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.

A system for moving loads comprising a cargo compartment floor, at least one roller track comprising rollers arranged one behind the other in the cargo compartment floor, at least one guideway in the floor and extending parallel to the at least one track, and at least one transport vehicle removably accommodated in and movable along the guideway. The transport vehicle comprises at least one connecting element movable between first and second operating positions. In the first operating position, the connecting element is configured so the transport vehicle is positionable beneath a load on the roller track, and in the second operating position, the connecting element is configured to interact with the load to connect the load to the transport vehicle, so the load is entrained when the transport vehicle moves along the guideway. The transport vehicle further comprises a drive mechanism to move the transport vehicle along the guideway.

A shunting device used to transport workpieces comprises a plurality of rotating shafts parallel to one another and arranged in arrays, a plurality of first omnidirectional wheels, and a plurality of second omnidirectional wheels. The first omnidirectional wheels and the second omnidirectional wheels are each wrapped around a corresponding one of the rotating shafts in a matrix. The first omnidirectional wheels and the second omnidirectional wheels are alternatively arranged along the corresponding one of the plurality of rotating shafts and a second direction perpendicular to the plurality of rotating shafts. A plurality of first driven rollers of the first omnidirectional wheels and a plurality of second driven rollers of the second omnidirectional wheels are mirror-symmetrical along at least one of a third direction parallel to the plurality of rotating shafts and the second direction.

A conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of article-diverting conveyor belt rollers. An underlying drive roller assembly includes a plurality of pivotable rollers carriers, each having a freely rotatable drive roller that contacts the conveyor belt rollers from below. An actuator engages an orientation device to pivot the carriers and change the orientation of the drive rollers. The drive rollers may also move into and out of engagement with the conveyor belt rollers as their orientation changes. The orientation device is sandwiched between three-dimensional support plates to adjust the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers. A top support plate includes corrugated vertical walls forming wearstrip holders. The orientation device may raise or lower the drive rollers during pivoting of the roller carriers. The drive roller assembly may be a modular assembly that can be customized for varying sizes, shapes and configurations.

Provided are a motor unit and a conveyance device. In a motor unit having a motor portion and a gear portion, the motor portion is formed by accommodating a most part of a drive motor in a housing member. The gear portion is formed by arranging at least a part of a drive gear and a plurality of small gear portions in a space surrounded by an inner tooth train portion, and the plurality of small gear portions is positioned around the drive gear in the space. Each of the plurality of small gear portions meshes with one of the drive gear and the inner tooth train portion, and each of the plurality of small gear portions rotates by rotation of the drive gear. At least a part of the gear portion is at a position overlapping the motor portion in plan view.

A modular transport system for transporting goods around the system on transport trays, including two or more transport modules arranged side-by-side so that an upper side of the modules together form a transport plane, where each of the modules includes one or more multidirectional drives for transporting the trays in substantially any direction in the transport plane and the trays and the modules include tray orientation detectors for detecting the orientation of the tray in relation to the modules.

Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes first and second rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, and an annular ring of rollers affixed on the outer surface of one of the first and second annular rim. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.

An aircraft cargo system includes a ball panel assembly having a ball panel and a first enclosure assembly. The ball panel defines a first cutout. The first enclosure assembly is at least partially disposed within the first cutout and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first enclosure assembly includes a first enclosure defining a first opening that receives a first ball transfer unit.

An aircraft cargo system includes a ball panel assembly having a ball panel and a first enclosure assembly. The ball panel defines a first cutout. The first enclosure assembly is at least partially disposed within the first cutout and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first enclosure assembly includes a first enclosure defining a first opening that receives a first ball transfer unit.

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.