Robotic trailer loading/unloading system
A loading/unloading system for a trailer includes at least one loader/unloader positioned adjacent an opening of the trailer that incrementally removes material from the trailer. A material handling device is movable relative to the loader/unloader and transports material from the loader/unloader to a predetermined location within a manufacturing facility.
1 . A loading/unloading system for a trailer comprising:
at least one loader/unloader positioned adjacent an opening of the trailer and operable to incrementally remove material from the trailer; and
a material handling device movable relative to said loader/unloader and operable to transport material from said loader/unloader to a predetermined location.
2 . The loading/unloading system of claim 1 , wherein said loader/unloader includes at least one robot.
3 . The loading/unloading system of claim 2 , wherein said at least one robot is operably attached to a gantry to guide movement of said at least one robot relative to said opening.
4 . The loading/unloading system of claim 2 , wherein said at least one robot is rotatably mounted to a pedestal adjacent to said opening for movement relative to said opening.
5 . The loading/unloading system of claim 2 , wherein said at least one robot is operably attached to a track to guide movement of said at least one robot relative to said opening.
6 . The loading/unloading system of claim 2 , wherein said at least one robot includes three-dimensional vision apparatus operable to locate said material on the trailer and/or to locate said material on said material handling device.
7 . The loading/unloading system of claim 1 , wherein said material handling device is an automated electric guidance cart.
8 . The loading/unloading system of claim 1 , wherein said material handling device includes a conveyor.
9 . The loading/unloading system of claim 1 , wherein said loader/unloader is moveable in a direction parallel to said opening and in a direction perpendicular to said opening.
10 . The loading/unloading system of claim 1 , wherein said loader/unloader is rotatable relative to said opening.
11 . A method loading and unloading a trailer comprising:
positioning a trailer adjacent to a loading and unloading facility;
positioning a loader/unloader in the facility relative to an opening of said trailer;
removing a portion of a total amount of material from said trailer;
placing said removed material on a container of a material handling device; and
driving said material handling device to transport said material to a predetermined location within the facility.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein said positioning of said loader/unloader includes moving at least one robot about at least one of a gantry, a track, and a pedestal.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein said positioning of said robot includes at least one of translational and rotational movement.
14 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising removing containers from said material handling device.
15 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising placing said containers on said trailer.
16 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising using three-dimensional vision apparatus to locate said material on said trailer.
17 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising removing material from said trailer in a predetermined sequence.
18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising timing said predetermined sequence with said material handling device.