Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Other

Andrew M Sweeney

Jeremiah David Brazeau

Fred Chen

Henry David Garcia

Brian Michael Lusignan

Timothy Stallman

Menashe Garber

Disclosed are various embodiments for using fluorescent coatings to aid in robotic handling of items. In one embodiment, an image is captured. An item in the image is recognized from the image based at least in part on a fluorescence of the item relative to its surrounding environment caused by exposure of a fluorescent marking of the item to a radiation source. A robotic arm is operated relative to the item in response to recognizing the item.

Applying fluorescent markings to items to aid robotic handling

A technology is provided for robot implemented item manipulation. In one example, a method includes analyzing one or more items including a target item for manipulation, using machine vision rules, to identify the target item. When a determination is made that the robot is unable to perform the manipulation, a request may be transmitted requesting human assistance. An electronic response may be received in response to the request which includes an instruction for manipulating the target item. The robot may manipulate the target item using the instruction.

Robot implemented item manipulation

Robotic arms or manipulators can be used to toss inventory items within an inventory system. Tossing strategies for the robotic arms may include information about how a grasped item is to be moved and released by a robotic arm to achieve a trajectory for moving the item to a receiving location. A tossing strategy may also use a trajectory that avoids time and/or space reserved for a trajectory of another tossed item. The receiving location can include surfaces and/or other features that can be manipulated for receiving the item based on one or more characteristics of the tossed item and/or a trajectory of the tossed item.

Robotic tossing of items in inventory system

An item that is moving along a moving surface of an inventory conveyance system may be identified. An orientation of the item with respect to the moving surface may be determined based on sensing information that describes the item and a portion of the moving surface surrounding the item. A removal strategy for operating a robotic arm to remove the item from the moving surface may be determined based at least in part on the item and the orientation. The removal strategy may include a trajectory for the robotic arm to follow as part of removing the item from the moving surface.

Determination of removal strategies

An attachable lighter tool has a clip slideably engaging the body of the lighter. The clip slides along the major axis of the lighter. An implement such as a poker or tamper extends from the clip along the major axis of the lighter. When not in use, the tool conforms substantially against the body of the lighter and is out of the way. In use, a smoker slides the clip along the major axis of the lighter exposing the implement for the servicing of the smoker's pipe.

Growing community of inventors

Franklin, MA, United States of America

Andrew M Sweeney