Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Justin Stone

Larry Joe Robb

Jose Luis De La Rosa

Roland J Menassa

Joshua Martin Middleton

Akshay Rajendra Tilekar

Jon David DeFant

Maxim P Hoffman

Emily R Parrish

Eli Douglas Girod

Mohammad Mosa

Jon Stuart Battles

Robert Thomas Brown

Vatsal Mehta

Kevin W Keck

Stephanie Tomasetta

Thomas Felis

Jacqueline T Underberg

Duncan Pratt

Stanislava Yoshkova Petkova

Molly Nawalinski

Fernando Zumbado

Described are automated systems and methods for the handling and processing of items at material handling facility. The exemplary systems and methods can receive the items from various upstream processes and systems and can process and handle the items so that they can be provided to various downstream processes and systems. The exemplary systems and methods can provide modular systems and methods that can perform automated singulation, sortation, retrieval, and packing of items without any manual handling.

Automated item handling systems and methods

A device for manipulating items for facility operations is described. The device includes a first arm assembly that includes a first arm, a second arm parallel to the first arm, a first shaft disposed between the first arm and the second arm at a first location along the first arm and the second arm, and a first head attachment disposed between the first arm and the second arm at a second location along the first arm and the second arm. The device also includes a first driver coupled to the first shaft and configured to control movement of the first arm assembly about a first axis extending along a length of the first shaft. The device further includes a second driver coupled to first head attachment and configured to control movement of the first head attachment about a second axis extending along a length of the first head attachment.

Flattening and item orientation correction device

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for detection of overfilled containers in sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example container capacity detection system for use with an item sortation machine may include a first sensor positioned to detect a remaining capacity of a first container in the item sortation system, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine, using the first sensor, that the remaining capacity of the first container is less than or equal to a first threshold, and to send a signal.

Detection of overfilled containers in sortation systems

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for camera-based tracking systems for item sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining, by a controller using first image data from a camera configured to image an aisle of an item sortation machine, a first item disposed on a first shuttle at a first location, where the first shuttle is in motion to a first designated drop off location, determining a first shuttle identifier of the first shuttle, and determining the first designated drop off location using the first shuttle identifier. Example methods may include determining that the first item has fallen onto a floor of the aisle, and determining that the first item was not delivered to the first designated drop off location.

Camera-based tracking systems for item sortation systems

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for flexible container chutes for sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first extendable arm, a second extendable arm, a first flexible container removably coupled to the first extendable arm and the second extendable arm, and a second flexible container removably coupled to the first extendable arm and the second extendable arm. The system may include a chute assembly having a first ramp, a first separator coupled to a first end of the first ramp, a second ramp, and a second separator coupled to a second end of the second ramp. The first ramp and the second ramp may be vertically aligned, and the first flexible container may receive items via the first ramp, and the second flexible container may receive items via the second ramp.

Flexible container chutes for sortation systems

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for container location flaps with increased degrees of freedom for sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example rotatable flap for use with an item sortation machine may include a first portion having a first frame and a first mesh grid coupled to the first frame, a second portion having a second frame and a second mesh grid coupled to the second frame, and a first coupler configured to couple the second portion to the first portion. The second portion may be configured to rotate from a first position coplanar to the first portion to a second position transverse to the first portion, and the first portion may be coupled to a frame of the item sortation machine and configured to rotate with respect to the frame.

Container location flaps with increased degrees of freedom for sortation systems

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated sweepers for item sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example item sortation system may include an aisle, a number of chutes accessible from the aisle, a shuttle configured to transport first items from an induction portion of the item sortation system to a first chute of the plurality of chutes, and a robotic sweeping system disposed in the aisle. The robotic sweeping system may be configured to sweep second items on a floor of the aisle to a first end of the item sortation system. The robotic sweeping system may include a motor and a sweeping device.

Automated sweepers for item sortation systems

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for mesh flaps for container capacity detection in sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example system for use with an item sortation machine may include a rotatable flap comprising a mesh grid coupled to a frame, where the rotatable flap is disposed adjacent to a container of items in the item sortation machine, and a sensor disposed adjacent to the rotatable flap, where the sensor is configured to sense an item protruding out of the container. The mesh grid may have a set of metallic wires that intersect to form the mesh grid, where the set of metallic wires form a geometric pattern.

Mesh flaps for container capacity detection in sortation systems

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for active safety systems for item sortation equipment. In one embodiment, an example system for an item sortation machine may include a first camera configured to image a first exterior portion of the item sortation machine, memory configured to store computer-executable instructions, and at least one processor configured to access the memory and execute the computer-executable instructions to detect a human present at a first location in the first exterior portion, and determine, using the first location, a first portion of an aisle of the item sortation machine to designate a restricted travel zone. Shuttles of the item sortation machine in the restricted travel zone may be prevented from movement. The system may determine that a first shuttle of the item sortation machine is in the restricted travel zone, and may cause the first shuttle to be paused.

Active safety systems for item sortation equipment

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for container chutes for sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example system may include a frame and a chute assembly coupled to the frame, where the chute assembly is configured to pivot from a first position to a second position with respect to the frame. The chute assembly may include a first planar ramp, a first support on a first side of the first planar ramp, and a second support on a second side of the first planar ramp. The chute assembly may include a first pneumatic lift component coupled to the first support and to the frame, and a second pneumatic lift component coupled to the second support and to the frame. The chute assembly may be held in the second position when the first pneumatic lift component and the second pneumatic lift component are in a compressed configuration.

Container chutes for sortation systems

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated gates to secure mobile carrier unit payloads. In one embodiment, an example system for a mobile carrier unit of a sortation system may include an automated gate configured to block an open end of the mobile carrier unit in a first position, and to unblock the open end of the mobile carrier unit in a second position, and a controller configured to control operation of the gate. The controller may be configured to determine that the conveyor belt is activated, cause the automated gate to move to the second position, determine that the item is off the conveyor belt, and cause the automated gate to move to the first position.

Growing community of inventors

Frisco, TX, United States of America

Justin Stone