A method for automatic loading of trays into a cart, where the cart is adapted to receive trays at different vertical tray levels, comprises detecting the tray levels with a tray level sensor and lifting the cart with a lifting device from a floor to different vertical positions such that the tray levels in the cart will be at the same vertical level as a loading surface of a conveyer arrangement, which transports the trays to the cart on the loading surface. The method also comprises activating tray stoppers to stop the movement of the trays on the loading surface until the cart is at a correct vertical position, and deactivating the tray stoppers to allow the trays to be loaded into the cart when the cart is at a correct vertical position. The cart is lifted and loaded until all tray levels have been filled, and then the cart is again lowered to the floor. An apparatus for automatic loading of trays into a cart according to the method is also provided.

An extendible conveyor system having an extendible conveyor configured to extend into a container, at least one belt on the extendible conveyor configured to transport an irregular parcel from the container to a base end of the extendible conveyor, and a transfer mechanism configured to move the irregular parcel from the at least one belt to a shelf. A method includes transporting an irregular parcel on the at least one belt from the container to a base end of the extendible conveyor and moving the irregular parcel from the at least one belt to a shelf using the transfer mechanism.

An extendible conveyor system having an extendible conveyor configured to extend into a container, at least one belt on the extendible conveyor configured to transport an irregular parcel from the container to a base end of the extendible conveyor, and a transfer mechanism configured to move the irregular parcel from the at least one belt to a shelf. A method includes transporting an irregular parcel on the at least one belt from the container to a base end of the extendible conveyor and moving the irregular parcel from the at least one belt to a shelf using the transfer mechanism.

A robot is provided, which includes a base, a first robot fixed to the base at a base end thereof, and a second robot fixed to the base at a base end thereof. The first robot has a first robotic arm and a first robot hand attached to a tip end of the first robotic arm. The second robot has a second robotic arm and a second robot hand attached to a tip end of the second robotic arm. The first robot hand includes a conveyor, and the second robot hand includes a holding part configured to hold a workpiece. The second robot places the workpiece held by the holding part on a transferring surface of the conveyor of the first robot and releases the workpiece.

With respect to a transfer facility configured to optimize package transfers therethrough, a container housing packages may be delivered to a first floor of the transfer facility. The packages may be transported to consolidation stations based on destinations associated therewith. In some examples, the packages may be bound for a single destination and thus transported to a single consolidation station. In some examples, the packages may be bound for multiple destinations and thus transported to a second floor of the transfer facility for sortation. A destination and mode of transportation associated with the package may be determined at an induction station on the second floor, as well as a consolidation station associated therewith. A drive unit may insert the package into a chute for transit down a slide to the consolidation station, where it may be placed into another container for shipment to the destination via the mode of transportation.

With respect to a transfer facility configured to optimize package transfers therethrough, a container housing packages may be delivered to a first floor of the transfer facility. The packages may be transported to consolidation stations based on destinations associated therewith. In some examples, the packages may be bound for a single destination and thus transported to a single consolidation station. In some examples, the packages may be bound for multiple destinations and thus transported to a second floor of the transfer facility for sortation. A destination and mode of transportation associated with the package may be determined at an induction station on the second floor, as well as a consolidation station associated therewith. A drive unit may insert the package into a chute for transit down a slide to the consolidation station, where it may be placed into another container for shipment to the destination via the mode of transportation.

A robotic system is provided. The robotic system may include an end-effector configured for grasping an object, a sensor unit monitoring contact information received from the contact limit sensor, and a controller, coupled to the sensor unit. The end-effector may include a suction cup assembly for engaging the object, and a contact limit sensor for detecting a pressure associated with the engagement between the suction cup assembly and the object, wherein the contact limit sensor transmits contact information when the contact limit sensor detects the pressure exceeding a contact threshold. The controller may execute an operation for controlling the end-effector to limit movement of the end-effector toward the object based on the contact information received to prevent damage to the object.

In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to control a product distribution conveyor system comprising: a conveyor control circuit; a product feed conveyor system; conveyor lane systems cooperated with the conveyor lane system; routing systems that cause movement of respective products from the feed conveyor system to one of the conveyor lane systems; and a plurality of sensor systems; wherein the conveyor control circuit is further configured to enhance throughput of the at least one feed conveyor system by associating each of the plurality of conveyor lane systems one of a plurality of retail stores such that a total volume of the products is substantially equally distributed over the plurality of conveyor lane systems comprising organizationally subdividing conveyor lane systems to define a plurality of lane subdivisions, and associating each retail store with a respective one of the plurality of lane subdivisions.

In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to control a product distribution conveyor system comprising: a conveyor control circuit; a product feed conveyor system; conveyor lane systems cooperated with the conveyor lane system; routing systems that cause movement of respective products from the feed conveyor system to one of the conveyor lane systems; and a plurality of sensor systems; wherein the conveyor control circuit is further configured to enhance throughput of the at least one feed conveyor system by associating each of the plurality of conveyor lane systems one of a plurality of retail stores such that a total volume of the products is substantially equally distributed over the plurality of conveyor lane systems comprising organizationally subdividing conveyor lane systems to define a plurality of lane subdivisions, and associating each retail store with a respective one of the plurality of lane subdivisions.

An automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the product within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement sensor detecting objects within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the product provided to the control subassembly.