Methods and apparatus for pallet handling
WO2026142834A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-07-02BOSTON DYNAMICS INC
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BOSTON DYNAMICS INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Existing robotic systems in warehouse environments require human intervention for tasks such as selecting and providing empty pallets, limiting efficiency and increasing reliance on multiple specialized robots or inefficient generalist robots.
Method used
A mobile robot equipped with sensors and an end effector is configured to autonomously identify, grasp, and manipulate empty pallets, integrating the mobile base and manipulator for coordinated, efficient operations.
Benefits of technology
The integrated system reduces human intervention, enhances operational efficiency, and enables complex, dynamic motions, improving task performance in warehouse logistics.
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Smart Images
Figure US2025057878_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Method and apparatus for grasping an empty pallet using a mobile robotic device are provided. Sensor data captured by at least one sensor is used to identify an empty pallet. Based on at least one characteristic of the empty pallet and at least one capability of a mobile robotic device, it is determined whether to grasp the empty pallet using an end effector of the mobile robotic device. The empty pallet is grasped using the end effector of the robotic device. In response to determining, based on image capture data corresponding to an initial position in which the empty pallet is placed on a cart coupled to the mobile robotic device, that the initial position is different from a target position, the empty pallet is moved from the initial position to the target position using the end effector.
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