US20170140327A1 - Parcel sorter system and method - Google Patents

Parcel sorter system and method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20170140327A1
US20170140327A1 US15/322,392 US201515322392A US2017140327A1 US 20170140327 A1 US20170140327 A1 US 20170140327A1 US 201515322392 A US201515322392 A US 201515322392A US 2017140327 A1 US2017140327 A1 US 2017140327A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
shipment
containers
container
dispatch
shipment containers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US15/322,392
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sverker Lindbo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ocado Innovation Ltd
Original Assignee
Ocado Innovation Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=51410068&utm_source=***_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20170140327(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Ocado Innovation Ltd filed Critical Ocado Innovation Ltd
Publication of US20170140327A1 publication Critical patent/US20170140327A1/en
Assigned to OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED reassignment OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LINDBO, SVERKER
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
    • B65G1/1371—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed with data records
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/083—Shipping
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/0407—Storage devices mechanical using stacker cranes
    • B65G1/0414—Storage devices mechanical using stacker cranes provided with satellite cars adapted to travel in storage racks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/0457—Storage devices mechanical with suspended load carriers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/0464—Storage devices mechanical with access from above
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/0492—Storage devices mechanical with cars adapted to travel in storage aisles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/06—Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level
    • B65G1/065—Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level with self propelled cars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
    • B65G1/1373—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed for fulfilling orders in warehouses
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
    • B65G1/1373—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed for fulfilling orders in warehouses
    • B65G1/1378—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed for fulfilling orders in warehouses the orders being assembled on fixed commissioning areas remote from the storage areas
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/04—Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/06—Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
    • G06Q10/063—Operations research, analysis or management
    • G06Q10/0631—Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
    • G06Q10/06315—Needs-based resource requirements planning or analysis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/60—Business processes related to postal services
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02—Articles
    • B65G2201/0235—Containers

