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 plural upright columns arranged to form plurality of vertical storage locations for containers to be stacked between upright columns. The columns are interconnected at their top ends by a first set of grid members and a second set of grid members, the second set running transversely to the first set to form a grid structure. A sub-group of upright columns rigidly joined together by at least one bracing assembly of diagonal braces form a braced tower. The sub-group of upright columns includes three upright columns with two of the three upright columns being laterally disposed either side of a middle upright column, and being rigidly connected to the middle upright column by the diagonal braces.

An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure and a delivery system. The framework structure includes upright members, horizontal members, and a storage volume comprising storage columns and port columns arranged in rows between the upright members and the horizontal members. A rail system is arranged across the top of framework structure. The rail system includes a first set of parallel rails arranged to guide movement of container handling vehicles in a first direction across the top of the frame structure, and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails to guide movement of the container handling vehicles in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction, and access openings to the columns, the container handling vehicles being operable to raise a storage container from the storage columns, and transport the storage container above the storage columns to the port column, and lower the storage container into the port column. The delivery system includes at least one conveyor system including a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor is located below the rail system and extending from a first end below the port column to a second end below a second column, the first end arranged to receive the storage container through the port column, the first conveyor comprising a first drive device for moving the storage container on the first conveyor between the first and second ends. The second conveyor is aligned with the first conveyor and arranged as an extension of the first conveyor. The second conveyor has a first end positioned adjacent the first end of the first conveyor and a second end positioned outside an outer periphery of the framework structure. The second conveyor includes a second drive device for moving the storage container on the second conveyor between its first and seconds ends. The at least one conveyor system is arranged for returning the storage container through the port column by moving the storage container from the second end of the second conveyor to the first end of the first conveyor via the second end of the first conveyor.

A lift system for an automated storage system of the type where storage containers are stacked in storage columns arranged in a grid, and where automated container handling vehicles retrieve and replace containers from a top level of the grid. The lift system has a platform vertically movable adjacent to a face of the grid, arranged for receiving and transporting one or more containers. A dedicated mechanical device is arranged for grabbing, lifting and moving the storage containers from a staging area at the top of the grid and placing containers on the platform and vice versa.

A robotic system for dynamic controlling the movement of a mobile robot is presented. The robotic system includes a multi-level transport system arranged in an xyz-space. The multi-level transport system includes a plurality of magnetic tracks configured to allow movement of the mobile robot in at least one direction in the xy-plane. The multi-level transport system further includes a plurality of transfer mechanisms configured to change the direction of the mobile robot in the xy-plane, and to allow the movement of the mobile robot in a direction along the z-axis, each transfer mechanism defining a transfer node in the multi-level transport system. The robotic system further includes a control system configured to dynamically control the movement of the mobile robot in the x,y,z direction at one or more transfer nodes of the multi-level transport system, by dynamically activating a corresponding magnetic track or a corresponding transfer mechanism.

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.

A system (100) for handling and storage of containers (200), system (100) comprising a structure (102) having storage cells (104) therein. Cells (104) are configured to store a container (200). Cells (104) are arranged in a rectangular prismatic array comprising a plurality of arrays (A.sub.1, A.sub.2 . . . A.sub.16). Each array comprises columns (C.sub.1, C.sub.2 . . . C.sub.15) and rows (R.sub.1, R.sub.2 . . . R.sub.18). Arrays (A.sub.1, A.sub.2 . . . A.sub.16) are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of void areas (V.sub.1, V.sub.2 . . . V.sub.8), each of which extends vertically and horizontally through the structure (102). Each cell has a container access opening (106) communicating with its associated void area (V.sub.1, V.sub.2 . . . V.sub.8). Container cranes (108) are provided for each void area (V.sub.1, V.sub.2 . . . V.sub.8). Container engagement assemblies (108c) are releasably engaged with respective opposite longitudinal ends of carrier (108a) of cranes (108). Upon movement into a cell (104), assemblies (108c) engage and are vertically supported by horizontal members (102c) at the top of the cell.

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 to define a grid structure above the one or more stacks of containers, the load handling device including: A) a driving mechanism; B) a vehicle body housing: i) a container receiving space located above the tracks; ii) a lifting device having a lifting drive assembly and a grabber; and iii) a cassette housing a rechargeable power source for powering the driving mechanism; wherein a thermal management system includes a temperature sensor and at least one temperature regulating device configured to maintain the temperature of the rechargeable power source.

A wafer storage system includes a main rail, an overhead hoist transport (OHT) on the main rail, the OHT being configured to transfer at least one storage case with wafers, an interface port on at least one side of the main rail, an auxiliary rail on one side of the interface port, the auxiliary rail being parallel to the main rail, and the interface port being between the main rail and the auxiliary rail, an auxiliary transport on the auxiliary rail, the auxiliary transport being configured to move along the auxiliary rail and to move the at least one storage case, a storage shelf on at least one side of the auxiliary transport, the storage shelf being configured to store the at least one storage case, and a worktable on one side of the storage shelf, the storage shelf being between the worktable and the auxiliary transport.

A fulfilment centre for fulfilling an order of one or more items, wherein the fulfilment centre includes: for storage of the storage; iii) a dispatch system having a plurality of lockers with an interior space for storing items, the interior space being accessible through a first opening exterior of the fulfilment centre and a second opening interior of the fulfilment centre; iv) a door mechanism operable to selectively close the first opening(s) of the lockers exterior of the fulfilment centre and the second opening(s) of the lockers interior of the fulfilment centre; and a locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the door mechanism.

--A method for repairing a picking device, wherein the picking device comprises a rack to store goods; a storage retrieval system (AS/RS) configured for storing goods in specific locations of the rack and/or configured for retrieving goods located in a specific location of the warehouse; and a control unit designed to control movements of the storage retrieval system (AS/RS) and/or movements of components of the storage retrieval system (AS/RS), wherein the picking device includes a place of maintenance, wherein the controller is operative to move the storage retrieval system (AS/RS) to the maintenance station and/or the controller is operative to move the storage retrieval system (AS/RS) away from the maintenance station, the method comprising: moving a first storage retrieval system (AS/RS) to the maintenance station, removing the first storage retrieval system (AS/RS) from the picking device at the maintenance station, inserting a second storage retrieval system (AS/RS) into the picking device at the maintenance station, and moving the storage retrieval system (AS/RS) away from the maintenance station.