54results about "Small article transportation" patented technology

A self-propelled robot includes a travel cart, a base part provided to an upper part of the travel cart and swivelable on a first rotation axis extending vertically, and a pair of robotic arms coupled to the base part at base-end parts, respectively. Each of the pair of robotic arms has a first link and a second link coupled at a base-end part to a tip-end part of the first link via a joint part. Base-end parts of the pair of first links are coupled to the base part so that the base-end parts are coaxially pivotable on a second rotation axis extending horizontally, and the base-end parts oppose to each other via the base part. The base-end parts of the pair of second links are coupled to side parts of the tip-end parts of the corresponding first links, on the opposing sides of the pair of first links.

A conversion system for modifying internal dimensions of a semitrailer for use in hauling freight, the conversion system comprising a plurality of first bumpers, each of the first bumpers being configured to removably attach to one of first and second opposing sidewalls of the semitrailer, wherein the plurality of first bumpers are configured to reduce an internal usable width of the semitrailer, and wherein the plurality of first bumpers are configured to allow airflow around the freight within the semitrailer.

A method for delivering a plurality of packages is described. The method includes obtaining, via a processor, information associated with a delivery plan of the plurality of packages from at least one memory. Based on the information, the method includes determining, via the processor, a current location, and a destination location of a target container. In response to the determination, the method includes determining, via the processor, a movement plan to move the target container to the destination location. Based on the movement plan, the method includes activating, via the processor, a first set of motorized tiles to move the target container to the destination location. The method further includes receiving, via the processor, an updated movement plan from a server plan when a preset condition is met. Based on the updated movement plan, the method includes activating, via the processor, a second set of motorized tiles.

For the automatic transfer of cargo (17) between vehicles, a first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle (2) are positioned relative to each other such that a first loading platform (5) of the first vehicle (1) faces a second loading platform (6) of the second vehicle (2). The positions of the first loading platform (5) and the second loading platform (6) are aligned by means of a first leveling system (15) of the first vehicle (1) and a second leveling system (16) of the second vehicle (2). After the alignment has been completed, the cargo (17) is transferred from the first loading platform (5) to the second loading platform (6) by means of a first transfer device (9, 10) of the first vehicle (1) and / or by means of a second transfer device of the second vehicle (2).

Modular container delivery systems and methods are described herein. A modular container delivery system may be implemented to facilitate autonomous delivery of packages to customers. A modular container, as described in greater detail below, may be attached to a battery operated electric vehicle (BEV) and autonomous driving platform chassis. The container system itself contains a package sorting mechanism that is configured to move packages inside the vehicle, organize them into separate section of the vehicle and retrieve packages for delivery on as needed.

The invention relates to a system for the home delivery of at least one package previously placed in a motorised container (20), which package comprises communication means that allow it to be remotely controlled by a delivery vehicle (10) capable of transporting the container (20) from a storage location of the container (20) to the home (DOM) of the recipient of the package; the vehicle (10) comprising perception sensors and control means capable of guiding the container (20) from the delivery vehicle (10) to a drop-off site (LDP); the container (20) further comprising at least one means (22) for perceiving its environment that assist the perception sensors of the vehicle (10) in guiding the container (20) or replacing the latter for guiding the container (20) when the container (20) is no longer in the field of view or out of range of the perception sensors of the vehicle (10).

An autonomous delivery vehicle having one or more caster wheels that may be held off the ground for a portion of the time that the autonomous delivery vehicle travels. Each caster wheel is mounted in a pivot with a centering mechanism to hold the caster wheels in a design orientation. The caster wheel in the design orientation maximizes the view of forward-looking sensors on the autonomous delivery vehicle. The centering mechanism uses a compression spring that drives a follower and swashshaft to apply a rotation force on the caster wheels. The rotational force urges the casters frame and wheels to return to a design position. The rotational force increases with the rotational difference between the caster rotational position and the design position.

Mobile fulfillment container apparatus, systems, and related methods are disclosed. An example mobile container includes a storage area to move between a locked state and an unlocked state to provide access to inventory in the storage area; an electronic gating sensor to detect when the inventory has been removed from the storage area; and processor circuitry to output an instruction including a destination for the mobile container based on an order associated with the inventory.

An identifier associated with one or more assets is obtained in response to a reader component reading a tag associated with one or more assets as the one or more assets traverse a conveyor apparatus. At least partially in response to the obtaining of the identifier, a storage unit of a plurality of storage units is caused to automatically rotate to a loading location to receive the one or more assets.

A vehicle includes a chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a cargo body coupled to the chassis and positioned rearward of the cab, a door coupled to the cab and selectively repositionable relative to the chassis between an open position and a closed position, and a door lock assembly configured to selectively prevent movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. The door is positioned on an exterior of the vehicle. The door lock assembly defines a key aperture configured to receive a key. The door lock assembly is coupled to the cab, and wherein the key aperture is positioned forward of the door.