Definitions

  • the disclosure herein relates to systems and methods for order fulfillment.
  • the disclosure provides systems and methods for managing shipment items in an order fulfillment process.
  • the disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and corresponding machine-executable coded instruction sets for sorting and/or managing shipment items.
  • a system for managing shipment containers includes: a storage-and-retrieval system comprising: a framework defining a plurality of adjacent stacks, each stack capable of receiving a plurality of stackable containers, each stackable container suitable for containing a shipment container; tracks arranged above or below the framework to provide access to stackable containers received in the framework; and a plurality of robotic pickers/load handlers configured to move along a direction of the tracks and to retrieve selected stackable containers from the framework for sortation and/or dispatch.
  • the system also includes at least one processor configured to: receive or access destination address information for each of the plurality of shipment containers entering the system; select a subset of the plurality of shipment containers for dispatch based on shipment container and generate signals for instructing at least one of the plurality of robotic pickers to retrieve the selected shipment containers for dispatch.
  • the selection of the shipment containers is based on at least one of: a priority of the selected shipment containers; a capacity of a shipping vehicle on which the selected shipment containers are to be dispatched; and the destination addresses of the plurality of selected shipment containers.
  • FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, and 11-13 are schematic block diagram illustrating example processes and systems to which aspects of the invention can be applied.
  • FIGS. 3-4 are example views of aspects of a sortation system suitable for use in implementing aspects of the invention.
  • FIG. 6, 8, 10 are flowcharts showing example methods in accordance with aspects of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a shipping network 10 to which aspects of the present disclosure may be applied.
  • a shipment container is picked up from its source by a person, van or other vehicle and is transported to a distribution system 11 where the shipment container is transferred to a truck or other vehicle to be transported to an origin regional sorting centre 15 .
  • the shipment container is sorted by an automated sorting system 20 .
  • the shipment container is transported back to a destination distribution system 11 . If the shipment container has a destination in a different region, the shipment container is transported via plane, train, truck, or other vehicle to a destination regional sorting centre 15 .
  • the shipment container is sorted again by an automated sorting system 20 so that it can be transported to the proper destination distribution system 11 .
  • FIG. 2 shows another example shipping network where a single central regional sorting centre 15 for all distribution systems 11 in the network.
  • a single regional sorting centre 15 may service any number of distribution systems 11 .
  • a regional sorting centre 15 may be associated with hundreds or even thousands of distribution systems 11 .
  • the example shipping network in FIG. 1 shows two regional sorting centres 15 , any number of regional sorting centres is possible.
  • These sorting centres may be associated with geographic areas and/or distribution systems 11 based on geographic location, population distributions, volume of shipment containers, or any other factors.
  • a shipping network may have three or more levels of distribution.
  • the regional sorting centres 15 in FIG. 1 could feed into a larger sorting centre which may receive shipment containers from regional sorting centres 15 or distribution systems 11 for sorting before being transported to the appropriate regional sorting centre 15 .
  • the shipment container when a shipping container arrives at the destination distribution system 11 (e.g. from an origin regional sorting centre or another destination regional sorting centre), the shipment container is sorted into vans or other vehicles for dispatch to the final destination. In some examples, this may involve manual sortation, or an automated sorting system 20 a . Whether automated or manual, the sorted shipment containers for one or more shipping vehicles may be manually sequenced. In one example, shipment containers are manually placed non-sequentially in an arrangement of pigeon holes based on sequencing criteria and then are removed in a defined sequence.
  • Shipping networks having parcel storage/handling hubs are generally very dynamic in that parcels are constantly arriving and leaving based on, for example, delivery chains and the just-in-time nature of operation of shipping businesses.
  • significant volumes of shipment containers may arrive via any number of media (e.g. air, land, rail, water, etc.), and may be tracked, stored and redirected for further transport. In some industries or applications, this process may require quick turnarounds and throughputs of storage, retrieval and dispatch of the shipment containers.
  • processing points for dispatch of shipment containers from a warehouse to a point of transportation (e.g. shipping docks for transfer to trucks or vans) or handling points for delivery to airplanes, trains, ships or other large vehicles. Due to the volume and limited number of processing points, there may be relatively small windows of time to locate, retrieve and deliver selected shipment containers to the required vehicles or locations.
  • storage/handling hubs may be located on expensive real estate (e.g. near docks, airports, etc.), and therefore, there may be an interest in utilizing finite space as efficiently as possible.
  • an example system for managing shipment containers may include a fully- and/or semi-automatic storage and retrieval system 310 .
  • One manner of providing access to shipment containers stored for fully- and/or semi-automatic retrieval comprises placement of shipment containers, which may be of any desired type(s), in bins or other containers (hereinafter referred to generically as containers), and stacking and/or otherwise disposing the containers vertically in layers, and optionally in multiple columns and/or rows, such that individual containers may be accessible by wholly or partially-automated container retrieval systems.
  • Such systems can for example comprise various combinations of containers; container stack support mechanisms, which may include mechanical devices such as frames and/or free-standing, stackable, and/or otherwise specialized container(s); and automated or semi-automated (i.e., “robotic”) retrieval devices, such as load handlers which may for example operate on grids or other forms of rails, using wheels, and/or on other forms of mechanical traveling devices.
  • container stack support mechanisms which may include mechanical devices such as frames and/or free-standing, stackable, and/or otherwise specialized container(s)
  • robotic automated or semi-automated retrieval devices, such as load handlers which may for example operate on grids or other forms of rails, using wheels, and/or on other forms of mechanical traveling devices.
  • load handlers which may for example operate on grids or other forms of rails, using wheels, and/or on other forms of mechanical traveling devices.
  • the shipment containers may configured such that they can be stored in the storage-and-retrieval system without being placed within the containers or bins.
  • storage and retrieval systems may be provided in forms comprising a framework of rows and columns of stacked containers, in combination with overhead rail-operated load handlers 320 or other robots configured to access the containers for both storage and removal, from above.
  • the storage and retrieval system may include load handlers as part of a gantry system for storing and retrieving the containers.
  • the containers for storing and retrieving may have a uniform or substantially uniform size.
  • the system may be configured to handle containers of different sizes.
  • different containers may have different heights but similarly-sized footprints (i.e. lengths and widths).
  • the system may be configured to handle containers having different sized footprints and/or heights, but may be confined to storing different containers in specific stack locations associated with those dimensions. These example systems may utilize different load handlers for storing and retrieving the differently-sized containers.
  • the storage and retrieval system 310 may include a plurality of ports or other access points through which containers can be inducted or dispatched from the storage and retrieval system. These ports may include any one or combination of ramps, conveyors, pulleys, lifting devices, or any other mechanism(s) suitable for moving container(s) to/from the storage-and-retrieval system, or for holding the container(s) temporarily until they can be moved to/from the storage-and-retrieval system. In some examples, from the ports, the system may move the containers for positioning in/on a vehicle, pallet and/or roll cage. In some examples, the ports may be configured such that the load handlers transport the container(s) retrieved from the storage and retrieval system 310 directed into/onto a vehicle, pallet and/or roll cage.
  • the storage and retrieval system 310 can be configured such that the load handlers can move, manipulate and/or transport container(s) to and from the ports and/or between different locations within the storage and retrieval system.
  • the load handlers may be configured to handle different sized containers.
  • the systems may include different load handlers for each differently sized container (e.g. a taller container may require a taller load handler) (See, for example, FIG. 4 ).
  • the load handlers may be configured to handle any sized container in the system.
  • the load handlers may be configured to receive instructions from or to be controlled by one or more processor(s).
  • the processor(s) and load handlers may be configured to communicate over a communication network capable of handling a communications with a large number (e.g. thousands) of load handlers.
  • the communication network may be a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), or any other network configuration or protocol.
  • the storage and retrieval system 310 may include a large number of ports or other access points.
  • the system may include a port for every row and/or column, or a port for every other row and/or column.
  • the system may include a port every X feet (e.g. every 4 feet).
  • the number of ports maybe relative to the size of the storage and retrieval system 310 and/or the number of load handlers 320 .
  • the system may generally have 200-300 ports but could reach up to 500 ports.
  • having a large number of ports may improve the throughput and/or efficiency when inducting or dispatching shipment container(s) to or from the storage and retrieval system 310 .
  • shipment containers can be placed within containers for storage in the storage and retrieval system 310 .
  • These shipment containers may be in any form, shape, weight and/or size suitable for placement within the storage and retrieval system containers.
  • shipment containers can include, but are not limited to, boxes, envelopes, parcels, bags, crates, trays, wrapped goods, or any other container suitable for being shipped.
  • the storage and retrieval system 310 may, in some examples, be configured to provide containers for dispatch in a sorted and/or sequenced manner.
  • FIG. 5 shows an example shipping network 500 which includes or to which aspects of the present disclosure may be applied.
  • FIG. 6 shows an example method 600 for managing shipment containers and will be described by way of example with reference to FIG. 5 .
  • the shipping networks described herein may include one or more servers, control systems, and communication networks including one or more processors configured to track and manage shipment container information, and to schedule, sort and/or sequence shipment containers for dispatch in accordance with any of the example methods described herein.
  • an incoming shipment container arrives at the example shipping network 500 at a distribution system 11 via a van or other vehicle.
  • This van or other vehicle may have picked up one or more shipment containers from a customer location, a postal outlet, a mailbox, or any other depot or similar location.
  • the shipment container may be transferred to a truck or other vehicle to a sortation system 15 , 515 including a storage and retrieval system 310 .
  • shipment containers may arrive directly at the sortation system 15 , 515 without first arriving at the distribution system 11 .
  • the shipment container may optionally be weighed and/or measured to verify size and or weight information associated with the shipment container in a system database or other electronic storage.
  • Information associated with the shipment container such as the size and weight information as well as destination information may be entered into the system at any point before the shipment container is retrieved for dispatch. For example, information associated with the shipment container may be received from a customer order, from an entry at a post office or other depot, or via a data input at the distribution base or sortation system 15 , 515 .
  • the shipment container can, in some examples, be placed in a storage and retrieval container for subsequent storage and/or management within the storage and retrieval system.
  • each shipment container may be stored within a separate storage and retrieval container.
  • two or more shipment containers may be stored within the same storage and retrieval container. This may be applied in scenarios for example when multiple shipment containers, which fit in a single storage and retrieval container, are destined for the same final or intermediate destination.
  • the shipment container within a storage and retrieval system container or otherwise, can be inducted or otherwise stored in the storage and retrieval system 310 via one or more ports.
  • Induction or storage may, in some examples, involve scanning a barcode, RFID or other identifier on the shipment container and/or placing the shipment container within a storage-and-retrieval system container.
  • Induction or storage may also involve associating the shipment container identifier with an identifier and/or location associated with the storage-and-retrieval system container in which the shipment container is placed.
  • the sortation system 15 , 515 can be configured to receive instructions to prepare one or more selected shipment containers for dispatch.
  • one or more load handlers can be configured to receive instructions to retrieve containers containing the selected shipment containers.
  • the selected shipment containers can be dispatched from the storage-and-retrieval system 310 via the load handler(s) and/or port(s) in an order such that the shipment containers are grouped into groupings associated with the last leg vehicle which will be used to dispatch the selected containers to their final destinations.
