The present invention provides an automatic container loading and unloading apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises: a data acquisition module, used for scanning a container truck panel to obtain laser point cloud data; a data preprocessing module, used for segmenting a laser point cloud on a surface of the container truck panel from the laser point cloud data; a key point extraction module, used for performing edge extraction on the laser point cloud on the surface of the container truck panel to obtain discrete points on edges of the keel of the container truck panel; and a straight line fitting module, used for performing random sample consensus straight line fitting on the discrete points on the edges of the keel of the container truck panel to obtain spatial straight lines of the edges of the keel of the truck panel. The automatic container loading and unloading apparatus and method provided by the present invention using spatial straight lines on the edges of the keel of the container truck panel for computing processing, thereby achieving stronger robustness and higher accuracy, so that a container is loaded onto the container truck panel with higher precision and lower calculation amount.

The present invention provides an automatic container loading and unloading apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises: a data acquisition module, used for scanning a container truck panel to obtain laser point cloud data; a data preprocessing module, used for segmenting a laser point cloud on a surface of the container truck panel from the laser point cloud data; a key point extraction module, used for performing edge extraction on the laser point cloud on the surface of the container truck panel to obtain discrete points on edges of the keel of the container truck panel; and a straight line fitting module, used for performing random sample consensus straight line fitting on the discrete points on the edges of the keel of the container truck panel to obtain spatial straight lines of the edges of the keel of the truck panel. The automatic container loading and unloading apparatus and method provided by the present invention using spatial straight lines on the edges of the keel of the container truck panel for computing processing, thereby achieving stronger robustness and higher accuracy, so that a container is loaded onto the container truck panel with higher precision and lower calculation amount.

Several embodiments of turntable systems for loaded pallets are disclosed. In some embodiments, a first ramp leads up to the turntable and a second ramp leads down from the turntable on the opposite side. In other embodiments, at least two turntables are positioned adjacent one another, optionally with a bridge surface connecting them so that a pallet lift can be driven from one turntable to the other to place one pallet on one turntable and another pallet on the other turntable according to a method disclosed herein. A validation system without a turntable includes a plurality of cameras about a periphery of a platform weight sensor.

Warehouse automation and methods of handling materials can be used to enhance the safety and efficiencies of warehouse operations. For example, automation systems and methods that make depalletization processes safer and more efficient are described. In some examples, a rotary lift table is used to automatically position a pallet load of boxes in an ergonomic position where a worker can readily transfer the boxes from the pallet to another location, such as a conveyor or another pallet. In some examples, a work cell for a worker includes two of the rotary lift tables that function in that manner.

Warehouse automation and methods of handling materials can be used to enhance the safety and efficiencies of warehouse operations. For example, automation systems and methods that make depalletization processes safer and more efficient are described. In some examples, a rotary lift table is used to automatically position a pallet load of boxes in an ergonomic position where a worker can readily transfer the boxes from the pallet to another location, such as a conveyor or another pallet. In some examples, a work cell for a worker includes two of the rotary lift tables that function in that manner.

In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a plurality of conveyor segments that define a movement path that has a closed shape, and at least one actuator that can move inventory storage containers along the movement path. Each actuator has a roller having a cylindrical body that has a first end, a second end that are offset from the first end along a central axis, and a cylindrical outer surface that extends from the first end to the second end. Each actuator has a helical track disposed around the cylindrical outer surface in a helical pattern. Further, each actuator has at least one track follower that can ride along the helical track when the roller is rotated about the central axis so as to move the inventory storage containers along an axial direction that is substantially parallel to the central axis.

In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a plurality of conveyor segments that define a movement path that has a closed shape, and at least one actuator that can move inventory storage containers along the movement path. Each actuator has a roller having a cylindrical body that has a first end, a second end that are offset from the first end along a central axis, and a cylindrical outer surface that extends from the first end to the second end. Each actuator has a helical track disposed around the cylindrical outer surface in a helical pattern. Further, each actuator has at least one track follower that can ride along the helical track when the roller is rotated about the central axis so as to move the inventory storage containers along an axial direction that is substantially parallel to the central axis.

A transportation control system, a transportation device, and a transportation control method related to an automated transportation control method are used to provide automated transportation between platforms which are not interconnected. The transportation control method includes receiving a sensed signal which corresponds to a location of a transportation platform, generating a first motion command according to the sensed signal, transmitting the first motion command to a controller which controls the transportation platform, sensing a location of the transportation platform from different sensing locations to generate the sensed signal, transmitting the sensed signal through a network, and controlling the transportation platform to move by the controller in response to the first motion command.

A transportation control system, a transportation device, and a transportation control method related to an automated transportation control method are used to provide automated transportation between platforms which are not interconnected. The transportation control method includes receiving a sensed signal which corresponds to a location of a transportation platform, generating a first motion command according to the sensed signal, transmitting the first motion command to a controller which controls the transportation platform, sensing a location of the transportation platform from different sensing locations to generate the sensed signal, transmitting the sensed signal through a network, and controlling the transportation platform to move by the controller in response to the first motion command.

A storage apparatus includes a support part fixedly coupled to a ceiling surface, a rotating plate under the support part, a driving unit connecting the support part and the rotating plate, and a plurality of tables spaced apart from each other. The plurality of tables has an axis. The plurality of tables is connected to the rotating plate. The rotating plate is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the axis.