An order fulfillment and delivery system for autonomously fulfilling orders while en route to a delivery location. The system includes a delivery vehicle having a storage area, a robotic system at least partially disposed within the storage area and one or more processors. The one or more processors being configured to receive an order of one or more inventory items, generate container retrieval instructions for the robotic system to perform based on the received order and transmit to the robotic system the container retrieval instructions to perform. The robot system includes a container retrieval device movable in at least two dimensions to engage and move a container, based upon the container retrieval instructions, from a first location within the delivery vehicle to a second location within the delivery vehicle.

The present application relates to vehicles having cargo bays. The vehicles have at least one cargo bay. The cargo bay can roll into and out of a cargo area of the vehicle. The cargo bay can include at least one battery. The battery can be selectively connected to a vehicle power network. The battery can be disposed proximate a base of the cargo bay.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a portable food delivery container rack (PFDCR). In an illustrative example, a PFDCR includes a plurality of independently controlled portable food containers (ICPFC) operably connected to a control circuit. Each of the plurality of independently controlled portable food containers, for example, may include a food storage compartment encapsulated in an insulated thermal envelope. For example, the ICPFC may include an electronic lock independently controlled by the control circuit based on an access code received at a communication interface. For example, the access code may prevent illegitimate access to the ICPFC. For example, the PFDCR may operate with a portable power source in a low-battery mode. Various embodiments may advantageously prolong a continuous operation duration between each charge of the portable power source.

Loading, shifting, and staging objects in automated or semi-automated fashion including systems, methods, and apparatuses for the same. The embodiments hereof enable automated and / or semi-automated loading, shifting, organizing, staging, and accessing of objects in different environments, e.g., those associated with a logistics network operation. For example, one such environment is a vehicle. In one aspect, a loading mechanism is used to load objects into a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a shifting mechanism is used to shift objects in a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a door assembly allows for automated opening and closing of a door into a storage space of a vehicle. In addition, methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided.

The cabin for a moving body according to the present invention comprises: a main body having an opening; a cover configured to open and close the opening; and a cover moving portion provided in the main body, coupled to the cover, and configured to linearly move or rotate the cover. The cover moving portion includes a connection member connected with the cover and configured to transmit power to the cover. The connecting member comprises a first connecting piece connected with the rotating shaft and a second connecting piece connecting the first connecting piece with the cover, and the second connecting piece can be stretched and contracted to adjust the spacing distance between the two opposite ends of the second connecting piece.

Loading, shifting, and staging objects in automated or semi-automated fashion including systems, methods, and apparatuses for the same. The embodiments hereof enable automated and / or semi-automated loading, shifting, organizing, staging, and accessing of objects in different environments, e.g., those associated with a logistics network operation. For example, one such environment is a vehicle. In one aspect, a loading mechanism is used to load objects into a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a shifting mechanism is used to shift objects in a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a door assembly allows for automated opening and closing of a door into a storage space of a vehicle. In addition, methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided.

A delivery system according to the present disclosure is a delivery system configured to deliver a package, privacy information being attached to the package, the delivery system including: a mobile robot configured to deliver the package; a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the package delivered by the mobile robot to a storage place or transfer the package located in the storage place to the mobile robot; and a detection unit configured to detect whether or not a person is present near the storage place, in which the package is transferred in a transfer form in which the privacy information is protected from being revealed to the person present near the storage place.

A conveyer system can include a first roller guiding cargo introduced to the inside of a vehicle body in a first direction, a first guide portion disposed parallel to a rotation axial direction of the first roller, and a second guide portion disposed adjacent to the first guide portion, wherein the first guide portion and the second guide portion guide a movement direction of the cargo guided in the first direction to a second direction intersecting the first direction.

A rack system for a cargo space of a commercial vehicle is provided having a rack with at least one shelf and a movement device for moving the rack between a transport position, in which the rack can be arranged completely in the cargo space, and an access position, in which the rack can be arranged at least partially outside the cargo space. In order to provide a rack system which can be used more efficiently in respect of available cargo space, the rack system has a receiving unit for at least partially receiving at least one cargo item which can be arranged in the rack, wherein the receiving unit is arranged on the shelf so as to be displaceable in a depth direction of the rack.

A unitized storage assembly for automated loading and unloading of an associated cargo space, including individual storage units that are positioned in rows, such that each row comprises an opposing pair of individual storage units and wherein each row is movably coupled to an adjacent row. The assembly further includes an elevating mechanism coupled to one of the individual units and operative to move the row vertically or horizontally relative to the adjacent row. The assembly includes a motor operatively coupled to a wheel rotatably mounted on a bottom surface of a base of one of the individual storage units. The assembly also includes a controller that activates the elevating mechanism to raise the pair of individual storage units a predetermined height, and the motor to rotate the wheel to move the unitized storage assembly in at least one direction.

