AutoStore Technology

The disclosure relates to a container for an automated storage and retrieval system. The container comprises a compartment for receiving an item to be stored, and an output device operable to provide picking and/or stocking information.

The disclosure relates to a sorting apparatus (802) for use in an automated storage and retrieval system, the apparatus comprising a first ramp (804) configured to guide, in a first direction, an item received from the storage system, and a second ramp (806) configured to guide, in a second direction different from the first direction, an item received from the storage system.

The disclosure relates to a storage system for an automated storage and retrieval system. The storage system comprises a storage grid and a rail system arranged on top of the storage grid. The rail system comprises a first section configured to move between open and closed positions to enable access between an access space located beneath the rail system and at least a portion of the rail system.

The disclosure relates to a method for removing robots from a main operational grid in an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the automated storage and retrieval system comprises a main operational grid, a robot holding area, and robot servicing area, wherein the main operational grid is physically segregated from the robot holding area, and the robot servicing area is segregated from the robot holding area comprising the steps of causing a first robot to move from the main operational grid to the robot holding area, holding the first robot in the robot holding area, and causing the first robot to move from the robot holding area to the robot servicing area.

The disclosure relates to automated storage and retrieval system comprising a grid comprising a plurality of vertical columns each formed by four vertical frame members, one or more of the vertical columns for accommodating a stack of storage containers, wherein at least one of the vertical columns comprises a frame structure within its four vertical frame members and in contact with one or more of its four vertical frame members, and at least one vertically inclined connecting means comprising a first end configured to be secured to a top of the frame structure and a second end configured to be secured at a base of the system.

The disclosure relates to a container access station configured to receive a container at a container-handling compartment. The container access station comprises an access opening configured to provide access to a container when the container is received at the container handling compartment; and an output device adjacent to or within the container handling compartment, the output device operable to provide picking and/or stocking information by indicating at least a portion of a container when the container is received at the container handling compartment.

The disclosure relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a reader and a part of the automated storage and retrieval system, the part comprising a transponder arranged to wirelessly communicate an identifier associated with the part to the reader when the transponder is within a reading range of the reader.

The disclosure relates to a method for use in an automated storage and retrieval system, the method comprising: determining that a first robotic vehicle has been involved in a collision or is otherwise lost; and responsive to determining that the first robotic vehicle has been involved in a collision or is otherwise lost, determining, based at least in part on pre-existing data and data captured by the first robotic vehicle, a location of the first robotic vehicle.

The disclosure relates to a kit for an automated storage and retrieval system. The kit comprising: a support member arranged to lie within an opening of a grid of rails of the automated storage and retrieval system and having an upper surface for supporting human passage and/or a column of one or more storage bins; and one or more first height setters arranged to couple to the support member and set the height of the upper surface of the support member relative to the grid of rails by bearing against one or more of a frame or floor of the automated storage and retrieval system or a storage bin stored within the automated storage and retrieval system.

The disclosure relates to a method of locating a lost robot on an automated storage and retrieval system, the method comprising transmitting and receiving at least one signal between the lost robot and one or more finding robots located at a plurality of finding locations, measuring a strength of the at least one signal received, associating a value for the strength of the at least one signal received with each of the plurality of finding locations respectively, and determining the location of the lost robot based on the respective values for strength of the at least one signal.