A delivery system generates a pick sheet containing a plurality of SKUs based upon an order. A loaded pallet is imaged to identify the SKUs on the loaded pallet, which are compared to the order prior to the loaded pallet leaving the distribution center. The loaded pallet may be imaged while being wrapped with stretch wrap. At the point of delivery, the loaded pallet may be imaged again and analyzed to compare with the pick sheet.

One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein may include an end-of-arm tool for moving payloads or pallet stacks from one location to another, comprising a mast system comprising a mast, a plurality of mast gussets, and a mast plate; a frame; a clamp system comprising a plurality of clamp plates and a plurality of ball screws; and a vacuum system comprising a vacuum plate and one or more vacuum cups. Further, one or more specific embodiments disclosed herein may include a method of moving materials using an end-of-arm tool comprising aligning the end-of-arm tool over a payload, wherein the end-of-arm tool comprises an undercarriage in a retracted position, a plurality of clamp plates in an extended position, and one or more vacuum cups; lowering the end-of-arm tool towards the payload; engaging the payload with the one or more vacuum cups; engaging the payload with the plurality of clamp plates; and raising the payload into the interior of the end-of-arm tool.

Container gripping systems and methods may include a plurality of arm assemblies and at least one fork assembly that are configured to align, grip, lift, transfer, and release a layer of containers between locations. Each of the plurality of arm assemblies and the at least one fork assembly of a container gripping apparatus may move between respective retracted positions, in which portions of containers are gripped or supported, and extended positions, in which portions of containers are released or unsupported. Further, a movement device, such as a robotic arm, may couple to a container gripping apparatus and may manipulate the apparatus to align, grip, lift, transfer, and release a layer of containers between locations.

A plurality of workpieces include a plurality of first workpieces of a first workpiece group to be loaded onto a first loaded member according to a first loading sequence and a plurality of second workpieces of a second workpiece group to be loaded onto a second loaded member according to a second loading sequence. On a conveying device, workpieces are arranged at ransom with respect to respective arrangement sequences of the first workpiece group and the second workpiece group and the classifications of the first workpiece group and the second workpiece group. On a conveying device, workpieces of the first workpiece group are sequentially arranged based on the first loading sequence and workpieces of the second workpiece group are sequentially arranged based on the second loading sequence. At the same time, the workpieces of the first workpiece group and the second workpiece group are arranged together.

A plurality of workpieces include a plurality of first workpieces of a first workpiece group to be loaded onto a first loaded member according to a first loading sequence and a plurality of second workpieces of a second workpiece group to be loaded onto a second loaded member according to a second loading sequence. On a conveying device, workpieces are arranged at ransom with respect to respective arrangement sequences of the first workpiece group and the second workpiece group and the classifications of the first workpiece group and the second workpiece group. On a conveying device, workpieces of the first workpiece group are sequentially arranged based on the first loading sequence and workpieces of the second workpiece group are sequentially arranged based on the second loading sequence. At the same time, the workpieces of the first workpiece group and the second workpiece group are arranged together.

A stacking head for stacking rolls of sod can include a number of screw assemblies that are employed to secure and remove sod rolls from a stacking conveyor. Each screw assembly can include a center stake and a corkscrew that pierce a roll as the stacking head is forced into the roll. The rate at which the stacking head is moved vertically relative to the roll can be synchronized with the rate at which each screw assembly is rotated. This synchronization ensures that the corkscrew will pass into the roll while the stacking head is simultaneously forced into the roll without damaging the delicate sod.

A stacking head for stacking rolls of sod can include a number of screw assemblies that are employed to secure and remove sod rolls from a stacking conveyor. Each screw assembly can include a center stake and a corkscrew that pierce a roll as the stacking head is forced into the roll. The rate at which the stacking head is moved vertically relative to the roll can be synchronized with the rate at which each screw assembly is rotated. This synchronization ensures that the corkscrew will pass into the roll while the stacking head is simultaneously forced into the roll without damaging the delicate sod.

Apparatus and methods for automatically conforming a bottom support surface in a pick and place palletizer to the width of items such as cases that are supported on the surface are described. The invention defines an improved apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the width of a row support surface to conform to undersized items or items having a width when an item side is against the apron backstop that is less than the apron depth relative to the backstop.

Apparatus and methods for automatically conforming a bottom support surface in a pick and place palletizer to the width of items such as cases that are supported on the surface are described. The invention defines an improved apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the width of a row support surface to conform to undersized items or items having a width when an item side is against the apron backstop that is less than the apron depth relative to the backstop.

A method and system for automatically forming and handling compound pallet units including a pallet and a plurality of products stacked on the pallet. The method includes the steps of providing a conveyor device, at least one loading area provided for automatically receiving empty pallets and temporarily hosting compound pallet units to be transferred to a main conveyor, and at least one manipulator robot configured for picking selected products and placing the products on a pallet stationing at said loading station.