  • the shipment containers can be sequenced based on an order for loading the last leg vehicle, and/or a delivery order/route to be potentially followed by the last leg vehicle.
  • each grouping associated with a different last leg vehicle may be stored separately.
  • a grouping for a last leg delivery van may be stored in a roll cage, on a pallet, or in a large bag or other larger container.
  • the grouping(s) may be maintained simply by storing and/or loading the shipment packages into a vehicle in a known sequence and/or with physical (e.g. tags, stickers), or logical (e.g. shipment container identifiers) mechanisms for separating the groupings.
  • the groupings may be kept together by storing each grouping in a separate section/division of a vehicle.
  • the grouped shipment containers having destinations associated with the same distribution system 11 can be transported to the distribution system 11 via a truck or other vehicle.
  • the shipment container groupings can be loaded onto last leg vehicles with little or no sorting/processing/handling at the distribution system 11 .
  • the distribution system 11 may perform little or no sortation or sequencing.
  • the entire pallet(s), roll cage(s) or other container(s) can be transferred from the vehicle arriving from the sortation system 15 , 515 to the last leg vehicle for dispatch. This can take place at a pallet handling station or other location which may, in some examples, include temporary storage for the groupings until a last leg or other vehicle is available.
  • the placement of storage and retrieval containers within the storage and retrieval system during induction or during any rearrangement or shuffling of containers can be controlled by one or more processors at the sortation system 15 , 515 or elsewhere in the shipping network. These or other processor(s) can be configured to generate signals for controlling or instructing the load handlers.
  • the processor(s) may be configured to generate signals for stacking a container in a stack in the storage and retrieval system, the stack corresponding to a vehicle load.
  • one or more stacks may be associated with a single vehicle load.
  • containers may be stored in a stack in a reverse order to the order in which they need to be grouped on a pallet, roll cage or vehicle. Once all the shipment containers for a given vehicle are in the sortation system, the load handlers can be instructed/controlled to transport the containers to a load station where the shipment containers can be removed from the storage and retrieval containers and placed onto pallets, roll cages, or into a vehicle.
  • the removal and placement of the shipment containers may be done manually or with (semi-)automated robot(s) or other equipment.
  • every stack corresponds to a different destination or vehicle, and each grid location requires approximately 5 ft 2
  • a 1000 ⁇ 600 ft grid could have 120,000 destinations.
  • Such an example system can be used to sort/sequence for a very large delivery fleet.
  • sorting/sequencing of the containers can be generally performed during the induction of a new shipment container into the system, and potential rearrangement of proximate containers.
  • the sorting/sequencing of the containers may be performed during the retrieval of the containers.
  • the containers may be stored at pseudo-random storage locations within the system, with the processor(s) monitoring or otherwise keeping track of the container at each storage location.
  • the processor(s) can be configured to instruction/control the load handler(s) to assemble the containers for the vehicle load. Even though the selected containers may be dispersed at different locations in the system, these instructions can be generated in an order or manner such that the containers arrive at the load station in the desired grouping and/or sequence.
  • the sorting/sequencing or otherwise arrangement of the containers in the system may be during induction, during retrieval, or during an interim period.
  • the processor(s) may be configured to instruct the load handlers to sort/sequence containers in a stack associated with a vehicle during induction when load handlers are available, and to store containers pseudorandomly when load handlers are not readily available. This may depend, for example on load handler congestion or backlogs in induction, retrieval, etc.
  • the processor(s) may be configured to instruct available load handlers to move or otherwise rearrange any (pseudonrandomly-stored or otherwise) container not in a stack associated with a desired vehicle to a stack (and, when possible/desired, in a sequence) associated with the desired vehicle.
  • a conventional conveyor/redirection sorter as described in the background may be able to sort 20,000 to 50,000 parcels per hour.
  • a grid sorter as described herein having 10,000 load handlers, which could each perform approximately 50 moves per hour, could potentially sort 250,000 to 500,000 parcels per hour.
  • the example embodiments described in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be well-suited for relatively dense shipment networks such as a shipping network for the Netherlands.
  • FIG. 7 shows an example shipping network 700 which includes or to which aspects of the present disclosure may be applied.
  • FIG. 8 shows an example method 800 for managing shipment containers and will be described by way of example with reference to FIG. 7 .
  • sortation system(s) 515 can be located at one or more distribution system(s) 11 .
  • incoming shipment containers can be inducted at this initial distribution system 11 .
  • the shipment containers destined for a different distribution system can be retrieved and sorted/grouped in a similar manner to the other examples described herein. However, at this stage, sequencing of the shipment containers may not be performed.
  • the retrieved and grouped shipment containers (in pallets, roll cages or otherwise) can be transferred by truck or other vehicle to a regional centre 15 .
  • the shipment container groupings can be loaded onto vehicles on which they can be transported to a destination distribution system 11 , or to a second destination regional centre 15 and subsequently to a destination distribution system 11 associated with the second destination regional centre.
  • no individual shipment container sorting may be necessary, but rather the groupings/pallets/roll cages may be handled and transferred to a vehicle destined for the proper destination distribution system.
  • the shipment containers When the shipment containers arrive at their destination distribution system 11 , 515 , if not already sequenced, the shipment containers may be inducted into the destination distribution system 11 , 515 for storage, sorting and/or sequencing (potentially with other shipment containers from a different initial distribution system) before being dispatched to a last leg vehicle.
  • example embodiments described in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be well-suited for geographically larger shipping networks such as one for the United States or North America.
  • FIG. 9 shows an example shipping network 900 which includes or to which aspects of the present disclosure may be applied.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example method 1000 for managing shipment containers and will be described by way of example with reference to FIG. 9 .
  • sortation system(s) 515 can be located at one or more distribution system(s) 11 , and one or more regional centre(s) 15 .
  • Incoming shipment containers can be inducted into a sortation system 515 at a local/distribution system 11 or can bypass this system and be inducted into a sortation system 515 at the regional centre 15 .
  • This decision may be performed as a pre-sort at the local/distribution centre, or may be performed as the incoming van or other vehicle is picking up the shipment containers at their source.
  • Both the local/distribution 11 sortation system and the regional centre 15 sortation system can be configured to group and sequence shipment containers into vehicle groupings as described in other examples herein.
  • One or more processor(s) in the network 900 may be configured to determine where a shipment container should be stored and/or sorted in a manner that seeks to optimize the utilization of vehicles and sorters across the network.
  • example embodiments described in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be well-suited for relatively dense shipping networks as may exist in Germany, France or the U.K.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 show example shipping networks wherein conventional conveyor-redirection based sorters are used in conjunction with any of the example grid sorters described herein. These shipping networks may be utilized during a transition from a network with only conventional conveyor-redirection based sorters to the grid-based sorter networks described herein.
  • FIG. 13 shows an example shipping network wherein conveyor-redirection based sorters can be retained at one or more sortation centres along with a grid-based sorter system such as any of those described herein or otherwise.
  • the conveyor-redirection based sorter(s) can be used to sort in-coming shipment containers to the various sortation centres, while the grid-based sorter(s) can be used to sort and sequence out-going shipment containers for distribution vehicles in its own region.
  • the handling of shipment containers may be reduced to moving ready-packed pallets or roll cages from the vehicles coming from the regional sortation centres to distribution or last leg vehicles (cross-docking).
  • incoming shipment containers are described as arriving from vehicles, in some examples, incoming shipment containers may arrive via conveyor or other transport mechanisms from a picking station or other system as part of an order fulfillment process.
  • the shipment container may be directed to a sortation system 515 at a distribution or regional centre in accordance with any of the examples described herein or otherwise.
  • the grid-based sortation system may store/manage both inventory for picking as well as shipment containers for storing/sorting/sequencing.
  • one or more processor(s) may be configured to collect and manage information associated with a shipment package such as size, weight, destination address, priority, current location, storage location within a sortation system 515 , etc. These processor(s) may be distributed and/or located at any location or system in the shipping network.
  • the processor(s) may be configured to track the movement, locations and destinations of shipment containers.
  • the processor(s) can be configured to store, sort, group and/or sequence the shipment containers based on any number of factors including but not limited to the destination of the shipping containers, the priority of the shipment containers, and the capacity of a shipping vehicle on which selected shipment containers are to be dispatched.
  • higher priority shipment containers may be scheduled for storage to and/or retrieval from the storage and retrieval system 310 before lower priority shipment containers.
  • one or more priority shipment containers can be selected for grouping, sequencing and/or loading into the vehicle before lower priority containers.
  • the ability of a grid-based sortation system 515 to hold back or reschedule lower priority parcels may reduce vehicle movement and/or may reduce delivery times for priority containers.
  • lower priority shipment containers maybe moved opportunistically, for example to fill a vehicle partially-filled with higher priority containers. This can, in some instances, be particularly beneficial for long hauls or via expensive transport.
  • the processor(s) may be configured to select, group and/or sequence shipment containers such that as much of the capacity of a vehicle is filled as would be efficient. In some examples, the processor(s) may be configured to sequence shipment containers in an order which makes it easier to load a vehicle (e.g. an order which allows larger shipment containers to be loaded first). In other examples, the processor(s) may be configured to sequence shipment containers in an order similar to the order in which the containers are to be delivered by the last leg vehicle.
  • the processor(s) may be configured to select, group and/or sequence shipment containers such that the total delivery time for the last leg vehicle based on the destinations of the selected containers and the travel times between them maximizes or utilizes the most time of a driver's shift.
  • Such automation may be provided in any suitable manner, including for example the use of automatic data processors executing suitably-configured, coded, machine-readable instructions using a wide variety of devices, some of which are known and others of which will doubtless be developed hereafter.
  • Processor(s) suitable for use in such implementations can comprise any one or more data processor(s), computer(s), and/or other system(s) or device(s), and necessary or desirable input/output, communications, control, operating system, and other devices, including software, that are suitable for accomplishing the purposes described herein.
  • a general-purpose data processor provided on one or more circuit boards will suffice.
  • the tracks and the robotic pickers/load handlers may be of any suitable size and form capable of performing the invention as described.
  • the tracks may comprise two substantially perpendicular sets of rails, together forming tracks disposed above the stacks of stackable containers.
  • the robotic pickers/load handlers may comprise a body mounted on wheels, the first set of wheels being arranged to engage with at least two rails of the first set of rails, the second set of wheels being arranged to engage with at least two rails of the second set of rails, the first set of wheels being independently moveable and driveable with respect to the second set of wheels such that when in motion only one set of wheels is engaged with the grid at any one time thereby enabling movement of the load handling device along the rails to any point on the grid by driving only the set of wheels engaged with the rails.
  • a track system and robotic picker/load handling device is described in UK Patent Publication No GB2520104A1, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • a sortation system is a system in which everything entering the system has a predetermined destination, whereas in a storage and retrieval system items entering the system may be allocated a destination whilst being stored in the system. Whilst the above description generally relates to a storage system, it will be appreciated that it may also be relevant to a storage and retrieval system.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Primary Health Care (AREA)
  • Educational Administration (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Stacking Of Articles And Auxiliary Devices (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
US15/322,392 2014-06-25 2015-06-24 Parcel sorter system and method Pending US20170140327A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1411254.4A GB2527543A (en) 2014-06-25 2014-06-25 System and method for managing shipping containers
GB1411254.4 2014-06-25
PCT/EP2015/064260 WO2015197696A1 (en) 2014-06-25 2015-06-24 Parcel sorter system and method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20170140327A1 true US20170140327A1 (en) 2017-05-18

