Disclosed are various embodiments for optimizing cubic utilization when loading packages into a loading space. A current loading configuration of the loading space can be determined according to image data obtained by 3D sensors. Package data (e.g., volume, mass, type, dimensions, etc.) can be determined for incoming packages to be loaded into the package data. The current loading configuration and the package data are used to determine a package sequence and optimal placement location for the next package to be loaded such that a cubic efficiency of the loading space is maximized and amount of air gaps between packages is minimized.

The present invention describes a system comprising an autonomous vehicle equipped with a mechanism with lifting and depositing a container, a sensing mechanism on the autonomous vehicle that allows it to sense the pose of the container, a sensing mechanism in the autonomous vehicle that allows it to measure the support surface of the ground surrounding the container to be lifted or the area where the container is deposited and a planning algorithm that creates a trajectory that moves the autonomous vehicle from the current pose to a pose where the lifting/depositing mechanism can operate on the container to be lifted/dropped. An algorithm has been developed to automatically position the PLS to align with the trailer in autonomous vehicles for the loading maneuver. A set of mud proof fiducials has been developed that allow accurate alignment between the PLS and the trailer. This mechanism is leveraged for this behavior. The level of alignment necessary for this behavior is similar in accuracy given the larger size of the platforms. Unloading is a simpler maneuver and also the system has to automatically find a flat spot suitable for the unloading maneuver. There has been automatic determination of the pose of the container on the ground and determination if the area needed for the loading has enough space for maneuver. Also, there is automatic planning and execution of the plan to position for the loading system and execution of the loading maneuver. In the case of the unloading maneuver, it comprises having the operator provide the desired pose of the container when left in the ground.

The present invention describes a system comprising an autonomous vehicle equipped with a mechanism with lifting and depositing a container, a sensing mechanism on the autonomous vehicle that allows it to sense the pose of the container, a sensing mechanism in the autonomous vehicle that allows it to measure the support surface of the ground surrounding the container to be lifted or the area where the container is deposited and a planning algorithm that creates a trajectory that moves the autonomous vehicle from the current pose to a pose where the lifting/depositing mechanism can operate on the container to be lifted/dropped. An algorithm has been developed to automatically position the PLS to align with the trailer in autonomous vehicles for the loading maneuver. A set of mud proof fiducials has been developed that allow accurate alignment between the PLS and the trailer. This mechanism is leveraged for this behavior. The level of alignment necessary for this behavior is similar in accuracy given the larger size of the platforms. Unloading is a simpler maneuver and also the system has to automatically find a flat spot suitable for the unloading maneuver. There has been automatic determination of the pose of the container on the ground and determination if the area needed for the loading has enough space for maneuver. Also, there is automatic planning and execution of the plan to position for the loading system and execution of the loading maneuver. In the case of the unloading maneuver, it comprises having the operator provide the desired pose of the container when left in the ground.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a unitizer sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to surround and unitize two vertically stacked palletized loads and a method of loading a shipping container with unitized and non-unitized palletized loads.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a unitizer sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to surround and unitize two vertically stacked palletized loads and a method of loading a shipping container with unitized and non-unitized palletized loads.

Computer-implemented systems and methods for optimizing sorting and loading of packages are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a memory storing instructions and may include at least one processor configured to execute the instructions. The system may perform operations including receiving data comprising a plurality of package identifiers associated with a plurality of packages. The operations may include determining a plurality of block areas associated with delivery locations for the plurality of packages. The operations may further include determining a delivery route by determining a first set of routes, determining optimal combinations of the inputs for each set of routes and determining a shortest route associated with the optimal combinations. The operations may include determining an order in which to load each of the packages into a delivery vehicle. The operations may further include generating instructions for causing a device to display a visual representation of the loading order.

Computer-implemented systems and methods for optimizing sorting and loading of packages are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a memory storing instructions and may include at least one processor configured to execute the instructions. The system may perform operations including receiving data comprising a plurality of package identifiers associated with a plurality of packages. The operations may include determining a plurality of block areas associated with delivery locations for the plurality of packages. The operations may further include determining a delivery route by determining a first set of routes, determining optimal combinations of the inputs for each set of routes and determining a shortest route associated with the optimal combinations. The operations may include determining an order in which to load each of the packages into a delivery vehicle. The operations may further include generating instructions for causing a device to display a visual representation of the loading order.

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.

An automated truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon a perception-based robotic manipulation system.