Configurable service isolation zones for service of equipment employing mobile robots

US11623342B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Walmart Apollo, LLC · US

Inventors

• Matthew W. Coady · Hollis, US
• William J. Fosnight · Windham, US
• Alejandro Sierra · Lowell, US
• David A. Lachance · Waltham, US
• Michael Chesna · Saugus, US
• Patrick Renard · Lunenburg, US
• Chris Dancewicz · Salem, US
• Bryce Germain · Waltham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 12, 2017
• Grant date: Apr 11, 2023
• Expiry date: Feb 25, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P90/60
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A safety system is disclosed for failsafe servicing of areas within an order fulfillment facility. During normal operation, a number of battery-powered robots receive wireless instructions from a management control system (MCS) to transfer items to/from workstations or storage shelves in a multi-level storage structure. The order fulfillment facility may be divided into dynamically configurable service zones. When service is required in a service zone, different safety protocols may be employed based on a determination as to the priority level of service required and/or the estimated length of time service will take. One safety protocol involves physically blocking all access points to a service area with mechanical guards, so that order fulfillment operations may be proceed around the service zone while service is performed.