In one aspect, a method is provided for controlling access to a facility including a movable barrier and a plurality of loading docks. The method includes receiving, from a user device associated with a vehicle, a check-in communication that includes a check-in identifier. The method includes receiving a verification communication that verifies a presence of the vehicle relative to a sensor associated with the movable barrier. The method further includes causing a movable barrier operator associated with the movable barrier to move the movable barrier between closed and open positions in response to the check-in identifier indicating authorization to access the facility and in response to receiving the verification communication. Further, the method includes selecting a particular loading dock from the plurality of loading docks and communicating a loading dock identification representative of the particular loading dock to the user device to direct the vehicle to the particular loading dock.

A system for performing measurements in storage containers for storing items includes a framework structure. The storage containers are stored in an automated storage system. The framework structure forms a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing the storage containers. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening to the vertical storage columns between rails of a rail system. The rail system is arranged on top of 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. Each vehicle includes a vehicle controller communicating with a central computer system controlling the operation of the storage system. A container handling platform of a container handling vehicle includes measuring equipment configured to perform measurements in containers and includes a communication unit configured to communicate measurement data to a computer system.

An automated storage and retrieval facility includes a container dispenser which transfers one or more containers into a tote. Once loaded into a tote, the one or more containers may receive goods to fulfill an order. Once filled with goods, the containers may be accessed by customers for transport away from the facility. The container dispenser may include a table configured to move over an opening of a tote to dispense more than one container at different positions within the tote. The container dispenser may be integrated within a storage area of the automated storage and retrieval facility. Alternatively, the container dispenser may be part of workstation positioned away from the storage area.

A tire-enhancement product has a container comprising a dissolvable packaging material; and a solute encased in the container that is inert to the solute. The container is configured to be placed in an interior volume of a tire, to which solvent can be added. The container is configured to dissolve when placed in a predetermined solvent, and the solute is configured to mix with the solvent to form a tire-enhancement mixture.

A method may comprise: receiving, via a controller and through a camera, visual data corresponding to a row of latch assemblies in a cargo handling system; and determining, via the controller, whether each latch assembly in the row of latch assemblies is in a properly securing state.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated robotic sortation. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first robotic arm configured to grasp a moving object from a conveyor while the conveyor is in motion, a camera system configured to image objects moving on the conveyor, and a first scanner configured to scan machine-readable codes on objects moving on the conveyor. The system may be configured to sort objects from the conveyor using the first robotic arm based at least in part on an object destination.

The system can include: a container 110, a set of sensors 120, and a controller 130. The system can optionally include a robot 140. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to monitor and/or maintain a fullness level of a container. The system can additionally or alternatively function to enable robotic picking out of the container (e.g., in a pick-and-place setting). The system can additionally function to maintain candidate objects within reach of the robot's end effector to increase robot uptime while minimizing the extent of the robot's required motion (e.g., in the z-axis).

A tray conveyor comprising ice-coated magnetic trays driven by a linear-motor stator along a rail track. The ice coating is applied to the trays to provide a product-bearing ice surface. After the product is processed and transferred off the tray, the top layer of the contaminated ice coating is removed and the tray with the remaining ice coating reused.

A feeder that feeds objects to be picked up by a robot, includes an object container unit having a first planar portion including a first planar surface in which the objects are thrown, and a groove portion including a plurality of grooves extending in a first direction from the first planar portion as seen from a normal direction in which a normal of the first planar surface extends, and a vibrator unit that applies vibration to the object container unit, wherein the vibrator unit has a first vibration mode in which the objects are moved in the first direction.

A system and method for estimating aspects of target objects and/or associated task implementations is disclosed.