alongside of the conveyor in the first direction of travel and either receive the parcel as it is offloaded from the conveyor or offload the parcel onto the conveyor in the second direction of travel. The parcel transfer system further includes a vision and control subsystem, which regulates movement of the SDV and offloading of the parcel from the conveyor or SDV.

Exemplary embodiments provide a sorting system using the principles of linear motors to move a magnetized mat in multiple directions. The sorting system uses a series of stator coils in particular patterns to direct the magnetized mat along predefined looping pathways such that the magnetized mat can move articles in a desired direction. Embodiments include the use of multiple magnetized mats to improve package sorting rates. The magnetized mat is comprised of a plurality of magnetized and non-magnetized tiles which are connected using flexible tabs that form a living hinge. The living hinge flexes and allows the mat to travel along the predefined looping pathways. The sorting system may be used as a node in a larger grid sorting system and may be connected to conveyors, chutes, or other means for moving articles.

In a racking system and a method for operating a racking system having a vehicle, the vehicle has omnidirectional wheels.

A registration system includes nip rollers for conveying a sheet in a process direction when the nip rollers are in an engaged position, and first and second sets of omnidirectional rollers arranged perpendicularly to each other, for conveying the sheet in the process and cross-process directions, respectively. The omnidirectional rollers each allow the sheet to slide, relative to the omnidirectional roller, in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the omnidirectional roller. The nip-rollers are movable from the engaged position to a disengaged position, in which the first pair of omnidirectional rollers convey the sheet in the process direction. A feedback system includes sensors for determining registration errors of the sheet and a control system controls the omnidirectional rollers to reduce the registration errors in the sheet while the nip-rollers are in the disengaged position.

A power wheel including a positioning device, a wireless communication module, and a controller is provided, where the controller is configured to operate in an active mode or a passive mode. When operating in the passive mode, the controller is configured to: acquire route information and moving information from the power wheel operating in the active mode by the wireless communication module, and acquire relative position information with the other power wheels by the positioning device; and determine a rotation strategy of the power wheel according to the route information, the moving information and the relative position information. When operating in the active mode, the controller is configured to: acquire the route information, and transmit the route information to the other power wheels; and determine the rotation strategy of the power wheel according to the route information. In addition, a cooperative carrying method of the power wheel is also provided.

A pallet loader for a positioning apparatus, including at least two pallet bays and at least one intermediate member, arranged such that at least two pallet bays are located on different sides of the intermediate member, such that at least one pallet can be driven i) from one pallet bay to another, and ii) from one pallet bay to a positioning apparatus, in which the apparatus includes cooperating guide features on the underside of the at least one pallet and on one or more of the intermediate member and pallet bays for guiding the pallet along a predetermined path and/or for controlling the rotational orientation of the pallet about a vertical axis, as the pallet moves across the intermediate member/pallet bay.

A platform for providing omnidirectional movement includes a first moveable member, a second moveable member, and a drive system. The first moveable member has an exterior surface adapted to support an object and has a plurality of first grooves therein. The second moveable member has an exterior surface adapted to support the object and has a plurality of second grooves therein. The drive system is operably coupled to the first and second moveable members and is adapted to independently drive the first and second moveable members in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The pluralities of first and second grooves are adapted to interact with the object to move the object in any direction along the exterior surfaces of the first and second moveable members when the drive system is driving at least one of the first and second moveable members.

A cargo handling system is disclosed herein. The cargo handling system includes a ball panel for moving and storing cargo and a cargo restraining device disposed within the ball panel. The cargo restraining device includes a first side plate, a motor coupled to the first side plate, an outer pawl, an inner pawl configured to engage the outer pawl, and a belt drive assembly coupled to the motor and to the inner pawl, the belt drive assembly configured to engage the inner pawl to extend and retract the inner pawl.

Apparatuses, systems, methods, and/or the like are provided for a transfer apparatus. An example transfer apparatus includes a bed having a first plurality of balls and a second plurality of balls having a first and second diameter, respectively, and wherein at least one of the first plurality of balls and at least one of the second plurality of balls are configured to rotate relative to the bed, wherein at least one belt of the plurality of belts is operably engaged with the at least one ball of the first plurality of balls or the at least one ball of the second plurality of balls; and a driver operably connected to the at least one belt of the plurality of belts, wherein the driver is configured to power the at least one belt of the plurality of belts.

A system includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV). A loading table is positioned on the AGV. The loading table is configured and sized to hold more than one storage container. A frame extends from the AGV. A robotic arm is mounted to the frame. In one form, the frame includes a gantry that moves relative to the rest of the AGV. Alternatively or additionally, the robotic arm is able to move relative to the gantry. By holding more than one storage container, the AGV facilitates automatic batch picking or placing of items. The gantry increases the degrees of freedom of movement of the robotic arm.