Random-access robotic inventory dispensary: multi-pick fulfillment
US9563197B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. Upon a request from a consumer (or other user) for a plurality of product items, the robot retrieves a bin holding the first item from the ISU, and places the bin onto a shelf that moves with the robot. The additional items are handled similarly. Once all the items are on the shelf, the robot transfers them to a dispensing chute to the consumer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.