The invention relates to a device (100) for loading/unloading stackable cargo units (101) such as boxes (101) from a cargo space, such as a sea container (102). Such a device (100) comprises a movable arm (104) with a head (110), comprising an array with downwardly directed gripping bodies (e.g. suction cups (211)). According to the invention there is a second grip section (220) with which the cargo units (101) can be gripped at the sides thereof. Hereby also cargo units (101) of a top row can be unloaded quickly. The invention also relates to a method for the loading/unloading of a cargo space.

The invention relates to a device (100) for loading/unloading stackable cargo units (101) such as boxes (101) from a cargo space, such as a sea container (102). Such a device (100) comprises a movable arm (104) with a head (110), comprising an array with downwardly directed gripping bodies (e.g. suction cups (211)). According to the invention there is a second grip section (220) with which the cargo units (101) can be gripped at the sides thereof. Hereby also cargo units (101) of a top row can be unloaded quickly. The invention also relates to a method for the loading/unloading of a cargo space.

Sensor systems, methods and machine readable medium are provided for a cargo vehicle. A plurality of sensors are arranged about an opening associated with a door through which packages are unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer. A processor is provided in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to receive measured data generated by the plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the measured data as packages are being unpacked from the vehicle or trailer, and generate instructions regarding loading packages in a subsequent vehicle or trailer based on the determined empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer.

Sensor systems, methods and machine readable medium are provided for a cargo vehicle. A plurality of sensors are arranged about an opening associated with a door through which packages are unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer. A processor is provided in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to receive measured data generated by the plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the measured data as packages are being unpacked from the vehicle or trailer, and generate instructions regarding loading packages in a subsequent vehicle or trailer based on the determined empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer.

A material transfer system for a machine having a conveyor adapted to transfer material into a material holding space of a receptacle. The material transfer system also includes an adjustable deflector positioned proximate to a discharge end of the conveyor. The material transfer system further includes a sensor positioned proximate to the discharge end of the conveyor. The sensor is configured to monitor the material holding space of the receptacle. The material transfer system includes a controller communicably coupled with the adjustable deflector and the sensor. The controller is configured to receive a first input signal from at least one of the sensor and a machine operator for adjusting a position of the adjustable deflector, determine an optimal position of the adjustable deflector based on receipt of the first input signal, and generate a first command signal for adjusting the position of the adjustable deflector to the optimal position.

A material transfer system for a machine having a conveyor adapted to transfer material into a material holding space of a receptacle. The material transfer system also includes an adjustable deflector positioned proximate to a discharge end of the conveyor. The material transfer system further includes a sensor positioned proximate to the discharge end of the conveyor. The sensor is configured to monitor the material holding space of the receptacle. The material transfer system includes a controller communicably coupled with the adjustable deflector and the sensor. The controller is configured to receive a first input signal from at least one of the sensor and a machine operator for adjusting a position of the adjustable deflector, determine an optimal position of the adjustable deflector based on receipt of the first input signal, and generate a first command signal for adjusting the position of the adjustable deflector to the optimal position.

Some examples described herein include a flexible hopper for a conveyor system. The flexible hopper may include a hopper weldment attached to a frame of the conveyor, wherein the hopper weldment surrounds a charge end of the conveyor, a flexible connector that is attached to the hopper weldment and configured to enable an opening of the flexible hopper to expand or contract, and a flexible skirt that is folded over the flexible connector. The flexible skirt may include a plurality of flexible strips configured to form an enclosure between the flexible connector and the hopper weldment.

A robotic system comprising a mobile chassis, a conveyor oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the chassis, one or more robotic arms disposed adjacent to the conveyor, and one or more cameras positioned to view at least a portion of a top surface of the conveyor is disclosed. The system uses the mobile chassis, the conveyor, and the robotic arms to load items into a truck or other container, including by using image data generated by the one or more cameras to assess a state of items on the top surface of the conveyor; determine based at least in part on the image data that an additional item is to be added to the top surface of the conveyor; and operate a robotically controlled structure to cause an item to be added to the top surface of the conveyor.

A robotic system comprising a mobile chassis, a conveyor oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the chassis, one or more robotic arms disposed adjacent to the conveyor, and one or more cameras positioned to view at least a portion of a top surface of the conveyor is disclosed. The system uses the mobile chassis, the conveyor, and the robotic arms to load items into a truck or other container, including by using image data generated by the one or more cameras to assess a state of items on the top surface of the conveyor; determine based at least in part on the image data that an additional item is to be added to the top surface of the conveyor; and operate a robotically controlled structure to cause an item to be added to the top surface of the conveyor.

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for locating, engaging, and shifting objects. The systems may be used to unload objects from a storage space, e.g., inside a vehicle or facility, including one associated with a logistics network operation. The systems disclosed herein may operate in automated or semi-automated fashion, e.g., at the direction of a control system associated with a computing device. The systems may further utilize shifter mechanisms that each include one or more belt-driven mechanisms and position-changing mechanisms that facilitate the locating, engaging, and shifting of objects in a storage space. The components of these systems may operate independently, or in coordination, thereby increasing the efficiency of an object-handling operation.