Family

ID=51410068

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/322,408 Active US11261025B2 (en) 2014-06-25 2015-06-24 Robotic object handling system, device and method
US15/322,392 Pending US20170140327A1 (en) 2014-06-25 2015-06-24 Parcel sorter system and method
US17/569,751 Active US11708215B2 (en) 2014-06-25 2022-01-06 Robotic object handling system, device and method
US18/330,408 Pending US20230339680A1 (en) 2014-06-25 2023-06-07 Robotic object handling system, device and method

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/322,408 Active US11261025B2 (en) 2014-06-25 2015-06-24 Robotic object handling system, device and method

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US17/569,751 Active US11708215B2 (en) 2014-06-25 2022-01-06 Robotic object handling system, device and method
US18/330,408 Pending US20230339680A1 (en) 2014-06-25 2023-06-07 Robotic object handling system, device and method

Country Status (13)

Country Link
US (4) US11261025B2 (ja)
EP (4) EP3161751B1 (ja)
JP (5) JP6328803B2 (ja)
KR (4) KR20230042147A (ja)
CN (2) CN106575391A (ja)
AU (4) AU2015279251B2 (ja)
CA (2) CA2953028C (ja)
DK (1) DK3161751T3 (ja)
ES (1) ES2929290T3 (ja)
GB (4) GB2527543A (ja)
HU (1) HUE060009T2 (ja)
PL (1) PL3161751T3 (ja)
WO (2) WO2015197696A1 (ja)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10336540B2 (en) 2015-04-27 2019-07-02 Attabotics Inc. Storage and retrieval system
US20200017302A1 (en) * 2016-09-29 2020-01-16 Ocado Innovation Limited Robotic processing system and method
WO2020069326A1 (en) * 2018-09-28 2020-04-02 Walmart Apollo, Llc Systems and methods for robotic vehicle retrieval
US10913641B2 (en) 2018-06-08 2021-02-09 Attabotics Inc. Storage units and robotic storage/retrieval vehicles for a three-dimensional storage system
US10961054B2 (en) 2018-06-08 2021-03-30 Attabotics Inc. Storage and retrieval systems performing internal sortation by orchestrated navigation of storage grid robots to workstation intake points
WO2021099082A1 (en) * 2019-11-22 2021-05-27 Autostore Technology AS Method for distribution of storage containers in an automated storage and retrieval system
US11247843B2 (en) * 2018-08-24 2022-02-15 Target Brands, Inc. Order fulfillment systems and methods
US20220148345A1 (en) * 2019-03-11 2022-05-12 Suzhou Teknect Engineering Co., Ltd Xiangcheng Branch Transport monitoring method, apparatus and system
US11794994B2 (en) 2018-01-22 2023-10-24 Ocado Innovation Limited System and method for picking items
US20240181649A1 (en) * 2019-07-02 2024-06-06 Intelligrated Headquarters, Llc Robotic sortation system
US12008507B2 (en) 2021-08-04 2024-06-11 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Systems and methods for handling packages transported in a delivery vehicle

