Various embodiments are directed to an automated storage and retrieval system and method of operating the same. In various embodiments, an automated storage and retrieval system comprises a plurality of storage aisles, each defined in part by a unidirectional shuttle traffic flow pattern; a plurality of shuttles configured to travel throughout the system to execute materials handling operations; at least one vertical lift; a plurality of inter-aisle shuttle outlet tracks configured to facilitate shuttle traffic flow in at least substantially the same direction, each comprising: a first inter-aisle shuttle outlet track comprising at least one lift interface position to facilitate shuttle traffic flow to at least one vertical lift; and a second inter-aisle shuttle outlet track arranged in an at least substantially parallel configuration relative to the first inter-aisle shuttle outlet track; wherein the inter-aisle shuttle outlet tracks enable shuttle transfer between the first and second inter-aisle shuttle outlet tracks.

A system for condition-based maintenance of an automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure with a rail system forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing storage containers for storing items. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening between rails of the rail system that are arranged on the framework structure. The rail system provides available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. At least one container handling vehicle which has a container handling platform with a set of grippers for handling the storage containers. The grid structure includes one or more ports for extracting containers from the storage grid so that the storage containers can be picked and a service station for performing maintenance on the components of the storage and retrieval system. The system further includes a plurality of sensors configured to be attached to components of the storage and retrieval system for providing condition-based information linked to parts and components of the storage and retrieval system, a service regime manager configured to retrieve condition-based information from the plurality of sensors and create a service regime based on the condition-based information linked to parts and components of the storage and retrieval system and send the service regime to a local service station where condition-based maintenance is performed, and a central computer system. The central computer system is configured to: receive the condition-based information from the plurality of sensors and decide what information is to be sent to a global computer system that is part of the system for condition-based maintenance, and further sending only the information that can be of interest to other storage and retrieval systems. The global computer system is configured to receive the condition-based information from the central computer system and determine trends regarding component servicing or changing of components and further the global computer system transfers the information on the trend to the individual central computer system's service regime manager.

An article transport facility includes a first rail and a second rail. The second rail is spaced upward relative to the first rail, and intersects the first rail in a view in an up-down direction. The transport vehicle includes a vehicle body disposed between the first rail and the second rail in the up-down direction, a first traveling unit that causes the vehicle body to travel along a first direction, and a second traveling unit that causes the vehicle body to travel along a second direction.

A conveyance robot system according to the present disclosure includes a conveyance robot, and a robot control unit configured to control an operation of picking up an object performed by the conveyance robot, wherein the robot control unit determines that a movable range area, which is an area outside a safety cover where a robot arm is operated, satisfies a safety ensuring condition that can regard safety of the movable range area as equivalent to the safety inside the safety cover and allow the robot arm to perform a work while projecting toward the shelf.

A system and method are provided for auditing the inventory within an automated warehouse utilizing RFID technology. The system and method enable real-time tracking and monitoring of inventory and load units as they travel through and are stored in the warehouse. The system may require only a single RFID reader coupled with an automated shuttle for traversing a majority of the warehouse storage system to read, recognize, and audit the inventory as stored in load units stored in the system. The system may utilize multiple RFID readers throughout the warehouse to provide ample coverage, enabling real-time, whole warehouse inventory tracking. The system and method of the present invention contemplate both readily available RFID technologies, as well as advanced or improved RFID technologies having greater detection range, larger information storage capabilities, and the ability to determine precise spatial location of tags relative a reader.

A picking and dispatching system includes: a control center, terminals carried by users, and handling devices. The control center is configured to: determine an item storage space of a to-be-picked item included in each of to-be-picked orders, and plan paths for each user and each handling device to reach the item storage space; match, according to each planned path and assigned to-be-picked order, a user and a handling device for picking, to determine to-be-selected tasks, and determine a moment at which a user and a handling device cooperate to pick from the item storage space; determine a target task from the to-be-selected tasks, and send the target task to a terminal and a handling device; assign, according to the target task sent to the handling device, a to-be-picked order to the handling device, and update the stored assignment result of the to-be-picked orders.

Platform assembly for use with sorting articles comprises platforms connected to each other to form at least one level surface for transit thereabout by a plurality of vehicles. Each platform defines a first orientation in which the platform is in a retracted position and a second orientation in which the platform is in an extended position with a horizontal disposition. Each platform includes a first panel comprising a plurality of markers thereon, the markers forming a grid on the first panel for transit thereabout by the plurality of vehicles. Each marker includes a magnetic signature for determining an orientation of the marker. A container is positioned about at least one of the plurality of markers. In operation, the vehicle is directed by a control system to deposit an article carried thereon into a container associated with a marker based on the location and orientation of the marker.

Disclosed are a method, control system, storage and retrieval equipments, and handling equipments. The control system is configured to: determine a target inventory receptacle from inventory receptacles in a storage area of an inventory system; and determine a target storage and retrieval equipment and a target handling equipment, and send a dispatching instruction to the target storage and retrieval equipment and the target handling equipment. The target storage and retrieval equipment is configured to: drive, in response to the dispatching instruction, to a position specified in the dispatching instruction, take out the target inventory receptacle, and directly or indirectly undertake the target inventory receptacle to the target handling equipment. The target handling equipment is configured to: drive, in response to the dispatching instruction, to a position specified in the dispatching instruction, undertake the target inventory receptacle, and transport the target inventory receptacle from the storage area to a workstation.

A warehouse automation system adapted to improve warehouse operating productivity includes a plurality of carts for transporting products within a warehouse and a controller. The controller is adapted to associate a first one of the plurality of carts with a first person and to control the first cart to lead the first person around the warehouse. According to one advantage, the time the first person spends restocking, picking, counting, sorting, moving, and packing product into customer orders and shipments, for example, is reduced.

An automated storage and retrieval system comprising an automated storage and retrieval grid and a delivery system. The automated storage and retrieval grid includes a container handling vehicle rail system for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles and a delivery column adapted for transport of a storage container arranged in a stack of storage containers beneath the container handling vehicle rail system between a container handling vehicle and a delivery port situated at a lower end of the delivery column. The container handling vehicle rail system includes a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent container handling vehicle grid cells. Each container handling vehicle grid cell includes a container handling vehicle grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails of the first set of rails and a pair of neighboring rails of the second set of rails. The delivery system includes a remotely operated delivery vehicle including a container carrier adapted to support the storage container. The delivery vehicle is further adapted to transport the storage container between the delivery port and a second location for handling of the storage container by at least one of a robotic operator and a human operator.