Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for external mobility systems for heavy machinery and equipment. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first module, a second module coupled to the first module, and a third module coupled to the first module and the second module. Systems may include an air bearing system disposed under the third module, where the air bearing system is configured to apply an upward force on the third module, and an air supply coupled to the air bearing system. The upward force on the third module may reduce a static friction of the third module with respect to a floor surface by at least 90%, such that the third module can slide from a default position to an expanded position.

A method of processing objects is disclosed using a programmable motion device. The method includes the steps of acquiring an object from a plurality of mixed objects at an input area, perceiving identifying indicia in connection with the object, assigning an intermediate station to a destination location for the object responsive to the identifying indicia in connection with the object, and moving the acquired object toward the intermediate station.

A product-processing planning device according to an embodiment has a first interface, a processor, and a second interface. The first interface acquires past processed data including the number of products of each batch processed in the past by a product processing apparatus, which processes the products categorized into a plurality of batches. The processor estimates the number of products of each batch to be processed by the product processing apparatus based on the past processed data acquired by the first interface and creates a product processing plan in which processing periods obtained by dividing a period of processing the products of each batch into a plurality of periods are allocated depending on the estimated number of the products of each batch. The second interface outputs the product processing plan generated by the processor to a control device of the product processing apparatus.

An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, wherein each of the remotely controllable carriers is adapted to support and transport an object processing bin.

An article transport vehicle (V) includes: a carriage body (1); and a transfer device (3) that is mounted on the carriage body (1) and is configured to transfer an article. The transfer device (3) includes an article support unit (32); a linking support unit (31) that links the article support unit (32) to the carriage body (1), and a drive unit (D). The linking support unit (31) includes a first shaft support portion (311) that is linked to the carriage body (1) so as to be swingable around a first shaft (A1), the article support unit (32) includes a second shaft support portion (321) that is linked to the linking support unit (31) so as to be swingable around a second shaft (A2), and the drive unit (D) includes a first drive unit (33D) and a second drive unit (34D).

A method and device for sorting articles, including at least one station for automatically loading articles allowing transfer of the articles to one or several transport units, the station equipped with at least one device for transporting the articles and a system able to determine the position, the shape and the size of the articles, with a set of cross belt transport units, each unit provided with a supporting plate between two adjacent units. The device includes a system allowing detection of a possible change in position of an article on a transport device during the acceleration phase. Maintaining the article in position on its unit(s) is ensured during its movement on the sorter, by supporting plates permanently ensuring supporting surface continuity between two units over a width substantially equal to the supporting surface of the belts and by the presence of vertical profiles on the belts.

A method and device for sorting articles, including at least one station for automatically loading articles allowing transfer of the articles to one or several transport units, the station equipped with at least one device for transporting the articles and a system able to determine the position, the shape and the size of the articles, with a set of cross belt transport units, each unit provided with a supporting plate between two adjacent units. The device includes a system allowing detection of a possible change in position of an article on a transport device during the acceleration phase. Maintaining the article in position on its unit(s) is ensured during its movement on the sorter, by supporting plates permanently ensuring supporting surface continuity between two units over a width substantially equal to the supporting surface of the belts and by the presence of vertical profiles on the belts.

An article transfer device is configured to transfer a plurality of articles from a placement component to a container. The placement component includes a placement surface on which the plural articles are placed. The article transfer device includes a placement component drive unit that relatively moves the container and the placement component and a control unit that controls the operation of the placement component drive unit. The control unit controls the operation of the placement component drive unit so that, when the articles on the placement component are above the container, the placement component is pulled out from between the container and the articles.

Device for loading, conveying and discharging of objects, which device is provided with: trays each intended for carrying an object from a loading position to a discharge position,—a pusher arm arranged on the tray for by means of pushing away, discharging an object present on the tray,—a drive system for conveying the trays in a conveyance direction from the loading position to the discharge position, wherein for the purpose of conveying the trays along a path, the drive system comprises a series of linked driving elements, and—a drive for driving the drive system, wherein, considered in the conveyance direction, a first tray precedes with respect to a subsequent second tray, wherein the first tray is fixedly connected with one of the driving elements, and wherein the second tray is fixedly connected to the driving element to which the first tray is connected.

Device for loading, conveying and discharging of objects, which device is provided with: trays each intended for carrying an object from a loading position to a discharge position,—a pusher arm arranged on the tray for by means of pushing away, discharging an object present on the tray,—a drive system for conveying the trays in a conveyance direction from the loading position to the discharge position, wherein for the purpose of conveying the trays along a path, the drive system comprises a series of linked driving elements, and—a drive for driving the drive system, wherein, considered in the conveyance direction, a first tray precedes with respect to a subsequent second tray, wherein the first tray is fixedly connected with one of the driving elements, and wherein the second tray is fixedly connected to the driving element to which the first tray is connected.