According to various embodiments, a compactor arrangement (202) may have the following: a function module arrangement (1002), which is installed on a support framework (204a) above an empty-container transport device (202t), wherein the function module arrangement (1002) has: a module receptacle (1004) for receiving multiple function modules (1006), the multiple function modules (1006), which are designed to match the module receptacle (1004) such that the multiple function modules (1006) can each be selectively received in multiple configurations (1100c, 1100d, 1100e, 1100f) in the module receptacle (1004), at least one processor (1008) which is configured to ascertain an actual configuration of the multiple configurations (1100c, 1100d, 1100e, 1100f) and to operate the function module arrangement (1002) and/or the compactor arrangement (202) on the basis of the ascertained actual configuration.

A processing system (10) and corresponding method (158) are provided for processing workpieces (WP), including food items, to cut and remove undesirable components from the food items and/or portion the food items while being conveyed on a conveyor system (12). An X-ray scanning station (14) is located on an upstream conveyor section (20) to ascertain size and/or shape parameters of the food items as well as the location of any undesirable components of the food items, such as bones, fat or cartilage. Thereafter the food items are transferred to a downstream conveyor (20) at which is located an optical scanner (102) to ascertain the size and/or shape parameters of the food items. The results of the X-ray and optical scanning are transmitted to a processor (18) to confirm that the food item scanned by the optical scanner is the same as that previously scanned by the X-ray scanner. Once this identity is confirmed, if required, the data from the X-ray scanner is translated or transformed onto the data from the optical scanner. Such translation may include one or more of the shifting of the food items in the X and/or Y direction, rotation of the food item, scaling of the size of the food item, and sheer distortion of the food item. Next, the location of the undesirable material within the food item is mapped from the X-ray scanning data onto the optical scanning data. Thereafter, the undesirable material is removed by a cutter(s) (28). The food item may also (or alternatively) been portioned by the cutter(s) (28).

A system includes: a location tracking subsystem in a facility containing support structures supporting items; a plurality of mobile computing devices associated with respective users; and a plurality of autonomous transporters to transport items transferred by users from the support structures, and/or transport items to the support structures for transfer thereto by users. User profiles contain, for each user, a physical activity metric and a physical activity target. The system includes a server to: obtain, from the location tracking subsystem, transporter and mobile device locations; obtain a task defining a task location, and an identifier of an item for transfer to or from a support structure at the task location; select a transporter, according to the task and transporter locations; select a mobile device, according to the task and mobile device locations, the physical activity metrics and targets; and allocate the task to the selected transporter and mobile device.

Systems and methods to provide low carbon intensity (CI) transportation fuels through one or more targeted reductions of carbon emissions based upon an analysis of carbon emissions associated with a combination of various options for feedstock procurement, feedstock refining, processing, or transformation, and fuel product distribution pathways to end users. Such options are selected to maintain the total CI (carbon emissions per unit energy) of the transportation fuel below a pre-selected threshold that defines an upper limit of CI for the transportation fuel.

In a method for producing a product in a technical plant, after receipt of an order for producing the product, components necessary for producing the product are identified, and work steps necessary for producing the product are identified. Identified components and work steps are entered in a product file stored on a transport system. The components entered in the product file are acquired by the transport system, which is documented in the product file, and the work steps entered in the product file are executed, which is documented in the product file. The product file remains on the transport system until the acquisition of each component and the execution of each work step are documented in the product file. A technical plant for producing a product, is adapted to execute the method and includes a transport system having a digital data memory for storing the product file.

A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.

An independent mover transport system and related method. The system comprises a mover having an axis, and a track. The track includes first and second track segments, and a controller operative to drive a first coil of the first track segment to control movement of the mover along the first track segment towards the second track segment. The controller is further operative to define a first zone for the first track segment, define a second zone for the first track segment, drive the first coil to control movement of the mover with the first set of controller gain values when the location of the axis is in the first zone, and drive the first coil to control movement of the mover with second set of controller gain values when the location of the axis is in the second zone.

Systems and methods to provide low carbon intensity (CI) transportation fuels through one or more targeted reductions of carbon emissions based upon an analysis of carbon emissions associated with a combination of various options for feedstock procurement, feedstock refining, processing, or transformation, and fuel product distribution pathways to end users. Such options are selected to maintain the total CI (carbon emissions per unit energy) of the transportation fuel below a pre-selected threshold that defines an upper limit of CI for the transportation fuel.

A workpiece machining device includes a sensor unit that detects the passage of a moving workpiece W, a machining unit that performs machining using a predetermined machining tool in a state where the workpiece W is moved, and a machining control unit that controls the operation of the machining unit. The machining control unit issues an operation command signal S.sub.P to the machining unit at intervals of a predetermined control cycle T, measures a detection time T.sub.D taken to receive a detection signal S.sub.D relative to a cycle start time point of the control cycle T, stores various parameters including the detection time T.sub.D, a difference between the control cycle T and the detection time T.sub.D is defined as a response delay time, and modifies the operation command signal S.sub.P in each control cycle T on the basis of the response delay time T.sub.D.

Synchronization of multiple vehicles in an independent cart system to reduce spacing and increase throughput designates one of the movers as a leader and at least one additional mover as a follower, defining a chain of vehicles. A motion command for the chain is provided to a controller for the leader, and the controller generates a motion profile. The controller passes this motion profile to a controller for each of the follower movers. If the follower is unable to maintain the motion profile for the leader, the controller for the follower generates a message to the controller for the leader indicating a modification to the motion profile is required. The controller for the leader modifies the motion profile and forwards the modified motion profile to controllers for each follower. If all movers are following the modified profile, the controller for the leader may return to the original motion profile.