A food preparation and delivery system can include a plurality of cooking units such as ovens, each containing one or more prepared, but partially or completely uncooked, food items. The food items in the cooking units are for delivery to each of a corresponding plurality of consumer delivery destinations. The cooking units are loaded into a cargo compartment of a delivery vehicle for delivery to the plurality of consumer delivery destinations. The cooking conditions within the cooking unit are controlled such the each food item is cooked prior to arrival at the consumer destination location. In at least some embodiments, the estimated delivery time for each consumer destination location can be dynamically updated and the cooking conditions within the cooking unit adjusted.

A system for moving items in a storage volume of a van, which may include one or more automatically controlled mechanical devices comprising one or more structures engageable with items within the storage volume, and a controller to control the one or more automatically controlled mechanical devices to engage with the items and to move the items within the storage volume.

An embodiment cabin includes a housing having an accommodation space capable of accommodating an object, a tray configured to be loaded into or unloaded from the accommodation space, wherein the object is able to be seated on the tray, a door configured to open / close the accommodation space to / from an outside of the housing, a motor fixed to the housing for generating rotational power; and a power provision part for receiving the rotational power from the motor and transmitting power to the door and the tray, the power provision part including a door driving part connecting the motor and the door and transmitting first rotational power to the door, a power conversion part connected to the motor and configured to convert second rotational power into rectilinear power, and a tray driving part configured to connect the power conversion part and the tray and transmit the rectilinear power to the tray.

Loading, shifting, and staging objects in automated or semi-automated fashion including systems, methods, and apparatuses for the same. The embodiments hereof enable automated and / or semi-automated loading, shifting, organizing, staging, and accessing of objects in different environments, e.g., those associated with a logistics network operation. For example, one such environment is a vehicle. In one aspect, a loading mechanism is used to load objects into a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a shifting mechanism is used to shift objects in a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a door assembly allows for automated opening and closing of a door into a storage space of a vehicle. In addition, methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided.

A smart shelving system for storing and unloading parcels from a vehicle. The system includes a storage rack which is located in the vehicle and includes a plurality of shelves stacked on top of one another in spaced relationship with one another. Each of the shelves has a side edge. A plurality of trays for holding the parcels are positioned on the shelves. The side edge of at least one of the shelves is aligned with at least one opening of the vehicle. At least one unloading mechanism is configured to move the trays from the shelves and through the at least one opening to a location outside of the vehicle.

The invention relates to a cabin and a moving body including the same. A cabin of an embodiment includes a housing having an accommodation space capable of accommodating an object, a tray configured to be loaded into or unloaded from the accommodation space, on which the object can be placed, a cabin door configured to open / close the accommodation space to / from an exterior of the housing, a motor configured to drive the cabin door to rotate, and a power supply portion configured to supply power to the cabin. The motor is fixed to the shell and used for generating rotating power, and the power supply part is used for receiving the rotating power from the motor and transmitting the power to the cabin door and the tray. The power supply portion includes a door driving portion connecting the motor and the door and transmitting a first rotational power to the door, a power conversion portion connected to the motor and configured to convert a second rotational power into a linear power, and a tray driving portion configured to connect the power conversion portion and the tray and transmit the linear power to the tray.

An object displacement device comprising a base (82), a frame (84) extending from the base, and an object displacement mechanism (86) movable along the frame (84) to different positions and comprising one or more object engagement components (110) usable to engage and displace a range of different sized objects, and at least one object detection component (92) configured to determine a position of an object placed in a three-dimensional space in which the object displacement device operates and to determine an identity of the object.

A delivery robot includes a moving body; an upper body on an upper surface of the moving body; a plurality of drawers vertically stacked at one side of the upper body; a drawer locking device configured to collectively lock each of the plurality of drawers and selectively unlock any one drawer of the plurality of drawers while keeping locked other drawers of the plurality of drawers; and a processor configured to control the moving body and the drawer locking device.

Detecting, locating, identifying, engaging, and / or shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion as well as methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-program products therefor. Embodiments used for shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion may be implemented in stationary environments, and / or in moving, e.g., in-transit, environments, and may be used to transfer, route, and / or organize objects based on their designated destinations. The embodiments may further be implemented in a logistics network, thereby increasing the efficiency and capacity of the logistics network, among other benefits.

A mobile fulfillment system includes a shipper system that collects and manages customer information and order data input from customers; a fulfillment platform that receives the customer information and order data from the shipper system and controls vehicle control and dispatch accordingly; and a mobile fulfillment center that includes a plurality of vehicles dispatched from the fulfillment platform and delivers products to customers and monitors delivery status according to the customer information and order data.