Families Citing this family (81)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NO335839B1 (no) 2012-12-10 2015-03-02 Jakob Hatteland Logistics As Robot for transport av lagringsbeholdere
GB201314313D0 (en) * 2013-08-09 2013-09-25 Ocado Ltd Apparatus for retrieving units from a storage system
US11858738B2 (en) 2013-08-09 2024-01-02 Ocado Innovation Limited Apparatus for retrieving units from a storage system
NO337544B1 (no) 2014-06-19 2016-05-02 Jakob Hatteland Logistics As Fjernstyrt kjøretøysammenstilling for å plukke opp lagringsbeholdere fra et lagringssystem
US12030716B2 (en) 2015-04-15 2024-07-09 Ocado Innovation Limited Storage system with partition means and methods
CN107466204A (zh) * 2015-04-15 2017-12-12 奥卡多创新有限公司 培育***与方法
CA3206738A1 (en) * 2015-04-15 2016-10-20 Ocado Innovation Limited Storage systems and methods
GB2540651B (en) 2015-04-15 2019-06-26 Ocado Innovation Ltd Robotic Container Handling Device And Method
KR20170137718A (ko) 2015-04-15 2017-12-13 오카도 이노베이션 리미티드 건물 또는 보관고의 구성을 위한 시스템 및 방법
KR102502714B1 (ko) 2015-04-15 2023-02-21 오카도 이노베이션 리미티드 물체 핸들링 시스템 및 방법
GB201602332D0 (en) 2015-04-15 2016-03-23 Ocado Innovation Ltd Robotic container handling device and method
GB2541488A (en) 2015-04-15 2017-02-22 Ocado Innovation Ltd Robotic picking system device and method
CN107466203A (zh) 2015-04-15 2017-12-12 奥卡多创新有限公司 存储***与方法
KR20240024346A (ko) 2015-04-15 2024-02-23 오카도 이노베이션 리미티드 보관 시스템 및 방법
WO2016166323A1 (en) 2015-04-15 2016-10-20 Ocado Innovation Limited Storage system with partition means and methods
GB201602505D0 (en) 2016-02-12 2016-03-30 Ocado Innovation Ltd Storage systems,methods and containers
GB201603518D0 (en) 2016-02-29 2016-04-13 Ocado Innovation Ltd Robotic fire extinguishing device and handling method
GB201603520D0 (en) * 2016-02-29 2016-04-13 Ocado Innovation Ltd Robotic service device and handling method
NO343387B1 (en) * 2016-04-13 2019-02-18 Autostore Tech As A storage bin and storage bin system
GB201615751D0 (en) * 2016-09-15 2016-11-02 Ocado Innovation Ltd Growing systems and methods
GB201617727D0 (en) * 2016-10-19 2016-11-30 Ocado Innovation Limited Storage systems and methods
CN114873119B (zh) 2017-03-20 2023-10-31 伯克希尔格雷营业股份有限公司 用于处理包括移动矩阵载体***的物体的***和方法
WO2018175770A1 (en) 2017-03-23 2018-09-27 Berkshire Grey, Inc. Systems and methods for processing objects, including automated mobile matrix bins
CN110650903B (zh) 2017-03-23 2021-07-20 伯克希尔格雷股份有限公司 用于处理包括自动移动矩阵载体的物体的***和方法
CN108858179B (zh) * 2017-05-09 2020-11-24 北京京东尚科信息技术有限公司 确定分拣机器人行车路径的方法和装置
CN107499849A (zh) * 2017-09-22 2017-12-22 王燏斌 一种集装箱输送装置及其输送方法
GB201716201D0 (en) * 2017-10-04 2017-11-15 Ocado Innovation Ltd Object handling coordination system and method of relocating a transporting vessel
CA3080615C (en) 2017-10-27 2023-10-24 Berkshire Grey, Inc. Systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems
NO346519B1 (en) 2017-11-02 2022-09-19 Autostore Tech As An automated storage and retrieval system, use of a multi trolley vehicle on the system and a method of operating the system
CN109775270A (zh) * 2017-11-10 2019-05-21 北京京东尚科信息技术有限公司 物品拣选***
EA039724B1 (ru) 2017-11-21 2022-03-04 Сергей Владимирович СОЛОВЬЯНЕНКО Автоматическая система и способ хранения материалов и сбора комплектов из них
NO344310B1 (en) * 2017-11-22 2019-11-04 Autostore Tech As Automated storage and retrieval system comprising a three dimensional grid, container-handling vehicle and method of retrieving at least one storage container from the storage 40 storage and retrieval system
US11479407B2 (en) 2018-01-09 2022-10-25 Autostore Technology AS Displacement mechanism for a remotely operated vehicle
NO346364B1 (en) 2018-04-25 2022-06-27 Autostore Tech As Container handling vehicle with first and second sections and battery in second section, and system.
GB201804198D0 (en) 2018-03-15 2018-05-02 Ocado Innovation Ltd Parcel sorting system, method and a container thereof
GB201805917D0 (en) * 2018-04-10 2018-05-23 Ocado Innovation Ltd System and method for picking items
CN108544534B (zh) * 2018-04-24 2020-10-27 泰州市元和达电子科技有限公司 一种基于机器人的隐藏式智能物品放置***
NO344302B1 (en) * 2018-04-25 2019-10-28 Autostore Tech As Automated storage and retrieval system comprising a relay module and a method of operating such a system
CN108584263B (zh) * 2018-05-03 2020-12-04 华中科技大学无锡研究院 一种分层单向交互仓储装置及***
GB201809020D0 (en) * 2018-06-01 2018-07-18 Ocado Innovation Ltd Control device and method for item verification
NO344808B1 (en) * 2018-06-12 2020-05-04 Autostore Tech As Express bin lift for automated storage system
NO345886B1 (en) 2018-06-12 2021-09-27 Autostore Tech As Vehicle tilting Device and Method of accessing a Storage container
US11498757B2 (en) 2018-06-12 2022-11-15 Autostore Technology AS Storage system
EP3807192A1 (en) 2018-06-12 2021-04-21 Autostore Technology AS Storage system with modular container handling vehicles
JP7334192B2 (ja) 2018-06-12 2023-08-28 アウトストア・テクノロジー・エーエス コンテナ車両および充電システムを備える自動保管システム
PL3807181T3 (pl) 2018-06-12 2024-05-13 Autostore Technology AS Sposób obsługiwania nieprawidłowo działających pojazdów na systemie szynowym oraz system składowania i pobierania wykorzystujący taki sposób
US11772685B2 (en) 2018-06-12 2023-10-03 Autostore Technology AS System for storing and transporting storage containers
CA3098972A1 (en) 2018-06-12 2019-12-19 Autostore Technology AS Container accessing station with lifting device
JP7443256B2 (ja) 2018-06-12 2024-03-05 アウトストア・テクノロジー・エーエス 自動倉庫グリッドと第２の場所との間で保管コンテナを輸送する配送車両、自動倉庫システム、および方法
CN115108226A (zh) 2018-06-12 2022-09-27 自动存储科技股份有限公司 用于控制容器搬运车辆和远程操作专用容器搬运车辆的操作的方法和***以及计算机程序
CN112262091B (zh) * 2018-06-12 2022-08-16 自动存储科技股份有限公司 储存***
US11485375B2 (en) 2018-06-12 2022-11-01 Autostore Technology AS Unloading arrangement and unloading station, as well as method of unloading an item from a storage container
US11685391B2 (en) 2018-06-12 2023-06-27 Autostore Technology AS Automated storage and retrieval system and a method of transporting storage containers between an automated storage and retrieval grid and a second location
CN114604545A (zh) 2018-06-12 2022-06-10 自动存储科技股份有限公司 远程操作的输送运载工具
NO344750B1 (en) 2018-06-12 2020-04-06 Autostore Tech As Unloading arrangement and unloading station, as well as method of unloading an item from a storage container
JP2021527013A (ja) 2018-06-12 2021-10-11 アウトストア・テクノロジー・エーエスＡｕｔｏｓｔｏｒｅ Ｔｅｃｈｎｏｌｏｇｙ Ａｓ 遠隔操作車両をロックするためのロックデバイスを備えた容器アクセスステーションを備えた格納グリッド
CN109248862A (zh) * 2018-09-28 2019-01-22 顺丰科技有限公司 格口装置、***及分拣方法
NO20181658A1 (en) * 2018-12-20 2020-06-22 Autostore Tech As Automated storage and retrieval system, a storage facility and a method thereof
US11220400B2 (en) * 2019-01-17 2022-01-11 Target Brands, Inc. Material storage and sortation system
NO20190089A1 (en) * 2019-01-23 2020-07-24 Autostore Tech As Service vehicle, an automated storage and retrieval system and a method for operating a service vehicle on the system.
US10618735B1 (en) 2019-03-11 2020-04-14 Coupang Corp. Computerized systems and methods for assisted picking processes
CN109878959B (zh) * 2019-03-15 2021-08-27 北京旷视机器人技术有限公司 拣选调度方法、装置、仓储***及可读存储介质
CN109985817A (zh) * 2019-05-10 2019-07-09 北京极智嘉科技有限公司 一种分拣***及分拣方法
GB201907248D0 (en) * 2019-05-22 2019-07-03 Ocado Innovation Ltd Growing systems and methods
CN110378655A (zh) * 2019-07-25 2019-10-25 秒针信息技术有限公司 封装设备的确定方法及装置、存储介质、电子装置
CN110482097A (zh) * 2019-09-27 2019-11-22 深圳市骄冠科技实业有限公司 一种传输分拣车的立体仓储***及实现方法
CN112678736A (zh) * 2019-10-19 2021-04-20 广东利元亨智能装备股份有限公司 一种电梯式运转搬运***
DE102019130345B4 (de) 2019-11-11 2022-04-28 Next.E.Go Mobile SE Automatisiertes lagersystem für waren
CN110789898A (zh) * 2019-11-11 2020-02-14 北京京邦达贸易有限公司 立体仓库以及物品出入库的方法和装置
US11251064B2 (en) * 2020-03-02 2022-02-15 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Wafer frame sorter and stocker
CN111580410A (zh) * 2020-04-22 2020-08-25 东风柳州汽车有限公司 一种适时干预的物流分析方法及装置
NO20200499A1 (en) * 2020-04-28 2021-10-29 Autostore Tech As Adjustable storage container
EP4132868A1 (en) 2021-01-05 2023-02-15 Martistel LTD Matrix-picking
GB202107884D0 (en) 2021-06-02 2021-07-14 Ocado Innovation Ltd A grid framework structure
GB202107894D0 (en) 2021-06-02 2021-07-14 Ocado Innovation Ltd A storage and retrieval system
DE102021215079A1 (de) 2021-12-29 2023-06-29 Gebhardt Fördertechnik GmbH Lager- und Entnahmesystem sowie Station für ein Lager- und Entnahmesystem
EP4238898A1 (de) * 2022-03-03 2023-09-06 Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft Blocklageranordnung
GB2621690A (en) 2022-07-04 2024-02-21 Ocado Innovation Ltd A cable router and a load handling device
NO20221281A1 (en) 2022-11-29 2024-05-30 Autostore Tech As Automated storage and retrieval system with large-sized storage containers
KR102671940B1 (ko) * 2023-01-16 2024-06-05 주식회사 지어소프트 배송 박스의 적재 위치를 결정하는 방법 및 장치
GB202320138D0 (en) 2023-12-29 2024-02-14 Ocado Innovation Ltd Cabling system

