Systems, methods, and apparatuses for locating, engaging, and shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion

A shifter mechanism, comprising:

• a belt-driven mechanism that comprises a belt extending over a series of rollers and an actuator operable to translate the belt over the series of rollers;
• and
• an integrated actuator assembly comprising an elongated structure, a pin, an elongated slot, and a linear actuator, wherein:
• the elongated structure extends between a roller of the series of rollers and the pin,
• the pin is coupled to the linear actuator and is positioned within the elongated slot, and
• the linear actuator is operable to shift the pin within the elongated slot to increase or decrease a distance between the roller and the pin and adjust relative positions of the series of rollers to change a geometry of the shifter mechanism.

A system, comprising:

• a shifter mechanism configured for shifting objects, the shifter mechanism comprising:
• a belt-driven mechanism that comprises a belt extending over a series of rollers and an actuator operable to translate the belt over the series of rollers;
• and
• an integrated actuator assembly comprising a structure extending between a roller of the series of rollers and a pin coupled to a linear actuator and positioned within a slot, wherein the linear actuator is operable to shift the pin within the slot to increase or decrease a distance between the roller and the pin and adjust relative positions of the series of rollers to change a geometry of the shifter mechanism;
• and
• a detection system operable to detect at least one of edges, boundaries, surfaces, or contours of the objects.