System and method for automated truck loading

An automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer, the automatic case loader comprising:

• a mobile base having first and second ends and having first and second sides;
• a drive subassembly coupled to the mobile base, the drive subassembly configured to provide steering and driving of forward, reverse, and transverse directions;
• means for conveying product from the first end to the second end of the mobile base;
• an industrial robot disposed at the second end of the mobile base, the industrial robot providing selective articulated movement of an end effector through a reachable space such that the industrial robot is operable manipulate the product within;
• means for determining presence of objects within a detection space proximate to the second end of the mobile base, the detection space and the reachable space at least partially overlap;
• and
• a control subassembly mounted to the mobile base, the control subassembly being in communication with the drive subassembly, the industrial robot, and the means for determining presence, the control subassembly coordinating the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the means for determining presence detecting objects within the detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the product provided to the control subassembly.

An automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer, the automatic case loader comprising:

• a mobile base having first and second ends and having first and second sides;
• a conveyance subassembly disposed on the mobile base, the conveyance subassembly including a powered transportation path operable for transporting product from the first end to the second end;
• an industrial robot disposed at the second end of the mobile base, the industrial robot providing selective articulated movement of an end effector between the powered transportation path and a reachable space such that the industrial robot is operable to place the product in the reachable space;
• a distance measurement sensor disposed at the second end, the distance measurement sensor for determining presence of objects within a detection space, wherein the detection space and the reachable space at least partially overlap;
• and
• a control subassembly mounted to the mobile base, the control subassembly being in communication with the industrial robot, and the distance measurement sensor, the control subassembly coordinating the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot based upon the distance measurement sensor detecting objects within the detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the product provided to the control subassembly.