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030172007A1 (en) * 2002-03-06 2003-09-11 Helmolt Hans-Ulrich Von Supply chain fulfillment coordination
US20050049942A1 (en) * 2002-10-15 2005-03-03 Richard Dominique M. Method for forecasting consumption and generating optimal delivery schedules for vehicles involved in delivering propane and other consumables to end consumers
US20080154751A1 (en) * 2004-07-30 2008-06-26 Earth Class Mail Corporation Sortation and extraction system for item management systems and associated methods
US20110106295A1 (en) * 2008-05-26 2011-05-05 Febres Patricio Miranda Warehouse system and method for operating the same
US20110153065A1 (en) * 2008-08-27 2011-06-23 Murata Machinery, Ltd. Picking system and picking method
US20130247519A1 (en) * 2012-03-23 2013-09-26 David Henry Clark Custom containers in a materials handling facility
US20140040075A1 (en) * 2012-08-03 2014-02-06 Vargo Adaptive Software LLC System and method of selection and organization of customer orders in preparation for distribution operations order fulfillment
US20140257553A1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2014-09-11 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for multi-destination item selection using motes
US20150225187A1 (en) * 2014-02-11 2015-08-13 Sergey N. Razumov Multi-level storage system with transportation devices movable in substantially perpendicular directions and method of transferring containers in desired sequence
US20150291357A1 (en) * 2014-04-14 2015-10-15 Sergey N. Razumov Robotic pickup point for order fulfillment system
US20150307276A1 (en) * 2012-12-10 2015-10-29 Jakob Hatteland Logistics As Robot for transporting storage bins

