MODULAR, MULTI-FUNCTION SMART STORAGE CONTAINERS
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a management module to direct one or more components of the system;
a robot comprising;
a drive system to move the robot within a warehouse;
one or more sensors to provide data to at least the robot or the management module;
a lifting mechanism, with a retracted position and an extended position, to lift the one or more components of the system off of a floor of the warehouse, the lifting mechanism being in the extended position to move, via the drive system, the one or more components of the system within the warehouse; and
one or more connections to transfer power and provide communications between the robot and the one or more components of the system;
a robotic arm base tool comprising;
a base comprising one or more complementary connections to transfer power and provide communications between the robotic arm base tool and the robot; and
a robotic arm coupled to the base and connected to at least one of the one or more complementary connections,wherein the robot is configured to perform a first operation when uncoupled from the robotic arm base tool and perform a second, different operation with the robotic arm when coupled to the robotic arm base tool.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system to provide additional functionality to robots in automated warehouse systems is disclosed. The system can include a number of additional components that can be attached to existing components of the warehouse system to improve safety, functionality, and decrease costs. The system can provide modular tools to enable robots to perform additional tasks without having equipment permanently installed on the robots. The bases or shelves for the automated warehouse system can be equipped with robotic arms, lights, cameras, sensors, actuators and other components to enable a robot to utilize a particular tool for a particular job. The robot and the bases or shelving units can also comprise complementary electronic connections to provide power and/or data communications between the robot, the bases or shelving units, and/or a management module.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a management module to direct one or more components of the system; a robot comprising; a drive system to move the robot within a warehouse; one or more sensors to provide data to at least the robot or the management module; a lifting mechanism, with a retracted position and an extended position, to lift the one or more components of the system off of a floor of the warehouse, the lifting mechanism being in the extended position to move, via the drive system, the one or more components of the system within the warehouse; and one or more connections to transfer power and provide communications between the robot and the one or more components of the system; a robotic arm base tool comprising; a base comprising one or more complementary connections to transfer power and provide communications between the robotic arm base tool and the robot; and a robotic arm coupled to the base and connected to at least one of the one or more complementary connections, wherein the robot is configured to perform a first operation when uncoupled from the robotic arm base tool and perform a second, different operation with the robotic arm when coupled to the robotic arm base tool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system comprising:
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a robot comprising; a drive system to move the robot within an environment; a lifting mechanism, with a retracted position and an extended position, to connect to one or more components of the system within the environment; and one or more connections to transfer power or provide communications between the robot and the one or more components of the system; and a base tool comprising; a base comprising one or more complementary connections to transfer power or provide communications between the base tool and the robot; and a tool disposed on the base and coupled to at least one of the one or more complementary connections; wherein the one or more connections and the one or more complementary connections are connected between the robot and the base tool in the extended position; and wherein the one or more connections and the one or more complementary connections are disconnected between the robot and the base tool in the retracted position. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system comprising:
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a robot comprising; a drive system to move the robot within an environment; a lifting mechanism, with a retracted position and an extended position, to selectively connect to one or more components of the system within the environment; and one or more connections to transfer power or data between the robot and the one or more components of the system; a first base tool, comprising a first base and a first tool and one or more first complementary connections to transfer power or data between the first base tool and the robot; and a second, different base tool, comprising a shelving unit and one or more second complementary connections to transfer power or data between the second base tool and the robot, the second base tool comprising; one or more shelves, each shelf comprising an inner portion and an outer portion, to store inventory items; and one or more electronic components connected to the one or more second complementary connections; wherein the one or more connections and the one or more first complementary connections or the one or more second complementary connections are connected between the robot and the first base tool or the second base tool, respectively, in the extended position; wherein the one or more connections and the one or more first complementary connections or the one or more second complementary connections are disconnected between the robot and the first base tool or the second base tool, respectively, in the retracted position; wherein the robot connects to the first base tool to perform a first operation using the first base tool; and wherein the robot connects to the second base tool to perform a second, different operation using the second base tool. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification