Multi-modal package handling tool and system

1. A multi-modal package handling tool, comprising:

a tool platform;

a plurality of package-carrying vacuum units arranged in a generally planar array, with said vacuum units being attached to a first portion of said tool platform;

a plurality of extensible package grippers mounted to said tool platform, with said extensible grippers having at least a retracted position and an extended position; and

a slidingly deployable package platform mounted to said tool platform, with said package platform having at least a retracted position and an extended position.

2. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 1 , wherein each of said vacuum units comprises a vacuum head powered by a dedicated vacuum generator.

3. A multi-modal package handling tool, comprising:

a tool platform;

a plurality of package-carrying vacuum units arranged in a generally planar array, with said vacuum units being attached to a first portion of said tool platform and wherein each of said vacuum units comprises a vacuum head powered by a dedicated vacuum generator, and wherein each of said vacuum heads extends through a port formed in a surface plate attached to said tool platform, such that a package engaged by one or more of said vacuum heads will be caused to contact said surface plate; and

a plurality of extensible package grippers mounted to said tool platform, with said extensible grippers having a least a retracted position and an extended position.

4. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 1 , wherein each of said extensible grippers comprises a package engaging tool mounted to said tool platform by means of a slidable carrier.

5. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 4 , wherein each of said extensible grippers comprises a hook-like member for engaging a tray of goods.

6. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 4 , wherein each of said extensible grippers comprises a pincer member for engaging a tray of goods.

7. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 6 , wherein at least one of said extensible grippers comprises a pincer member for engaging a central structural member incorporated in a tray of goods.

8. A multi-modal package handling tool, comprising:

a tool platform comprising a space frame;

a plurality of package-carrying vacuum units arranged in a generally planar array, with said vacuum units being attached to a first portion of said space frame;

a plurality of package grippers mounted within said space frame adjacent said generally planar array, with said package grippers having at least a retracted position inboard of said planar array and an extended position outboard of said planar array; and

a slidingly deployable package platform mounted to said space frame.

9. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 8 , wherein said package platform has at least a retracted position inboard of said planar array and an extended position outboard of said planar array.

10. A multi-modal package handling system, comprising:

a robot having a robot arm operable along a plurality of axes;

a tool platform attached to said robot arm;

a plurality of package-carrying vacuum units arranged in a generally planar array, with said vacuum units being attached to a first portion of said tool;

a plurality of extensible package grippers mounted to said tool platform, with said extension grippers having at least a retracted position and an extended position;

a controller for operating said robot, said vacuum units, and said package grippers; and

a slidingly deployable package platform mounted to said tool platform, with said package platform having at least a retracted position and an extended position.

11. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 10 , further comprising a machine vision unit, operatively connected with said controller, for providing said controller with an image of a package being handled, so as to permit said controller to select use of either said vacuum units, or said package grippers, or said package platform, for handling the imaged package.

12. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 10 , further comprising a second tool platform attached to said robot arm, with said second tool platform comprising a plurality of package-carrying vacuum units and a plurality of extensible package grippers.

13. A multi-modal package handling tool according to claim 10 , further comprising a guideway having a carriage mounted thereupon for reciprocating movement, with said robot being mounted upon said carriage.

14. A method for picking up a package, comprising the steps of:

determining at least one characteristic of a package being picked up;

communicating said determined characteristic to a controller;

using the controller to select from a plurality of package attachment systems carried upon an end of arm tool, with said controller making the selection based upon said characteristic;

presenting at least one selected package attachment system to a package by means of a robot having the end of arm tool attached thereto, and with said robot being operated by said controller; and

attaching the package to the end of arm tool by means of the selected at least one attachment system, said attaching step further comprises the step of using a plurality of package-carrying vacuum units and said robot to lift the package after attaching said vacuum units to a first surface of the package, while deploying a sliding package platform under a second surface of the lifted package.