Vacuum-based end effector, system, and method for detecting parcel engagement and classifying parcels using audio
US12311536B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 2024 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0285
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for detecting parcel engagement and classifying parcels includes: a robot configured to engage and transfer parcels; one or more microphones configured to obtain sound recordings (audio data) and positioned to obtain audio data corresponding to the robot engaging a parcel for transfer; and a control subsystem. The control subsystem includes a controller which receives and processes the audio data obtained by the one or more microphones to detect engagement of the robot with the parcel and to classify a characteristic of the parcel, such as parcel type. The robot can be a vacuum-based end effector, with the one or more microphones a component thereof. A method for classifying parcels is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.