This article focuses on the challenging problem of loading transport units onto pallets, which belongs to the class of NP-hard problems. We propose a novel method for solving the pallet loading problem using a branch and bound algorithm, where there is a loading order of transport units. The derived algorithm considers only a heuristically favourable subset of possible positions of the transport units, which has a positive effect on computability. Furthermore, it is ensured that the pallet configuration meets real-world constraints, such as the stability of the position of transport units under the influence of transport inertial forces and gravity.

Dispatching and receiving logistics goods, as well as transportation itself, involve a high amount of manual efforts. The transported goods, including their packaging and labeling, need to be double-checked, verified or recognized at many supply chain network points. These processes hold automation potentials, which we aim to exploit using computer vision techniques. More precisely, we propose a cognitive system for the fully automated recognition of packaging structures for standardized logistics shipments based on single RGB images. Our contribution contains descriptions of a suitable system design and its evaluation on relevant real-world data. Further, we discuss our algorithmic choices.

While driverless cars may be a few years away, it appears self-driving shopping carts are right around the corner. Walmart has been awarded a patent illustrating'disc-shaped' robots that use sensors and cameras to transport and navigate shopping carts throughout stores. This application comes two months after reports surfaced that the firm was developing driverless carts that scan a customer's shopping list and then guide them to the aisles and shelves. Walmart has been awarded a patent illustrating'disc-shaped' robots that use sensors and cameras to navigate shopping carts for customers throughout shopping centers. Walmart was awarded a patent called'Shopping Facility Assistance Systems, Devices and Methods' is the patents title which was filed on March 4, 2016.