A transfer device includes an extendable transfer platform. The transfer platform includes a fixed plate, a moveable plate, and at least one platform actuator configured to selectively move the moveable plate relative to the fixed plate between a retracted position and an extended position in which a leading edge of the moveable plate is located distally from a leading edge of the fixed plate. The transfer platform also includes a transfer belt having a first end secured to a first driven roller, and a second end secured to a second driven roller. The transfer device also includes a platform support structure secured to the transfer platform for supporting the transfer platform above a floor surface. The platform support structure includes at least one support actuator configured to selectively move the transfer platform relative to the floor surface between a lowered position and a raised position.

A transfer device includes an extendable transfer platform. The transfer platform includes a fixed plate, a moveable plate, and at least one platform actuator configured to selectively move the moveable plate relative to the fixed plate between a retracted position and an extended position in which a leading edge of the moveable plate is located distally from a leading edge of the fixed plate. The transfer platform also includes a transfer belt having a first end secured to a first driven roller, and a second end secured to a second driven roller. The transfer device also includes a platform support structure secured to the transfer platform for supporting the transfer platform above a floor surface. The platform support structure includes at least one support actuator configured to selectively move the transfer platform relative to the floor surface between a lowered position and a raised position.

The present disclosure provides a pushing device to be mounted on a forklift for pushing an object onto a carrier. The pushing device can include a pair of push rails, a push bar, and a skid plate. Each of the push rails can an aperture for removably accepting a fork of the forklift. The push bar can be disposed on an opposite side of the pushing device of the aperture and can be for contacting and pushing the object. The skid plate can be disposed on a bottom side of the pushing device. The skid plate can provide an interface between the pushing device and the carrier as the object is pushed onto the carrier. A method for using a pushing device to be mounted on a forklift for pushing an object onto a carrier is also provided.

The present disclosure provides a pushing device to be mounted on a forklift for pushing an object onto a carrier. The pushing device can include a pair of push rails, a push bar, and a skid plate. Each of the push rails can an aperture for removably accepting a fork of the forklift. The push bar can be disposed on an opposite side of the pushing device of the aperture and can be for contacting and pushing the object. The skid plate can be disposed on a bottom side of the pushing device. The skid plate can provide an interface between the pushing device and the carrier as the object is pushed onto the carrier. A method for using a pushing device to be mounted on a forklift for pushing an object onto a carrier is also provided.

A remotely operated delivery vehicle for transport of a storage container between an automated storage and retrieval grid configured to store a plurality of stacks of storage containers, and a second location for handling of the storage container by at least one of a robotic operator and a human operator, the remotely operated delivery vehicle comprising: rolling devices configured to move the remotely operated delivery vehicle in a horizontal plane along tracks of a delivery rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged in a first direction and a second set of parallel rails arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, rolling device motors for driving the rolling devices, and a power source configured to provide propulsion power to the rolling device motors. The remotely operated delivery vehicle further comprises a container carrier configured to receive the storage container from above and onto or at least partly into the container carrier so that contents of the storage container are accessible by the at least one of the robotic operator and the human operator.

A remotely operated delivery vehicle for transport of a storage container between an automated storage and retrieval grid configured to store a plurality of stacks of storage containers, and a second location for handling of the storage container by at least one of a robotic operator and a human operator, the remotely operated delivery vehicle comprising: rolling devices configured to move the remotely operated delivery vehicle in a horizontal plane along tracks of a delivery rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged in a first direction and a second set of parallel rails arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, rolling device motors for driving the rolling devices, and a power source configured to provide propulsion power to the rolling device motors. The remotely operated delivery vehicle further comprises a container carrier configured to receive the storage container from above and onto or at least partly into the container carrier so that contents of the storage container are accessible by the at least one of the robotic operator and the human operator.

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 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 storage system includes a storage grid structure and multiple container handling vehicles. The storage grid structure includes vertical column profiles defining multiple storage columns, in which storage containers can be stored one on top of another in vertical stacks, and at least one transfer column, the column profiles are interconnected at their upper ends by top rails forming a horizontal top rail grid upon which the container handling vehicles may move in two perpendicular directions, the container handling vehicles are able to retrieve storage containers from, and store storage containers in, the storage columns, and transport the storage containers on the storage grid structure. The storage grid structure includes at least one horizontal transfer section. The storage system includes multiple container transfer vehicles and transfer rails forming a transfer rail grid upon which the container transfer vehicles may move in at least one horizontal direction.

A storage system includes a storage grid structure and multiple container handling vehicles. The storage grid structure includes vertical column profiles defining multiple storage columns, in which storage containers can be stored one on top of another in vertical stacks, and at least one transfer column, the column profiles are interconnected at their upper ends by top rails forming a horizontal top rail grid upon which the container handling vehicles may move in two perpendicular directions, the container handling vehicles are able to retrieve storage containers from, and store storage containers in, the storage columns, and transport the storage containers on the storage grid structure. The storage grid structure includes at least one horizontal transfer section. The storage system includes multiple container transfer vehicles and transfer rails forming a transfer rail grid upon which the container transfer vehicles may move in at least one horizontal direction.