Ocado Innovation Limited

Robert Rolf Stadie

Matthew Robert Whelan

Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo

Christopher Brett

Christopher Richard James Brett

Andrew John Ingram-Tedd

Stuart Richard North

Gareth Siret

Paul Clarke

James Benfold

Lars Sverker Lindbo

Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets are disclosed for fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. The disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.

Systems and methods for order processing

A controller is provided to control movement of transporting devices. Embodiments limit the loads imparted on a grid of pathways structure of transporting devices to prevent non-safety-critical damage from excess loads and/or fatigue. A controller is arranged to control movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers stored in a facility. The facility includes pathways arranged in cells to form a grid-like structure which extends in first and second directions. A route determination unit determines a route from one location to another, and a clearance unit to provide clearance for each transporting device to traverse a portion of the determined route. A constraint area determination unit determines constraint areas based on the grid-like structure and a calculation unit calculates a constraint limit in each constraint area.

Controller and method for transporting devices

A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern can include a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. The load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load-handling device includes a container-receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container-receiving space. The load handling device has a footprint that, in use, occupies only a single grid space in the storage system.

Apparatus for retrieving units from a storage system

A robotic service device for a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device can be configured for driving to any location on the grid in order to restart malfunctioning robotic load handling devices or to perform maintenance operations or cleaning in situ. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device can include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. A deployable, releasable electrical connecting device is shaped to conform to a charging, powering, or battery component of one or more of the load handling devices.

Robotic service device and handling method

A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.

Methods, systems and apparatus for controlling movement of transporting devices

A sequencing system and a robotic storage and picking system include a plurality of containers disposed in stacks beneath a grid having a first set of tracks and second set of tracks, the first and second sets of tracks being disposed substantially perpendicular to each other. Plural load handling devices are operable on the grid, the load handling devices lifting and depositing containers from and to the stacks. The load handling devices can deposit containers on to conveyor belts into predetermined positions, the positions being fillable in any random order and multiple positions being fillable at any one time.

Sequence systems and methods

A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.

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Hatfield, United Kingdom

Robert Rolf Stadie