System and method for detection of anomalies in the tracks on a three-dimensional storage system

Abstract

A system for condition-based monitoring of an automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing storage containers for storing items. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns. The framework structure includes a rail system arranged above the storage columns. The rail system includes a plurality of rails extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction to form a grid. The rails define a perimeter of each access opening on top of each storage column. The rail system provides available routes in the X-direction or the Y-direction for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. At least one container handling vehicle has two or more sensors, directed to monitor a section of the rails adjacent of the container handling vehicle. The sensors are part of a monitoring system set up to report a condition of the rails of the grid system and uploading the information to one or all of a central computer system, a cloud system, and/or an image analysis and processing system. The two or more sensors are at least one camera and a pendulum, and/or a level, and/or an accelerometer, and/or a sound detecting device.