Systems and methods for removing debris from warehouse floors
First Claim
1. A cleanup pod comprising:
- a base;
an upper frame in slideable engagement with the base and comprising;
a carrying tray to receive one or more objects retrieved from a floor; and
a robotic arm to move the one or more objects from the floor to the carrying tray, the robotic arm comprising;
a turret coupled to the upper frame;
an upper beam coupled to the turret;
a lower beam slideably coupled to the upper beam and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; and
an end effector to manipulate the one or more objects onto the carrying tray; and
one or more imaging devices disposed on one or more of the base, the upper frame, and the robotic arm;
wherein the base and the upper frame are moveable relative to each other between a raised position and a lowered position;
wherein, in the raised position, the base is disposed proximate to the floor and defines an area sized and shaped to receive a robot to lift and carry the cleanup pod; and
wherein, in the lowered position, the carrying tray is disposed proximate to the floor.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Robots or other machines may be used for retrieving errant objects from the floor of an automated warehouse. A system can include one or more reporting methods to alert a central control to the existence and location of an object on the warehouse floor. The central control can establish a safety zone around the object to avoid contact with normal warehouse traffic (e.g., standard warehouse robots). The system can route a cleanup robot to the location to retrieve the object. The system can include a cleanup pod comprising a convertible shelving unit with a robotic arm. The cleanup pod can have a similar form factor as shelving units used for storing inventory in the warehouse, thereby enabling standard warehouse robots to lift and transport the cleanup pod to retrieve an object.
27 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A cleanup pod comprising:
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a base; an upper frame in slideable engagement with the base and comprising; a carrying tray to receive one or more objects retrieved from a floor; and a robotic arm to move the one or more objects from the floor to the carrying tray, the robotic arm comprising; a turret coupled to the upper frame; an upper beam coupled to the turret; a lower beam slideably coupled to the upper beam and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; and an end effector to manipulate the one or more objects onto the carrying tray; and one or more imaging devices disposed on one or more of the base, the upper frame, and the robotic arm; wherein the base and the upper frame are moveable relative to each other between a raised position and a lowered position; wherein, in the raised position, the base is disposed proximate to the floor and defines an area sized and shaped to receive a robot to lift and carry the cleanup pod; and wherein, in the lowered position, the carrying tray is disposed proximate to the floor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A cleanup pod comprising:
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a base; an upper frame in slideable engagement with the base and comprising; a carrying tray to receive one or more objects retrieved from a floor; and a robotic arm to move the one or more objects from the floor to the carrying tray; and one or more imaging devices disposed on one or more of the base, the upper frame, and the robotic arm; wherein the base and the upper frame are moveable relative to each other between a raised position and a lowered position; wherein, in the raised position, the base is disposed proximate to the floor and defines an area sized and shaped to receive a robot to lift and carry the cleanup pod; and wherein, in the lowered position, the carrying tray is disposed proximate to the floor. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification