A method for storing containers in an automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure including upright members, horizontal members and storage columns provided between the members. Storage containers are stackable in stacks within the storage columns. The method includes: defining a first storage area, wherein the first storage area includes specific storage columns within the framework structure; setting a first maximum weight threshold for the first storage area; determining a total weight for all storage containers stored in the first storage area; determining a weight for a further storage container which is to be stored within the framework structure; and determining a storage position for the further storage container to be within the first storage area if the sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is below the first maximum weight threshold, or determining the storage position for the further storage container to be outside of the first storage area if the sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is above the first maximum weight threshold.

A multi-tiered automated parcel sortation system is utilized to sort parcels according to a common destination. A first tier includes an automated sorter configured to transport parcels from a source location to a release destination. A second tier includes accumulation containers each associated with a shipping destination, and the release destination within the first tier is a positioned directly above the accumulation container associated with the shipping destination of the parcel. Once transported to the release destination, a parcel is released into the accumulation container, and once the accumulation container is filled, the accumulation of parcels within the container is released into a third tier, which may include conveyors or autonomous guided vehicles with transport containers. In the third tier, the parcels are transported away for further processing.

A vehicle tilting device for tilting a delivery vehicle for increasing access to items from a storage container transported on the delivery vehicle. The vehicle tilting device comprises a base structure and a tiltable platform connected to the base structure, wherein the tiltable platform comprises guiding features adapted to guide the delivery vehicle onto the tiltable platform. The tiltable platform is arranged to be connected to a delivery grid cell of a delivery rail system such that that there is a path to and/or from the tiltable platform for the delivery vehicle via the delivery grid cell. The invention is also related to an access station, a delivery system and a method of accessing a storage container.

A load handling device for lifting and moving one or more containers stacked in a storage system with a grid framework structure supporting a plurality of tracks arranged in a grid pattern, the load handling device comprising: A) a driving mechanism; and B) a vehicle body having a footprint that occupies a single grid cell in the storage system, the vehicle body housing including: i) a rechargeable power source; ii) a first space configured for accommodating a container and the rechargeable power source is housed in a second space; and iii) a lifting device to releasably grip a container and lift the container from the stack into the first space, wherein the rechargeable power source is arranged above the first space such that the centre of mass of the load handling device is in the second space.

A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins, a plurality of destination bins, and a processing programmable motion device. The plurality of storage bins provides storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins are in communication with a gantry retrieval conveyance system for moving selected bins to a bin processing location. The plurality of destination bins are in communication with the gantry retrieval conveyance system for moving a selected destination bin to the processing location. The processing programmable motion device is at the processing location and is in communication with the gantry retrieval conveyance system. The processing programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin and depositing the selected object in the selected destination bin.

A system and methods for utilizing a grid storage array for high rate picking in a micro-fulfilment facility. The system includes a grid storage array and multiple transfer ports that are dedicated to a particular directional function, i.e. discharge ports and intake ports. The system includes a multi-function workstation that can operate as either a picking station or a decant station. A conveyor loop is provided and includes right-angle-transfers (RATs) and accumulators to transport and sequence the flow of storage bins and order totes. The combination and configuration of the grid storage array, conveyor loop, and multi-function workstation optimizes space utilization which is particularly beneficial in micro-fulfilment facilities where space is at a premium.

A grid framework structure includes: first and second sets of parallel rails or tracks forming a grid pattern with grid spaces. The grid is supported by a set of uprights to form vertical storage locations beneath the grid for containers to be stacked. A load handling device includes: a lifting assembly having a sling assembly arranged to support, raise and lower a load, the sling assembly having: a sling extending between a support mountable to a body of the load handling device and a gripper plate for supporting the load. First and second ends of the sling are attached to first and second hoist drums.

An earthquake restraint grid framework structure includes a grid framework structure for supporting a load handling device operative to move one or more containers in a stack. The grid framework structure includes intersecting grid members arranged to form a grid having plural f substantially rectangular frames in a horizontal plane, each of the substantially rectangular frames constituting a grid cell. The grid is supported by plural upright columns at each of the intersections of grid members to form a plurality of vertical storage locations for containers to be stacked between the upright columns and be guided in a vertical direction through the substantially rectangular frames. An exoskeleton includes plural vertical frame columns braced by at least one bracing member, the grid being further supported by the exoskeleton to form a seismic restraint system (SFRS).

A grid framework structure is disclosed having first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks forming a grid pattern with grid spaces. The grid is supported by a set of uprights to form a plurality of vertical storage locations beneath the grid for containers to be stacked between and be guided by the uprights in a vertical direction through the plurality of grid spaces. A load handling device includes: a drive assembly having at least two motors for driving a first set of wheels; at least two motors for driving a second set of wheels, wherein each motor is positioned such that its drive shaft is parallel and non-coaxially arranged with respect to the axis of rotation of its respective wheel; and, a number of gear arrangements corresponding to the number of motors for transferring drive from the motors to the wheels.

Storage containers may be stored a storage system including a framework structure. A robotic consolidation station for use in the storage system includes a first conveyor pathway for transfer of storage containers accommodating items to be picked, a second conveyor pathway for transfer of storage containers in which items are to be consolidated or have been consolidated, and a robotic picking arm arranged to reach the first conveyor pathway and the second conveyor pathway. Each of the first conveyor pathway and the second conveyor pathway includes a first end and a second end. Each first end may be operatively connected to a container outlet of the framework structure for transfer of storage containers from the framework structure and each second end may be operatively connected to a container inlet of the framework structure for transfer of storage containers into the framework structure. The first conveyor pathway includes a picking section. The second conveyor pathway includes a consolidation section. The robotic picking arm is arranged such that items may be picked from a first storage container arranged upon the picking section by use of the robotic picking arm and transferred to a second storage container arranged upon the consolidation section by use of the robotic picking arm. The first conveyor pathway is independently operable of the consolidation section and arranged such that a first storage container may be transferred from a container outlet to a container inlet via the picking section while a second storage container is arranged upon the consolidation section.