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 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.

A safety system for an automated storage and picking system is described. The storage system includes load handling devices operating above a series of stacked containers located within a framework, the top of which includes tracks on which the load handling devices operate. The safety system includes a transmitter located in close proximity to the storage system and a receiver located on each of the load handling devices. The transmitter can continually transmit a signal that is detected by the receivers on the load handling devices. In the event of an emergency or a breach of the storage system, the transmission of the signal is cut. Once the receiver no longer receives the signal from the transmitter, power to each load handling device drive is cut to render the storage system safe.

A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.

The present invention relates to automated storage and retrieval system comprising: a track system comprising a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of adjacent tracks of the second set of tracks; a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the track system, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening; a plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in the stacks, the container handling vehicles being configured to move laterally on the track system above the storage columns to access the storage containers via the grid openings, wherein each of the plurality of container handling vehicles has a footprint with a horizontal extension which is equal to or less than the horizontal extension of a grid cell and comprises: a wheel assembly for guiding the container handling vehicle along the track system and a container-receiving storage space arranged within the footprint of the container handling vehicle for accommodating a storage container. Each container handling vehicle comprises a protruding section which extends horizontally beyond the footprint of the container handling vehicle and, when the container handling vehicle is positioned above a grid cell, into a neighbouring grid cell. The present invention also relates to a container handling vehicle for such an automated storage and retrieval system.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.