A method includes providing a virtual representation of an environment of a robot, the virtual representation including an object representation of an object in the environment. The method further includes receiving manipulation input from a user to teleoperate the robot for manipulation of the object. The method also includes alerting the user to an alignment dimension based upon the manipulation input, receiving confirmation input from the user to engage the alignment dimension, and constraining at least one dimension of movement of the object according to the alignment dimension.

A movable operator station is disclosed. The movable operator station includes a first base plate, a second base plate, and a first support unit. A multi-tier structure is slidably coupled to the first base plate and is slidable in “X” axis between first and second positions. The second base plate is slidably coupled to the first base plate and is slidable between third and fourth positions. The first support unit is slidably coupled to the second base plate and is slidable along the “X” axis. A set of linking members links the first multi-tier structure to the first support unit. The set of linking members extends or collapses based on a movement of the second base plate along the “Y” axis. The first support unit and the set of linking members form a second multi-tier structure when the second base plate is at the fourth position.

A shelving system includes a dispensing module including a shutter and a track. The shutter is movable on the track. The shutter is associated with a motor, a connecting mechanism to control connection of the shutter and the motor, and a controller to control location of the shutter using the motor. The system further includes a control module including a user interface device and a control device to communicate with the dispensing module for dispensing an item.

A method includes providing a virtual representation of an environment of a robot, the virtual representation including an object representation of an object in the environment. The method further includes receiving manipulation input from a user to teleoperate the robot for manipulation of the object. The method also includes alerting the user to an alignment dimension based upon the manipulation input, receiving confirmation input from the user to engage the alignment dimension, and constraining at least one dimension of movement of the object according to the alignment dimension.

An order-picking method includes autonomously routing a plurality of mobile robotic units in an order fulfillment facility and picking articles to or putting articles from the robotic units in the order fulfillment facility. A material-handling robotic unit that is adapted for use in an order fulfillment facility includes an autonomous mobile vehicle base and a plurality of article receptacles positioned on the base. A visual indicator associated with the receptacle facilitates picking articles to or putting articles from the robotic unit.

A package storage system for a kiosk includes a shelf on which packages are stacked. The shelf is configured to be adjustable in a vertical height. The system also includes a sliding guide configured to be movable with respect to the shelf, and a clamp device having two adjustable side arms and slidably attached to the sliding guide. The clamp device is also configured to grip one of the packages by the two adjustable side arms. The system further includes a blade slidably attached to the sliding guide and configured to pull out a package that is stacked immediately beneath the one package griped by the clamp device. The system also includes a labelling device configured to label the packages inside the kiosk, and a receiving tray configured to receive the packages that are delivered to the kiosk. The system further includes a controller to control movement of the clamp device. The controller is further programmed to move the packages based on specified rules.

A machining assistance system for assisting a machining apparatus includes: a workpiece supporting force generating unit, which generates workpiece supporting force against machining reaction force that is exerted on a machining portion of a workpiece by a working tool; a supporting device, which moves the supporting force generating unit while supporting the supporting force generating unit; and a workpiece supporting force control device, which controls operation of the workpiece supporting force generating unit and operation of the supporting device based on machining reaction force related data related to the machining reaction force and machining position related data related to a machining position of the working tool, such that the workpiece supporting force generating unit exerts the workpiece supporting force on the workpiece against the machining reaction force.

A package storage system for a kiosk includes a shelf on which packages are stacked. The shelf is configured to be adjustable in a vertical height. The system also includes a sliding guide configured to be movable with respect to the shelf, and a clamp device having two adjustable side arms and slidably attached to the sliding guide. The clamp device is also configured to grip one of the packages by the two adjustable side arms. The system further includes a blade slidably attached to the sliding guide and configured to pull out a package that is stacked immediately beneath the one package griped by the clamp device. The system also includes a labelling device configured to label the packages inside the kiosk, and a receiving tray configured to receive the packages that are delivered to the kiosk. The system further includes a controller to control movement of the clamp device. The controller is further programmed to move the packages based on specified rules.

A shelving system includes a dispensing module including a shutter and a track. The shutter is movable on the track. The shutter is associated with a motor, a connecting mechanism to control connection of the shutter and the motor, and a controller to control location of the shutter using the motor. The system further includes a control module including a user interface device and a control device to communicate with the dispensing module for dispensing an item.

An order-picking method includes autonomously routing a plurality of mobile robotic units in an order fulfillment facility and picking articles to or putting articles from the robotic units in the order fulfillment facility. A material-handling robotic unit that is adapted for use in an order fulfillment facility includes an autonomous mobile vehicle base and a plurality of article receptacles positioned on the base. A visual indicator associated with the receptacle facilitates picking articles to or putting articles from the robotic unit.