Automated Shipboard Build-up of Customized Pallet Loads Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-091 Topic Title: Automated Shipboard Build-up of Customized Pallet Loads Proposal No.: N101-091-0510 Firm: Vecna Technologies Inc. 6404 Ivy Lane Suite 500 Greenbelt, Maryland 20770 Contact: Andreas Hofmann Phone: (617) 864-0636 Web Site: www.vecna.com Abstract: Currently the assembly of pallets by sailors asea and ashore is a time consuming process that requires additional space and materials, which are both at a premium on deployed ships. We proposed a small mobile hydraulic palletizing system that will minimize the need for personnel and increase accuracy in assembling customized pallets. Using pattern recognition and 3D pose estimation combined with information in Navy item catalogs, the system identifies the contents of a source package and its orientation and then places the package onto a destination pallet according to palletizing optimization algorithms that make the best use of available space. The system makes use of the high power density of hydraulics to provide increased strength in a smaller platform as opposed to other solutions. Benefits: In order to cope with rising fuel and labor costs, companies are looking to make more efficient use of their existing logistics workflows. The proposed mobile robotic palletizing system takes advantage of the benefit of logistics automation (increased efficiency and accuracy, on-line materials tracking, high speed) while escaping the need of current palletizing systems for large footprints and additional infrastructure. Immediate military benefit would be seen in Navy Logistics operations, especially towards the goal of seabasing, by making use of limited existing space on ships and enabling fast selective unloading capabilities. These capabilities are critical for time-critical resupply at sea and enable efficient roll on/roll off operations while minimizing personnel necessary for operations without requiring the use of shore facilities. In the commercial sector, the ability to quickly load/unload highly customized pallets without the need for large system footprints would enable warehouse operations and logistics carriers to increase productivity and accuracy. Return