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.

A system and method for conveyor configuration and testing. The system is configured to execute the method, which includes: receive input data relating to configuration of a conveyor system; prepare a simulation of the configured conveyor system; operate the simulation of the conveyor system; determine at least one operational parameter related to the conveyor system to be monitored; monitor the at least one operational parameter during operation of the simulation of the conveyor system; determine if the configuration of the conveyor system needs to be adjusted based on the monitored operational parameter; if the configuration needs to be adjusted, automatically make an adjustment and return to operate the simulation of the conveyor system; and continue the simulation until otherwise terminated. In some cases, the monitoring operational parameters uses a machine learning model based on actual data from operating conveyors.

A contactless monitoring system detects operating performance of movers in an independent cart system. A contactless sensor is provided on an actuator to automatically track a mover as it travels along the track. The sensor includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal and a receiver configured to receive the signal after it is reflected off the mover. The actuator may be configured to mover the sensor in a single axis or in multiple axes of motion. As a mover travels along the track, the sensor transmits a signal towards the mover and detects the signal after it has been reflected off the mover. A controller may synchronize motion of the actuator with motion of the mover, such that the sensor may continually transmit the signal off the mover for at least a portion of the travel by the mover along the track.

A system performs measurements in storage containers for storing items. The storage containers are stored in an automated storage system including a framework structure forming 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 of the vertical storage columns. A rail system is arranged on the framework structure defining the circumference of each access opening on top of each storage column. The rail system provides available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. The system further includes a testing station, accessible to a container handling vehicle via the rail system, with measuring equipment for measuring atmospheric conditions and for performing measurements in said storage container. The testing station is configured to communicate measurement data to a computer system. The testing station includes an upper part to which a measuring platform with measuring equipment is attached, a lower part for holding a container, and connector for connecting the upper part and the lower part and the testing station includes a lifting device adapted to raise and lower the measuring platform.

A conveyance abnormality prediction system includes an estimation unit that has a learned model having machine learned a relationship between a data set including sensor data outputted, at a time of substrate transport in the past, from each of a plurality of sensors provided on a substrate transport unit and a degree of conveyance abnormality at the time of the substrate transport, estimates a degree of conveyance abnormality at a time of new substrate transport by using, as an input, a data set including sensor data outputted from each of the plurality of sensors at the time of the new substrate transport, and outputs the estimated degree of conveyance abnormality.

An externally driven conveyor pulley with an integrated thermal control system by which the temperature of the pulley may be controlled whether the pulley is rotating or stationary. The present invention includes a rotary connection device (or plurality of such devices) designed to transfer fluid (liquid or gaseous) or electrical current into/out of a rotating object. The rotary connection device may be a slip-ring for electrical power transfer or a rotary union for liquid transfer, but any device designed to transmit fluid or electricity into a rotating object could be utilized. In one embodiment, temperature control is achieved by transmitting temperature controlled fluids through the pulley via at least one rotary connection device. In an alternative embodiment, temperature control is achieved by transmitting electricity via the rotary connection device to a temperature regulating device in the rotating object. The temperature regulating device could be any electrical heating or cooling unit.

Conveyor idler monitoring apparatus, systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, load sensors, etc.) are supported by the shaft of a conveyor idler. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are in data communication with a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, a power generator driven by rotation of the idler is in electrical communication with one or more sensors and/or a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, a plurality of idlers monitoring systems are in data communication with a conveyor monitoring system and/or operational monitoring system.

Examples of non-invasive inspection of a mechanical system are described. In an example implementation, a first operational data from a detector mounted on an item being handled by a mechanical system is retrieved. The detector may include one or more sensors, and the first operational data is indicative of a current operational condition of the mechanical system. The first operational data can be compared with a corresponding historical first operational data and an error in the current operational condition of the mechanical system is determined based on the comparison. In response to the identification of the error, a notification is generated to perform a non-invasive inspection of the mechanical system.

In order to improve control of a long-stator linear motor, a first measured value is ascertained in a first measurement section and a second measured value is ascertained in a second measurement section, in each case along a transport path in a movement direction. The first measurement section overlaps, in the movement direction, the second measurement section in an overlap region, and the first measured value and the second measured value represent the same actual value of a physical quantity. An operating parameter of the long-stator linear motor determined based on a deviation occurring between the first measured value and the second measured value.

Conveyor idler monitoring apparatus, systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, load sensors, etc.) are supported by the shaft of a conveyor idler. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are in data communication with a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, a power generator driven by rotation of the idler is in electrical communication with one or more sensors and/or a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, a plurality of idlers monitoring systems are in data communication with a conveyor monitoring system and/or operational monitoring system.