Systems and methods for removing debris from warehouse floors
US9665095B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/47
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Robots or other machines may be used for retrieving errant objects from the floor of an automated warehouse. A system can include one or more reporting methods to alert a central control to the existence and location of an object on the warehouse floor. The central control can establish a safety zone around the object to avoid contact with normal warehouse traffic (e.g., standard warehouse robots). The system can route a cleanup robot to the location to retrieve the object. The system can include a cleanup pod comprising a convertible shelving unit with a robotic arm. The cleanup pod can have a similar form factor as shelving units used for storing inventory in the warehouse, thereby enabling standard warehouse robots to lift and transport the cleanup pod to retrieve an object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.