An object handling system is described, the system having two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a grid above a workspace, the workspace having a plurality of stacked containers. The system includes a series of robotic load handling devices operating on the grid above the workspace, the load handling devices having a body mounted on wheels. The robotic devices can move around the grid under instruction from a computing device, the robotic devices being moved to a point on the grid above a stack of containers and then, using a lifting device, engage and lift a container from the stack. The container is then moved to a point where the objects in the container can be accessed. Modifications to the workspace and grid are described that allow vehicles and roll cages to be used to move stacks from the workspace to a point outside the workspace or from outside the workspace into the workspace.

The present invention relates to a robot (2) configured to pick up and transport items; wherein the robot (2) comprises a pick up unit (10), wherein the pick up unit (10) comprises a pick up device (110) configured to pick up and release items, wherein the robot (2) is configured to move the pick up device (110) along a first direction, rotate the pick up device (110) around a first axis, and extend and retract the pick up device (110) along a second direction different from the first direction; wherein the robot (2) further comprises a shelf unit (8) configured to temporarily store items, wherein the shelf unit (8) comprises a rotatable portion (80) and a support structure (84), wherein the rotatable portion (80) is rotatable with respect to the support structure (84). The present invention also relates to a use of the robot and to a corresponding method.

The present invention discloses a method of robotic transport of goods and relates to the field of storage logistics, including the following steps: providing a transport robot and shelves, the transport robot comprising a drive unit, a cargo box storing unit and a cargo box delivery unit, wherein the drive unit driving the cargo box storing unit and the cargo box delivery unit to move together; the cargo box storing unit and the shelves comprising one or more cargo box storing spaces, respectively; the transport robot autonomously moving to the front of a destination shelf according to a goods fetching instruction, the cargo box delivery unit acquiring one cargo box from one cargo box storing space of the shelf specified according to the goods fetching instruction, and then delivering the cargo box to another cargo box storing space in the cargo box storing unit specified according to the goods fetching instruction; repeating the goods fetching step if the instruction contains the goods fetching instruction for the same shelf; the transport robot autonomously moving to another shelf and repeating the goods fetching step if the instruction contains the goods fetching instruction for another shelf; the transport robot carrying the fetched goods and autonomously moving to a picking table after performing all the goods fetching instructions.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are described for providing a multiple process workflow. The system includes a first process device configured to convey at least a portion of a printed element and an apparatus. The apparatus includes a storage section, an input section configured to receive the at least a portion of the printed element, a gripper configured to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the input section to the storage section and to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section, and an output section configured to selectively transfer the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section. The system further includes a second process device configured to perform at least one operation on the at least a portion of the printed element.

Warehouse automation and methods of automatically sorting and sequencing items can be implemented to streamline and expedite order fulfillment and store replenishment processes in a cost-effective manner. Some embodiments described herein include: (i) picking or retrieving items from an inventory storage area, (ii) decanting individual items and placing them on carriers of a high-speed sorting and conveyance system, and (iii) final sortation as per customer orders. In some embodiments, the high-speed sorting and conveyance system includes multiple shuttles that each carry an individual item to a designated final order sortation system.

A conveyance device (100) comprises: a carriage (10); a support column (20); a lifting device (30) that moves in the vertical direction along the support column (20); and a load platform (90) that is moved in the vertical direction by the lifting device (30). The lifting device (30) includes an upper guide (40), a lower guide (50), and a linking member (60) for linking an upper member (41) and a lower member (51) together. The upper guide (40) includes: a first wheel (42) that rolls on a rear surface (22) of the support column (20); and the upper member (41) which supports the first wheel (42). The lower guide (50) includes: a second wheel (52) that rolls on a front surface (21) of the support column (20); and the lower member (51) which supports the second wheel (52), the lower guide being disposed below the upper guide (40). The load platform (90) is disposed in front of the second wheel (52), and is linked to front side and rear side portions of the linking member (60).

A goods-transport vehicle comprises a carriage (2) and a goods rack (3) arranged in the carriage (2), the goods rack (3) is provided with a plurality of storage spaces (34) used for storing goods (1). The goods-transport vehicle further comprises a fixing mechanism (4) and a picking mechanism (5). The fixing mechanism (4) is arranged in each storage space (34). After the goods (1) are placed in the corresponding storage space (34), the fixing mechanism (4) is used to automatically fix the goods (1) relative to the storage space (34). The picking mechanism (5) is arranged in the carriage (2), and is used to automatically place the goods (1) in each storage space (34) and to automatically take the goods from each storage space (34).

The present invention relates to a robot (2) configured to pick up and transport items; wherein the robot (2) comprises a pick up unit (10), wherein the pick up unit (10) comprises a pick up device (110) configured to pick up and release items, wherein the robot (2) is configured to move the pick up device (110) along a first direction, rotate the pick up device (110) around a first axis, and extend and retract the pick up device (110) along a second direction different from the first direction; wherein the robot (2) further comprises a shelf unit (8) configured to temporarily store items, wherein the shelf unit (8) comprises a rotatable portion (80) and a support structure (84), wherein the rotatable portion (80) is rotatable with respect to the support structure (84). The present invention also relates to a use of the robot and to a corresponding method.

A method of operating a bin storage system including a plurality of storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, and a plurality of robot vehicles for transporting storage bins, the method includes: positioning a cavity of one of the plurality of robot vehicles such that it is aligned with one of the storage columns, receiving a storage bin from the storage column into the cavity, and moving the robot vehicle along the bin storage system, using a plurality of rolling members attached to the vehicle body about the cavity that are arranged for travelling in a first direction and a perpendicular second direction along the bin storage system.

A logistic system for managing and displacing materials comprises a first series of shelves (23) and a second series of shelves (24); the first series of shelves (23) is arranged in front of the second series of shelves (24), and a central aisle (25) is obtained between the shelves; each shelf is made up of a first pair of uprights (21, 22) facing towards the central aisle and a second pair of uprights (26, 27) facing towards the opposite side. The uprights of each shelf are retained by structural cross members. At the lower portion thereof, the uprights have a recess (35) which enables a carriage (20) equipped with toothed wheels (31) to pass the shelves during the sliding on the ground. The carriage is provided with a lifting system (36), activated by motor organs located inside the carriage (20).