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Originally Posted by MrJohnston
I think we'll see at least two or three robots at each district/regional with this capability.... If robots:
* Have a strong intake system
* Internal stacking
* Load totes the long way
* Have a strong, fast lifter
* Have a way to push recycling containers out of the way
... it isn't that hard.
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I agree with the beginning and end, but your list has several items which have alternatives or may not be important at all. We only meet #3 and #4 of your list, yet reasonably hope to have a tote stack autonomous. We're replacing a strong intake system with a constellation of sensors, and because of our lifting style, to misquote Darth Vader:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Darth Vader, sort of
Recycle Containers do not concern me.
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The key things are to:
- Find and drive to the totes autonomously (whether guided by encoders or vision sensors) or have a "hooks and cords" setup to bring them close
- Quickly/efficiently line up and load the totes into a stack (may include active loaders or sensors that know where the tote is)
- reasonable speed and consistency driving to auto zone and disengaging from the stack.