Abstract:
Systems and methods for improved power supply and use in a battery powered device, such as a mobile manipulation robot, are disclosed. These systems include field replaceable batteries that may be hot-swapped with no robot downtime, methods for automating battery replacement messaging and robot operation when battery power is low, and improved mechanical systems having lower energy requirements, and thus extending the lifetime of the battery operated mobile manipulation robot.
Abstract:
A “meet me” model of collaboration among autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and human workers (pickers) to execute picking and putting within a logistics facility. The AMRs include an intelligent platform having an array of indicator elements that illuminate subsets of the indicator elements to indicate tote locations and numbers of items to be received therein. The pickers receive instructions from a central server on a user device that they hold or wear, and the AMRs receive a list of stop locations within the logistics facility. Selection of the picker to provide an item to an AMR as it approaches one of the stop locations may be dynamic as each picker instruction includes a single item type to be delivered to/from an AMR. Moreover, the central server determines timing for sending the instructions to a user device based on a location of the robot designated to collect an item, thus streamlining workflows for each of the AMR and picker.
Abstract:
A method and system for picking or put-away within a logistics facility. The system includes a central server and at least one mobile manipulation robot. The central server is configured to communicate with the robots to send and receive picking data which includes a unique identification for each item to be picked, a location within the logistics facility of the items to be picked, and a route for the robot to take within the logistics facility. The robots can then autonomously navigate and position themselves within the logistics facility by recognition of landmarks by at least one of a plurality of sensors. The sensors also provide signals related to detection, identification, and location of a item to be picked or put-away, and processors on the robots analyze the sensor information to generate movements of a unique articulated arm and end effector on the robot to pick or put-away the item.
Abstract:
Bin retrieval robots configured to pick or put-away bins within a logistics facility and to transport one or more picked bins. Methods and systems for autonomous picking or put-away of bins within a logistics facility that include the bin retrieval robot(s) are also disclosed. The systems include a remote server and at least one bin retrieval robot, wherein the remote server is configured to communicate with the bin retrieval robot(s) to send and receive picking data, and the bin retrieval robot(s) are configured to autonomously navigate and position within the logistics facility.
Abstract:
High precision end effectors for robots and adapters that provide attachment of the end effectors to a variety of robotic arms are disclosed. The combination provides for harmless break-away of the end effector on collision, and autonomous tool changer capability for mobile robots.
Abstract:
Managing supply chain inventory is accomplished by measuring the dimensions and the weight of a product. A plurality of images of the product is obtained. The shape of the outer surface of the product is determined. The center of gravity of the product can be calculated. A product model that includes a three dimensional representation of the shape of a configuration of the product and optionally the center of gravity of the product is generated. The product model is stored in memory for future use.
Abstract:
The presently disclosed invention provides an outer rotor brushless direct current motor that includes a tire integrated as part of the outer rotor, and is thus configured as a direct drive wheel, such as may be used on a mobile robot. The drive wheel includes a cylindrical outer rotor having a plurality of poles positioned on an inner surface, a stationary stator spaced inwardly from the rotor and defining a magnetic clearance gap between the plurality of poles of the rotor and a plurality of electromagnets positioned on an outer circumference of the stator, and a stationary central shaft. The stator is mounted to the central shaft and the rotor is configured for rotation about the stator.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for improved power supply and use in a battery powered device, such as a mobile manipulation robot, are disclosed. These systems include field replaceable batteries that may be hot-swapped with no robot downtime, methods for automating battery replacement messaging and robot operation when battery power is low, and improved mechanical systems having lower energy requirements, and thus extending the lifetime of the battery operated mobile manipulation robot.
Abstract:
Bin retrieval robots configured to pick or put-away bins within a logistics facility and to transport one or more picked bins. Methods and systems for autonomous picking or put-away of bins within a logistics facility that include the bin retrieval robot(s) are also disclosed. The systems include a remote server and at least one bin retrieval robot, wherein the remote server is configured to communicate with the bin retrieval robot(s) to send and receive picking data, and the bin retrieval robot(s) are configured to autonomously navigate and position within the logistics facility.
Abstract:
High precision end effectors for robots and adapters that provide attachment of the end effectors to a variety of robotic arms are disclosed. The combination provides for harmless break-away of the end effector on collision, and autonomous tool changer capability for mobile robots.