Family Cites Families (49)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2701065A (en) 1950-09-06 1955-02-01 Charles A Bertel Apparatus for storing and handling containers
US3217782A (en) 1962-05-03 1965-11-16 Coen Co Abnormal fuel pressure cut off and purge system
US3543952A (en) * 1968-03-29 1970-12-01 Kaiser Ind Corp Container handling and storage system
US3964619A (en) * 1972-03-13 1976-06-22 Felix Irmler Arrangement for storage of goods in packages in an upright depository
JPH01117103A (ja) * 1987-10-30 1989-05-10 Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd コンテナの貯蔵設備
GB2221822A (en) * 1988-08-19 1990-02-21 Patrick Frederick Ferrari Fish protection system
US4915613A (en) 1989-01-25 1990-04-10 Honeywell Inc. Method and apparatus for monitoring pressure sensors
EP0654425B1 (de) * 1993-11-24 1998-09-02 Schenck Handling Systems GmbH Vorrichtung zum Ein-oder Aus-lagern bzw. Umstapeln von Trägern für Fördergut
US5565858A (en) * 1994-09-14 1996-10-15 Northrop Grumman Corporation Electronic inventory system for stacked containers
EP0821777A4 (en) 1995-04-19 2000-04-12 Bowin Tech Pty Ltd HEATING UNIT
FI105668B (fi) 1995-10-02 2000-09-29 Cimcorp Oy Poimintajärjestelmä
NO972004D0 (no) 1997-04-30 1997-04-30 Hatteland Electronic As Jacob Metode for organisering av vareflyt for en horisontalt lagdelt og dypstablet lagerbeholdning med uensartede komponenter, samt forflytningsutstyr for standariserte beholdere til formålet
US20050095094A1 (en) * 1997-07-22 2005-05-05 Maynard Michael D. Robotic parts handler system
US6059195A (en) 1998-01-23 2000-05-09 Tridelta Industries, Inc. Integrated appliance control system
JP3484104B2 (ja) * 1998-12-25 2004-01-06 平田機工株式会社 自動倉庫及び自動倉庫の管理方法
NO317366B1 (no) 1999-07-01 2004-10-18 Autostore As Lagringsanlegg med fjernstyrte vogner med to hjulsett og heisinnretning for drift på skinner anlagt i kryss over kolonner av lagringsenheter som er adskilt med vertikale profilstolper
DE19935742A1 (de) * 1999-07-29 2001-02-08 Juergen Klein Automatisiertes Lager-System für kurze und/oder mittlere oder lange Lagergüter
JP2002049864A (ja) * 2000-08-04 2002-02-15 Fukushima Unyu Kk 通信販売サービスシステム
KR20020043317A (ko) * 2000-12-02 2002-06-10 구자홍 물류 관리 시스템 및 이 시스템의 운영 방법
US20020155405A1 (en) 2001-04-20 2002-10-24 Steven Casey Digital modulation for a gas-fired heater
JP4078850B2 (ja) 2002-03-01 2008-04-23 株式会社ダイフク 段積み物形成方法
AU2003231430B8 (en) * 2002-05-13 2009-07-30 Bakvertisi Limited Apparatus for transporting containers
EP1468942A1 (de) * 2003-04-14 2004-10-20 Güdel AG Antriebs- und Lineartechnik Anordnung und Verfahren zur Bewirtschaftung eines Warenlagers
US8651790B2 (en) 2006-09-25 2014-02-18 Charles E. Benedict Warehouse storage system
EP1510758A1 (de) 2003-08-29 2005-03-02 Siemens Building Technologies AG Verfahren zur Regelung beziehungsweise Steuerung eines Brenners
JP4346073B2 (ja) * 2004-01-23 2009-10-14 株式会社国際電気通信基礎技術研究所 管理装置、管理方法及び管理プログラム
FI126245B (fi) * 2005-03-09 2016-08-31 Konecranes Finland Oy Menetelmä paletittoman tavarakollin sijoittamiseksi ja luovuttamiseksi varastohyllystä ja kollien logistiikan hallitsemiseksi sekä laitteisto menetelmän toteuttamiseksi
US20100247275A1 (en) * 2005-10-25 2010-09-30 Agile Systems Inc. Automated stowage and retrieval system
US7634332B2 (en) * 2006-02-21 2009-12-15 United States Postal Service Systems and methods for creating routes for powered industrial vehicles
US7850412B2 (en) 2006-09-25 2010-12-14 Bec Companies, Inc. Overhead boat storage system
US8138927B2 (en) 2007-03-22 2012-03-20 Honeywell International Inc. Flare characterization and control system
CN101407271B (zh) * 2007-10-10 2011-04-13 中国科学院自动化研究所 一种自动化立体仓库框架结构
DE102009017241B4 (de) 2009-04-09 2016-12-01 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Lagersystem
US9617082B2 (en) * 2009-09-04 2017-04-11 Sodium Limited Container storage and retrieval system and method
CN101706887A (zh) * 2009-11-17 2010-05-12 湖南大学 一种编组快速分拣方法
US9037286B2 (en) * 2010-03-12 2015-05-19 Symbotic Llc Each pick
US8156013B2 (en) * 2010-06-28 2012-04-10 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Methods and apparatus for fulfilling tote deliveries
US8812147B2 (en) * 2010-08-02 2014-08-19 Brightstar Corp. Fulfilling orders for serialized products
FI123447B (fi) * 2011-03-18 2013-05-15 Cimcorp Oy Siltarobottijärjestelmä ja menetelmä sen käyttämiseksi
KR101282354B1 (ko) * 2011-06-29 2013-07-04 (주) 네오포스 배송물 구분 시스템, 그 시스템의 제어를 위한 상황 인지 방법 및 그 방법을 구현한 프로그램을 저장하는 컴퓨터로 판독 가능한 기록매체
WO2013082146A1 (en) 2011-11-28 2013-06-06 Scott Laskowski Non-catalytic biomass fuel burner and method
ES2890505T3 (es) * 2012-05-11 2022-01-20 Ocado Innovation Ltd Sistemas de almacenamiento y métodos para recuperar unidades de un sistema de almacenamiento
US9234661B2 (en) 2012-09-15 2016-01-12 Honeywell International Inc. Burner control system
US8734079B1 (en) * 2012-11-13 2014-05-27 Sergey N. Razumov Self-lifting robotic device with load handling mechanism
CN103093331A (zh) * 2013-01-30 2013-05-08 北京枫桥众联科技有限公司 码垛方法及***
GB201310124D0 (en) 2013-06-06 2013-07-24 Ocado Ltd Order filling system
GB201310125D0 (en) * 2013-06-06 2013-07-24 Ocado Ltd Storage and retrieval system
GB201310784D0 (en) * 2013-06-17 2013-07-31 Ocado Ltd Systems and Methods for Order Processing
GB201314313D0 (en) 2013-08-09 2013-09-25 Ocado Ltd Apparatus for retrieving units from a storage system

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030172007A1 (en) * 2002-03-06 2003-09-11 Helmolt Hans-Ulrich Von Supply chain fulfillment coordination
US20050049942A1 (en) * 2002-10-15 2005-03-03 Richard Dominique M. Method for forecasting consumption and generating optimal delivery schedules for vehicles involved in delivering propane and other consumables to end consumers
US20080154751A1 (en) * 2004-07-30 2008-06-26 Earth Class Mail Corporation Sortation and extraction system for item management systems and associated methods
US20140257553A1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2014-09-11 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for multi-destination item selection using motes
US20110106295A1 (en) * 2008-05-26 2011-05-05 Febres Patricio Miranda Warehouse system and method for operating the same
US20110153065A1 (en) * 2008-08-27 2011-06-23 Murata Machinery, Ltd. Picking system and picking method
US20130247519A1 (en) * 2012-03-23 2013-09-26 David Henry Clark Custom containers in a materials handling facility
US20140040075A1 (en) * 2012-08-03 2014-02-06 Vargo Adaptive Software LLC System and method of selection and organization of customer orders in preparation for distribution operations order fulfillment
US20150307276A1 (en) * 2012-12-10 2015-10-29 Jakob Hatteland Logistics As Robot for transporting storage bins
US20150225187A1 (en) * 2014-02-11 2015-08-13 Sergey N. Razumov Multi-level storage system with transportation devices movable in substantially perpendicular directions and method of transferring containers in desired sequence
US20150291357A1 (en) * 2014-04-14 2015-10-15 Sergey N. Razumov Robotic pickup point for order fulfillment system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Advanced Planning & Optimization in Transportation; Authour: Good Kant; As retrieved from the Wayback Machine on 11/22/2014 (Year: 2014) *

