Object handling system and method
US11203487B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/01
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An object handling system is described, the system having two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a grid above a workspace, the workspace having a plurality of stacked containers. The system includes a series of robotic load handling devices operating on the grid above the workspace, the load handling devices having a body mounted on wheels. The robotic devices can move around the grid under instruction from a computing device, the robotic devices being moved to a point on the grid above a stack of containers and then, using a lifting device, engage and lift a container from the stack. The container is then moved to a point where the objects in the container can be accessed. Modifications to the workspace and grid are described that allow vehicles and roll cages to be used to move stacks from the workspace to a point outside the workspace or from outside the workspace into the workspace.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.