Conveyor system with automated carriers

A method of operating a conveyor system having a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path and a plurality of automated conveyor carriers (ACC), the method comprising:

• supporting the plurality of ACCs on the rail such that an interface is formed between the rail and at least one wheel of each of the plurality of ACCs;
• independently driving each of the plurality of ACCs along the conveyor path by an on-board motor and an on-board power source selectively powering the on-board motor;
• with a local controller of each ACC of the plurality of ACCs, independently executing a programmed algorithm for independent wear monitoring of the at least one wheel of the respective ACC;
• identifying with the local controller of at least one of the plurality of ACCs that the at least one wheel is worn;
• and
• with the local controller of the at least one of the plurality of ACCs, taking at least one responsive action in response to the identification that the at least one wheel is worn.

A method of operating a conveyor system having a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path and a plurality of automated conveyor carriers (ACC), the method comprising:

• supporting the plurality of ACCs on the rail such that a driving interface is formed between the rail and a drive wheel of each of the plurality of ACCs;
• independently driving each of the plurality of ACCs along the conveyor path by an on-board motor and an on-board power source selectively powering the on-board motor to drive the drive wheel;
• with each of the local controllers of the respective ACCs, independently executing a programmed algorithm for independent wear monitoring of the drive wheel;
• identifying with the local controller of at least one of the plurality of ACCs that the drive wheel is worn;
• and
• with the local controller of the at least one of the plurality of ACCs, taking at least one responsive action in response to the identification that the drive wheel is worn,
• wherein the at least one responsive action includes the at least one of the plurality of ACCs driving itself to a designated service area.