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10336540B2 (en) 2015-04-27 2019-07-02 Attabotics Inc. Storage and retrieval system
US10906739B2 (en) 2015-04-27 2021-02-02 Attabotics Inc. Storage/retrieval vehicle with variable footprint size
US11008165B2 (en) 2015-04-27 2021-05-18 Attabotics Inc. Storage and retrieval system with shaft-traversing tracks
US20200017302A1 (en) * 2016-09-29 2020-01-16 Ocado Innovation Limited Robotic processing system and method
US11794994B2 (en) 2018-01-22 2023-10-24 Ocado Innovation Limited System and method for picking items
US10913641B2 (en) 2018-06-08 2021-02-09 Attabotics Inc. Storage units and robotic storage/retrieval vehicles for a three-dimensional storage system
US10961054B2 (en) 2018-06-08 2021-03-30 Attabotics Inc. Storage and retrieval systems performing internal sortation by orchestrated navigation of storage grid robots to workstation intake points
US11008166B2 (en) 2018-06-08 2021-05-18 Attabotics Inc. Storage and retrieval systems sharing a common robotic fleet between a storage grid and external workstations
US11247843B2 (en) * 2018-08-24 2022-02-15 Target Brands, Inc. Order fulfillment systems and methods
US11738949B2 (en) 2018-08-24 2023-08-29 Target Brands, Inc. Order fulfillment systems and methods
WO2020069326A1 (en) * 2018-09-28 2020-04-02 Walmart Apollo, Llc Systems and methods for robotic vehicle retrieval
US11420854B2 (en) 2019-01-09 2022-08-23 Attabotics Inc. Methods for robotic handling of storage units in a three-dimensional storage system
US20220148345A1 (en) * 2019-03-11 2022-05-12 Suzhou Teknect Engineering Co., Ltd Xiangcheng Branch Transport monitoring method, apparatus and system
US12002302B2 (en) * 2019-03-11 2024-06-04 Suzhou Teknect Engineering Co., Ltd Xiangcheng Branch Transport monitoring method, apparatus and system
US20240181649A1 (en) * 2019-07-02 2024-06-06 Intelligrated Headquarters, Llc Robotic sortation system
CN114728744A (zh) * 2019-11-22 2022-07-08 自动存储科技股份有限公司 在自动存储和检索***中分配存储容器的方法
WO2021099082A1 (en) * 2019-11-22 2021-05-27 Autostore Technology AS Method for distribution of storage containers in an automated storage and retrieval system
US12008507B2 (en) 2021-08-04 2024-06-11 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Systems and methods for handling packages transported in a delivery vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2929290T3 (es) 2022-11-28
WO2015197709A1 (en) 2015-12-30
GB2527543A (en) 2015-12-30
JP2017522245A (ja) 2017-08-10
EP4099244C0 (en) 2024-04-24
KR102512253B1 (ko) 2023-03-20
KR102462888B1 (ko) 2022-11-03
AU2015279251B2 (en) 2021-01-07
JP2022058488A (ja) 2022-04-12
JP2020117399A (ja) 2020-08-06
US20230339680A1 (en) 2023-10-26
EP4099244A1 (en) 2022-12-07
HUE060009T2 (hu) 2023-01-28
GB201411254D0 (en) 2014-08-06
JP2017521333A (ja) 2017-08-03
US20170129703A1 (en) 2017-05-11
US11708215B2 (en) 2023-07-25
WO2015197696A1 (en) 2015-12-30
JP6328803B2 (ja) 2018-05-23
CN106575391A (zh) 2017-04-19
US20220153518A1 (en) 2022-05-19
PL3161751T3 (pl) 2022-12-12
CA2953023A1 (en) 2015-12-30
AU2015279251A2 (en) 2017-03-23
KR20170020901A (ko) 2017-02-24
JP7434376B2 (ja) 2024-02-20
GB201511130D0 (en) 2015-08-05
DK3161751T3 (da) 2022-10-31
GB2529527A (en) 2016-02-24
EP3161751B1 (en) 2022-08-03
JP7005666B2 (ja) 2022-02-10
KR102359874B1 (ko) 2022-02-07
GB201506364D0 (en) 2015-05-27
AU2022204693A1 (en) 2022-07-21
EP3161752A1 (en) 2017-05-03
EP4099244B1 (en) 2024-04-24
KR20230042147A (ko) 2023-03-27
KR20220019077A (ko) 2022-02-15
JP6700202B2 (ja) 2020-05-27
CA2953028C (en) 2024-05-28
AU2015279251A1 (en) 2017-02-02
GB2528573B (en) 2017-02-08
EP3161751A1 (en) 2017-05-03
AU2021201871A1 (en) 2021-04-22
GB201511137D0 (en) 2015-08-05
AU2015279238A1 (en) 2017-02-02
GB2528573A (en) 2016-01-27
KR20170024046A (ko) 2017-03-06
JP2024059677A (ja) 2024-05-01
CN106575393A (zh) 2017-04-19
CA2953028A1 (en) 2015-12-30
EP3792853A1 (en) 2021-03-17
US11261025B2 (en) 2022-03-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2953028C (en) Parcel sorter system and method
US11945653B2 (en) Sequence systems and methods
CA2939135C (en) Intermediate holding facility for picking station
US9309051B2 (en) System and method for order picking
JP6364087B2 (ja) 包装ステーションにおいて所望の順序で保管ユニットを保管設備から利用できるようにすることによる注文調達方法
KR20220010737A (ko) 자동화 보관 시스템에 보관된 상품의 주문을 준비하기 위한 방법 및 제어 시스템
CN112512706A (zh) 用于包裹的分拣设施以及用于包裹分拣的方法
US20220297937A1 (en) Systems and methods for processing objects including payload positionable mobile carriers and processing systems for sequencing delivery of objects
US10507982B2 (en) Gravity feed inventory management
US10875711B2 (en) Storage-and-retrieval cell for a parcel-handling logistics platform
US20240199326A1 (en) An Automated Load Handling System
CN112906996A (zh) 仓储拣货优化方法、仓储拣货***及仓储运营***
RU2737347C1 (ru) Способ обработки списка заказов клиентов в системе подготовки заказов клиентов и соответствующая система подготовки заказов клиентов
US11524845B2 (en) Flat sorter over at least two levels

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

AS Assignment

Owner name: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LINDBO, SVERKER;REEL/FRAME:043910/0938

Effective date: 20170117

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: NOTICE OF APPEAL FILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: APPEAL BRIEF (OR SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF) ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: ON APPEAL -- AWAITING DECISION BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION RENDERED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: AMENDMENT / ARGUMENT AFTER BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED