Patent Publication Number: US-2022216075-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for automated wafer carrier handling

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/787,028, filed on Feb. 11, 2020. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification. The entirety of each of the above-mentioned patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A typical semiconductor fabrication facility includes a plurality of processing zones including semiconductor processing tools and wafer staging equipment. Each processing zone may include a stocker which temporarily holds multiple wafer carriers or in preparation for transporting wafer carriers to the load port of a semiconductor processing tool. A number of semiconductor wafers are commonly stored in the wafer carrier (e.g., a pod) which is used to move the semiconductor wafers throughout the fabrication facility to different semiconductor processing tools. Conventionally, the wafer carriers are transported to semiconductor processing tools and/or loaded onto load ports by human operators. In modern fabrication facilities, a great emphasis is placed on limiting the presence of human operators in the processing zone and improving the efficiency of semiconductor fabrication. Accordingly, a need exists for fabrication facility that can automatically load/unload wafer carriers in any orientation to and from a load port to minimize labor requirements and improve the efficiency of fabrication. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic perspective view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus carrying a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic front view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1C  is a schematic bottom view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1D  is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ in  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is an enlarged perspective view of an engaging mechanism in an expanded state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is an enlarged side view of an engaging mechanism in an expanded state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2C  is an enlarged top view of an engaging mechanism in an expanded state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2D  is an enlarged bottom view of an engaging mechanism in an expanded state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus without engaging a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged perspective view of an engaging mechanism in a contracted state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlarged side view of an engaging mechanism in a contracted state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3D  is an enlarged top view of an engaging mechanism in a contracted state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3E  is an enlarged bottom view of an engaging mechanism in a contracted state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view illustrating a load port and an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus carrying a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus detecting a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6E  are schematic views illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus at various stages of performing an operation method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  to  FIG. 7E  are schematic views illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus at various stages of performing an operation method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7F  is a schematic perspective view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus carrying a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating an operating method of an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. 
     Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. 
     Semiconductor fabrication facilities (e.g., FABs) may typically utilize manual movement of semiconductor wafers or semiconductor products in wafer carriers (e.g., pods, containers, etc.) around a FAB between different stations of wafer processing or storage. However, typical manual movement may be resource intensive and prone to inefficiency, due to requiring manual human movement and control. The disclosure provides embodiments of automated wafer carrier handling apparatus and operation method thereof for movement of a wafer carrier transferring to stations or load ports, thereby achieving minimization of labor requirement and improvement of the efficiency of fabrication. 
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic perspective view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus carrying a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,  FIG. 1B  is a schematic front view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,  FIG. 1C  is a schematic bottom view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and  FIG. 1D  is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ in  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that some components of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus and the wafer carrier are omitted in the drawings above for ease of illustration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1D , an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is configured to carry a wafer carrier  10 . The wafer carrier  10  may be or may include a pod which carries a cassette (e.g., frame cassette, tray cassette, etc.) holding one or more semiconductor products (not shown). For example, the semiconductor products are device wafers awaiting transfer to a semiconductor processing tool (not shown) for further processing. In some embodiments, the semiconductor products are final packages awaiting shipping to customers. The wafer carrier  10  may have a cuboid shape or other suitable shape. In some embodiments, a top flange  20  is mounted on the top of the wafer carrier  10  and configured to be clasped by the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the top flange  20  is provided with a mushroom shape, although other shapes may be used. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1D , the top flange  20  includes a first portion  22  and a second portion  24  connected to the first portion  22  and the wafer carrier  10 . The automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is adapted to be in contact with at least the first portion  22  of the top flange  20 . In some embodiments, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is configured to lift the top flange  20  along the short sides of the wafer carrier  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . In other embodiments, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is configured to carry the top flange  20  along the long sides of the wafer carrier  10  as shown in  FIG. 7F . 
     The automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may include a base portion BP and a connecting portion CP connecting the base portion BP to a transport means (not shown). The connecting portion CP may be designed to fit on various types of transport means to open the possibility to various transporting machine designs. As used herein the term “transport means” may refer to any machine (e.g., autonomous cart moving on the ground, robotic arm connected to such as an overhead hoist transfer (OHT) system, overhead shuttle (OHS), rail guided vehicle (RGV), or the like), which includes functions of controlling, transporting, and carrying, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the base portion BP of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  includes a base frame  110  and an engaging mechanism  120  disposed on the base frame  110 . For example, the base frame  110  includes a base plate  112  and a pair of support members  114 , where the base plate  112  has a top surface  112   a  and a bottom surface  112   b  opposite to each other, and the pair of support members  114  are connected to the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112 . In some embodiments, the size of the top flange  20  is smaller than that of the wafer carrier  10 , and the size of the base frame  110  may be designed based on the size of the top flange  20  to minimize the size of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . The minimization of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  allows itself to fit on various types of transport means. 
     The bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  and the support members  114  may create a space that receives the top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10 . In some embodiments, the space defined by the base plate  112  and the support members  114  is adapted to receive at least the first portion  22  of the top flange  20 . In some embodiments, the support members  114  of the base frame  110  are provided as fork-shaped structures. In some embodiments, the support members  114  are designed to have the top flange  20  moved to the space under the base plate  112  from either the front side FS of the base frame  110  or the back side BS of the base frame  110 . With such configuration, the top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10  may be moved into the space below the base plate  112  in different directions, thereby improving the efficiency and the flexibility of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the support members  114  of the base frame  110  include two L-shaped brackets disposed on opposite sides of the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112 . For example, each of the L-shaped brackets includes a first part  114   a  extending along the sidewall of the base plate  112 , and a second part  114   b  connected to the first part  114   a  and extending parallel to the bottom surface  112   b.  In some embodiments, the respective first part  114   a  of the support members  114  is extended from the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  in a substantially vertical direction, and the second part  114   b  is extended from an end of the first part  114   a  opposite to the base plate  112  in a substantially horizontal direction. The first part  114   a  and the second part  114   b  may be connected at a right or acute angle. The second parts  114   b  of two L-shaped brackets may be spatially apart from the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  and extend toward each other but not link together. 
     In some embodiments, the respective second part  114   b  spaces a minimum vertical distance Dt from the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  for receiving the top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10 . For example, the minimum vertical distance Dt between the respective second part  114   b  and the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  is substantially greater than the thickness Tt of the first portion  22  of the top flange  20 . In some embodiments, each of the support members  114  includes a protrusion (not labeled) mounted thereon for stopping the top flange  20  sliding beyond the support members  114 . In some embodiments, the second portion  24  of the top flange  20  may be located between the pair of the support members  114  of the base frame  110  when the base plate  112  of the base frame  110  is driven to be moved over the top flange  20 . When the base plate  112  is driven to be moved over the top flange  20 , the second portion  24  of the top flange  20  may be or may not be in contact with the second parts  114   b  of the support members  114 . In some embodiments, the periphery of the bottom surface of the first portion  22  of the top flange  20  is leaned against the second parts  114   b  of the support members  114  during transporting. 
     It should be noted that for ease of description, and without intending the structures disclosed herein to be limited to any particular orientation, a direction substantially perpendicular to planes of the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  will be referred to herein for convenience as a “vertical direction”, and a direction substantially parallel to planes of the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  will be referred to herein for convenience as a “horizontal direction”. It should be noted that the support members  114  may take various forms or include other fixing component(s), as long as the top flange  20  and/or the wafer carrier  10  may be stably carried by the base frame  110  during transferring. 
     In some embodiments, the engaging mechanism  120  of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is disposed on the base plate  112 . For example, the engaging mechanism  120  includes an active expansion component  122 , a controller  124 , and a stabilizer  126  disposed on and operably abutted against the active expansion component  122 . In some embodiments, handling and/or transport operations are conducted under automatic control using the transport means, and the controller  124  may interface with the transport means for executing a set of programmable instructions stored in the transport means. The controller  124  may issue control signals for operating the motions of the stabilizer  126  and/or the active expansion component  122 . For example, the controller  124  includes motor drivers, electric motors, gear motors, drive shafts, actuators, or other suitable driving mechanism that is configured to cause the stabilizer  126  and/or the active expansion component  122  to move relative to the base plate  112 . For example, the motor driver of the controller  124  provides signals to drive the motor in operation, the motor rotates the shaft to drive the stabilizer  126  into motion, and the active expansion component  122  may perform movements via the motion of the stabilizer  126 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the active expansion component  122  driven by the controller  124  is made to perform reciprocating movements along an axis AX. The active expansion component  122  may be configured to linearly reciprocate along the axis AX, where the axis AX may be parallel to the thickness direction of the base plate  112 . For example, the active expansion component  122  includes a rod portion  122   a  penetrating through the base plate  112 , and an engaging portion  122   b  connected to the rod portion  122   a.  The rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122  may have one side connected to the engaging portion  122   b,  and the other side of the rod portion  122   a  may be abutted against the stabilizer  126  during operation. In some embodiments, the stabilizer  126  is driven by the controller  124  to move so as to press the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122  downwardly. 
     For example, the stabilizer  126  is configured to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow A 1  to be in contact with the active expansion component  122 . It is understood that the counterclockwise rotation indicated by the arrow A 1  is merely an example, and the stabilizer  126  may perform other rotation or movement to lean against the active expansion component  122  depending on the configuration. In some embodiments, the stabilizer  126  includes a strip portion  126   a  pivotably coupled to the controller  124  and a wheel portion  126   b  coupled to the bottom of the strip portion  126   a.  For example, when the stabilizer  126  is moving toward the active expansion component  122 , the wheel portion  126   b  may be in physical contact with the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122  prior to the strip portion  126   a.  During operation of transferring the wafer carrier  10 , the contact area of the strip portion  126   a  abutted against the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122  may be greater than the contact area of the wheel portion  126   b  abutted against the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122 . 
     The rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122  may be configured to perform up-and-down linear motion driven by the controller  124  via the stabilizer  126 . The engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  connected to the rod portion  122   a  may move up-and-down together with the rod portion  122   a.  In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the engaging portion  122   b  is equipped with an elastic member  122   bm  and may be made to perform retractable movements. For example, the engaging portion  122   b  is retracted into the recess  112   r  (shown in  FIG. 1D ) of the base plate  112  in standby mode. In operation, the engaging portion  122   b  may be moved out of the recess  112   r  of the base plate  112  to be inserted into a hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  on the wafer carrier  10 . For example, the top flange  20  is provided with the hole  20   a  penetrating through the first portion  22 . In some embodiments, the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  is deeper enough to penetrate through the first portion  22  and the second portion  24 . Once the engaging portion  122   b  is moved out of the recess  112   r  of the base plate  112 , the engaging portion  122   b  may be deployed and engaged with the top flange  20  on the wafer carrier  10 . Details of the operating method will be described later in other embodiments. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , in some embodiments, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  includes a sensing unit  130  mounted on the base frame  110 . The sensing unit  130  may be in communication with the transport means and/or the controller  124  of the engaging mechanism  120  for operations. The sensing unit  130  may include a plurality of sensors to perform various functions. For example, a first sensor  132  of the sensing unit  130  is configured to detect the distance between the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  and a surrounding object. The first sensor  132  may be referred to as a collision avoidance sensor mounted on the front edge of the top surface  112   a  of the base plate  112 . In some embodiments, the first sensor  132  is a non-contact sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, or the like. The operating details of the first sensor  132  will be described later in accompany with  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D  with reference to  FIG. 1A , the sensing unit  130  may include a second sensor  134  which is mounted on the base frame  110  and facing toward the wafer carrier  10  without shielding. In some embodiments, the second sensor  134  is a placement sensor configured to detect the placement status of the wafer carrier  10  by sensing, for example, both force and proximity of the wafer carrier  10 . For example, the position of the wafer carrier  10  and/or the presence or absence of semiconductor products in the wafer carrier  10  may be confirmed by using the second sensor  134 . In some embodiments, the base frame  110  is equipped with a plurality of second sensors  134 . For example, the second sensors  134  are mounted on the bottom surfaces of the second parts  114   b  of respective support members  114 , so that the second sensor  134  may face the wafer carrier  10  without shielding. In some embodiments, the second sensors  134  are diagonally disposed on respective support members  114  to ensure the wafer carrier  10  in place. In other embodiments, the second sensors  134  are mounted on the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  without shielding by the support members  114 . For example, the second sensors  134  include various types of proximity sensors, such as but not limited to, capacitive, inductive, acoustic/sonic, magnetic, optical/photoelectric, and/or radar-based proximity sensors. Other types of sensors may be employed to perform various functions. By using multiple sensors for detecting the wafer carrier before performing associated actions and transporting the wafer carrier  10 , combined detection (e.g., force sensing, proximity sensing, etc.) may increase detection of intended contact on the wafer carrier and decrease detection of accidental contact on the wafer carrier. It should be appreciated that the type, the number, and the arrangement of the sensing unit  130  illustrated herein are merely exemplary and may be adjusted depending on the requirements, which construe no limitation in the disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the sensing unit  130  optionally includes other sensor(s) that may be different types of sensors adapted to detect object presence in a sensing region (e.g., the area under the base frame  110 ). For example, the sensing unit  130  includes a present sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of the wafer carrier on a zone of interest. In some embodiments, the sensing unit  130  includes a photoelectric sensor which projects light beam toward a specific region of detection under the base plate  112  in which the wafer carrier  10  is expected to be present and detects the wafer carrier  10  in the specific region of detection on the basis of a value relating to the light beam reflected by the wafer carrier. In some embodiments, the sensing unit  130  includes a reflective type photoelectric sensor and a proximity sensor. Alternatively, the sensing unit  130  includes the same or similar type(s) of sensor and performs detection simultaneously. It should be noted that illustration of the sensing unit  130  is merely exemplary, and the number and the types of the sensors construe no limitation in the disclosure. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , in some embodiments, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  includes an image alignment system  140  adapted to increase the certainty of target location identification and position measurement accuracy. The image alignment system  140  may include a light source  142  and an optical detection device  144  optically coupled to the light source  142 . For example, the light source  142  of the image alignment system  140  includes light emitting diode(s) configured to illuminate a surface of a target object, and the optical detection device  144  includes a camera lens, an image sensor (e.g., charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor, complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, or the like), and/or other suitable component(s) for identifying and positioning the target wafer carrier. In some embodiments, the light source  142  and the optical detection device  144  are disposed side by side on the base frame  110 . For example, the camera lens of the optical detection device  144  and the light source  142  are exposed by the bottom surface  112   b  of the base plate  112  for imaging/scanning the object right under the base frame  110 . In some embodiments, the light source  142  of the image alignment system  140  may be located off axis from the camera lens and the image sensor of the optical detection device  144  detecting the light reflected from the target wafer carrier  10  being scanned. It should be noted that other types of components may be employed in the image alignment system  140  to perform various detecting/imaging functions. The operating details of the image alignment system  140  will be described later in accompany with  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 2A  is an enlarged perspective view of an engaging mechanism in an expanded state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,  FIG. 2B  is an enlarged side view of an engaging mechanism in an expanded state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,  FIG. 2C  is an enlarged top view of an engaging mechanism in an expanded state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and  FIG. 2D  is an enlarged bottom view of an engaging mechanism in an expanded state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus without engaging a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,  FIG. 3B  is an enlarged perspective view of an engaging mechanism in a contracted state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,  FIG. 3C  is an enlarged side view of an engaging mechanism in a contracted state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,  FIG. 3D  is an enlarged top view of an engaging mechanism in a contracted state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and  FIG. 3E  is an enlarged bottom view of an engaging mechanism in a contracted state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2D  with reference to  FIG. 1D , in the operation mode, the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  is in an expanded state. The controller  124  of the engaging mechanism  120  may control a motion direction of the active expansion component  122  via the stabilizer  126 . For example, in the operation mode, the controller  124  applies a force upon the stabilizer  126  so that the stabilizer  126  is driven to press down the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122 . The active expansion component  122  driven by the controller  124  via the stabilizer  126  may be lowered vertically relative to the base plate  112 . The engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  may be correspondingly lowered down together with the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122 . 
     In some embodiments, once the engaging portion  122   b  is moved downwardly out of the recess  112   r  of the base plate  112 , the expanding parts  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  may extend outwardly from the center of the structure by a distance. The distance, for example, is limited by the extending parts  122   bc  and/or the elastic member  122   bm.  Each of the expanding parts  122   bd  is connected to one of the extending part  122   bc,  and the extending parts  122   bc  are movably coupled to the rod portion  122   a.  The elastic member  122   bm  may be sleeved on the rod portion  122   a  and configured to drive the extending parts  122   bc  to perform a motion. For example, the extending parts  122   bc  are moved along the grooves GV on the bottom of the rod portion  122   a  and below the elastic member  122   bm.  In some embodiments, the respective groove GV extends in an inclined direction relative to the length direction of the rod portion  122   a.    
     In some embodiments, with reference to  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 1D , in the operation mode, the elastic member  122   bm  is compressed in a direction DN 1  by the stabilizer  126 . During compression of the elastic member  122   bm,  the extending parts  122   bc  may move in a direction DN 2  along the grooves GV. The expanding parts  122   bd  may be moved together with the extending parts  122   bc  and may be separated from one another by the distance. As a result of this movement of the expanding parts  122   bd  and the elastic member  122   bm,  the extending parts  122   bc  are abutted against the upper ends of the grooves GV. For example, the direction DN 1  is parallel to the normal direction of top surfaces  122   bt  of the expanding parts  122   bd,  and the direction DN 2  is an inclined direction relative to the direction DN 1 . In some embodiments, an acute angle is between the directions DN 1  and DN 2 . In other embodiments, a right angle or an obtuse angle may be between the directions DN 1  and DN 2 . In some embodiments, the elastic member  122   bm  is a compression spring as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2B . In other embodiments, the elastic member  122   bm  includes torsion spring, coil spring, or other types of elastic member. 
     In some embodiments, the engaging portion  122   b  may be tapered from the top to the bottom. For example, the respective expanding part  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  is in the shape of a truncated cone. For example, the respective expanding part  122   bd  has a bottom surface  122   bs,  a top surface  122   bt  wider than the bottom surface  122   bs,  and an inclined sidewall  122   bw  connected the top surface  122   bs  and the bottom surface  122   bs.  It should be noted that the engaging portion  122   b  illustrated in the shape of the circular truncated cone is merely an example, the engaging portion  122   b  may take various forms (e.g., cube, prism, sphere, polygonal truncated cone, etc.) as long as the engaging portion  122   b  may be engaged with the top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10 . In some embodiments in which the engaging portion  122   b  is in the shape of a truncated cone, the expanding parts  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  move radially away from the center of the structure. In some embodiments, the expanding parts  122   bd  are deployed outwardly, allowing the engaging portion  122   b  to be engaged with the top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10 . The engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  may consist of a plurality of expanding parts  122   bd  which are brought together via the elastic member  122   bm.  For example, the expanding parts  122   bd  may be retractable vane-shaped structures limited by the elastic member  122   bm  and/or the recess  112   r  of the base plate  112 . It should be noted that illustration of three expanding parts  122   bd  is merely an example, and the number and the forms of the expanding parts  122   bd  construe no limitation in the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3E , in the standby mode, the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  is in a contracted state and may be accommodated within the recess  112   r  of the base plate  112 . In some embodiments, the second portion  24  of the top flange  20  connected to the first portion  22  and the top of the wafer carrier  10  defines a gap G between the first portion  22  of the top flange  20  and the top surface of the wafer carrier  10 . During the operation of moving the base frame  110  into the gap G between the top flange  20  and the wafer carrier  10 , the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  is in a contracted state and accommodated within the recess  112   r  to avoid collision and damage to the top flange  20 . In some embodiments, the thickness of the engaging portion  122   b  is substantially equal to the depth of the recess  112   r  of base plate  112 , so that the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  may not be protruded from the base plate  112 . In other embodiments, the thickness of the engaging portion  122   b  is slightly greater than or less than the depth of the recess  112   r  of base plate  112 . It should be noted that the thickness of the engaging portion  122   b  construes no limitation in the disclosure as long as the engaging portion  122   b  does not intervene the movement of the top flange  20  and the wafer carrier  10  when moving the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  over the wafer carrier  10 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3A , in the standby mode, the stabilizer  126  is driven by the controller  124  to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow A 2  so as to release the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122 . It is understood that the clockwise rotation indicated by the arrow A 2  is merely an example, and the stabilizer  126  may perform other rotation or movement to release the active expansion component  122  depending on the configuration. For example, with reference to  FIG. 1B , in the standby mode, the strip portion  126   a  moves together with the wheel portion  126   b  away from the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122  so as to release the active expansion component  122 . For example, the extending parts  122   bc  and the expanding parts  122   bd  may obtain the return force based on the elastic restoration force of the compressed elastic member  122   bm.  Since the pressing force is no longer applied to the rod portion  122   a  of the active expansion component  122 , the elastic member  122   bm  compressively deformed is elastically restored and thus the rod portion  122   a  may be moved upwardly due to the elastic restoration force. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3C , the elastic member  122   bm  is elastically restored along a direction DN 3  in the standby mode, where the direction DN 3  is opposite to the direction DN 1  labeled in  FIG. 2B . The elastically restored elastic member  122   bm  may make the extending parts  122   bc  move along the grooves GV in a direction DN 4  to be abutted against the lower ends of the grooves GV. A restoring force attributable to the displacement of the elastic member  122   bm  may create a force to return the extending parts  122   bc  and the expanding parts  122   bd.  Accordingly, the expanding parts  122   bd  are pulled back to the contracted state. In the contracted state, the expanding parts  122   bd  are connected to one another. In some embodiments, because of the force of elastic restoration, the expanding parts  122   bd  are retracted to form a ring shape in the standby mode, as illustrated in the top and bottom views of  FIGS. 3D-3E . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view illustrating a load port and an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus carrying a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the receiving place, the wafer carrier, and the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus may not be drawn to scale and are used for illustration purposes only. Referring to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  carrying the wafer carrier  10  is approaching a receiving place RP for loading. For example, the receiving place RP is configured to receive the wafer carrier  10 . In some embodiments, the receiving place RP is a load port affixed to a front end of the semiconductor processing tool or semiconductor manufacturing equipment (not shown). In other embodiments, the receiving place RP is a platform or a storage rack located in, for example, a buffering zone awaiting transfer to next station or shipping. In some embodiments, the first sensor  132  of the sensing unit  130  is configured to detect obstructions during transporting. For example, the first sensor  132  is configured to emit a light beam, an ultrasonic sound wave, or the like, and receive reflected light or sound wave to calculate the time for the light or the sound wave to reflect back to the first sensor  132 , thereby determining the distance between a surrounding object and the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the first sensor  132  detects the object (e.g., another wafer carrier  10 ′) on the receiving place RP, and the first sensor  132  is configured to receive conditions and report to the controller mounted on the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  or mounted on the transport means to determine whether and/or when to stop the movement of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . For example, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  stops moving at the stop line SL or slows down before reaching the stop line SL to avoid collisions, thereby protecting the wafer carrier  10  from damage and reducing scrap. In some embodiments in which the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is attempted to grasp the target wafer carrier from the intended position (e.g., load port, storage rack, platform, etc.), the first sensor  132  of the sensing unit  130  is configured to avoid known stationary obstacles in traveling and detect the location of the target wafer carrier. For example, the first sensor  132  may detect the distance between the target wafer carrier and the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 , so that the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  controlled by the transport means is positioned to the target wafer carrier by a certain clearance without collision. In some embodiments, when the first sensor  132  detects obstructions or object on the receiving place RP, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  carrying the wafer carrier  10  may change the predetermined route to be moved to another receiving place or turn to buffering zone for placement. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus detecting a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the wafer carrier, the top flange, and the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus may not be drawn to scale and are used for illustration purposes only. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the image alignment system  140  of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is configured to read or detect an optical feature  30  for positioning and/or identification. The optical feature  30  may be disposed on the receiving place RP. In some embodiments, the optical feature  30  is positioned at a predetermined location on the receiving place RP, so that when the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is driven along a predetermined route (not shown) and moved toward the wafer carrier  10  for coupling the top flange  20 , the optical feature  30  is detected by the image alignment system  140 . The position information (e.g., coordination location) may be read from the optical feature  30  by the image alignment system  140  of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  according to detection and/or scanning of the optical feature  30  positioned at the predetermined location along the predetermined route of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the optical feature  30  is disposed on the wafer carrier  10 , and the image alignment system  140  is configured to detect/scan the optical feature  30  for reading the information of the wafer carrier  10 . For example, the optical detection device  144  of the image alignment system  140  is configured to be responsive to the light source  142  (e.g., visible lights, infrared lights, ultraviolet lights, or any combination thereof), and received either directly from the light source  142  or by reflection. In some embodiments, the optical feature  30  includes a machine-readable identifying code (e.g., barcode, QR code, or data matrix), a text, a figure, or a combination thereof. For example, the optical feature  30  includes a barcode, and the image alignment system  140  includes a barcode reader for detecting the barcode on the optical feature  30 . By reading/scanning the optical feature  30 , the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may increase the certainty of location and identification accuracy regarding to the wafer carrier  10 . 
       FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6E  are schematic views illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus at various stages of performing an operation method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be used to automatically handle and transport the wafer carrier  10  from an originating location to a destination location among stations in the FAB without having to wait for human operator to load/unload the wafer carriers  10 . The automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be configured to grasp the top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10  in various orientations.  FIGS. 6A-6E  shows that the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is configured to lift the top flange  20  along the short sides of the wafer carrier  10 . The operating method of the automated wafer carrier handling system includes at least the following steps. While the operation method is illustrated and described below as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6B , the wafer carrier  10  accommodating a plurality of semiconductor products therein is disposed on the receiving surface RPs of the receiving place RP. In some embodiments, the receiving place RP is viewed as an originating location. The automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  controlled by the transport means may be moved to the originating location and to approach the wafer carrier  10 . Then, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be positioned at the certain elevation substantially above the top surface of the wafer carrier  10 . Next, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be driven to perform a linear motion along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 1 . For example, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is moved along the horizontal direction from the left side LS of the wafer carrier  10  to the right side RS of the wafer carrier  10 . For example, the support members  114  of the base frame  110  slides into the gap G between the top flange  20  and the wafer carrier  10  until the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is positioned on the top flange  20 . With reference to  FIG. 3A , the active expansion component  122  of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be positioned above the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20 . At this stage, the base frame  110  of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is not in physical contact with the top flange  20 . 
     In some embodiments, during the movement of approaching the wafer carrier  10 , the first sensor  132  of the sensing unit  130  may sense obstructions within a zone of interest and/or the presence of the wafer carrier  10 , thereby avoiding collisions and/or detecting the locations. With reference to  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, during the movement of approaching the wafer carrier  10 , the image alignment system  140  may detect the optical feature  30  near/on the wafer carrier  10  to identify the position along the predetermined route. With reference to  FIG. 1C , in some embodiments, during the movement of sliding the support members  114  into the gap G, the second sensor(s)  134  may be configured to sense whether or not the wafer carrier  10  exists in the detection area (e.g., the region under the base frame  110 ) and detect the relative position of the wafer carrier  10 , allowing the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  to be positioned at a predetermined position above the wafer carrier  10  for performing the next action. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6C , the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  provides limitation in at least one degree of freedom of movement of the top flange  20  when transporting the wafer carrier  10 . For example, after positioning the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  on the wafer carrier  10 , the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is driven by the transport means to perform a linear motion along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 2 . For example, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is moved upwardly in the vertical direction. With reference to  FIG. 1D , the base frame  110  of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is lifted until the second parts  114   b  of the support members  114  are brought into abutting contact with the first portion  22  of the top flange  20 . For example, the top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10  is leaned against the support members  114  of the base frame  110  for limitation of freedom of movement in the vertical direction (i.e. Z direction). It should be noted that for ease of description, and without intending the structures disclosed herein to be limited to any particular orientation, a direction perpendicular to planes of the receiving surface RPs of the receiving place RP will be referred to herein for convenience as a “vertical direction”. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6D  with reference to  FIGS. 1D and 2A , after the wafer carrier  10  is in position and the support members  114  of the base frame  110  is abutted against the top flange  20 , the active expansion component  122  of the engaging mechanism  120  controlled by the controller  124  is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow AR 3  to be engaged with the top flange  20 . The directions indicated by the arrows AR 2  and AR 3  may be opposite to each other. For example, during the movement of lowering down the active expansion component  122 , the controller  124  applies a force upon the stabilizer  126  to make the active expansion component  122  move downwardly, so that the rod portion  122   a  and the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  driven by the controller  124  via the stabilizer  126  are pressed down with respect to the base plate  112 . In some embodiments, when the engaging portion  122   b  is moved downwardly out of the recess  112   r  of the base plate  112 , the expanding parts  122   bd  are deployed outwardly as shown in  FIG. 2A . With continuing the motion of lowering the active expansion component  122 , the expanding parts  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  may be plugged into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20 . 
     In some embodiments, the expanding parts  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  and the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  are complimentary in shape. For example, the expanding parts  122   bd  in the expanded state are tapered from the top to the bottom relative to the receiving surface RPs of the receiving place RP, and the profile of the hole  20   a  is also tapered from top to the bottom relative to the receiving surface RPs of the receiving place RP. The hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  may be or may not be completely plugged by the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122 . In some embodiments, the deeper the engagement, the greater the engagement force. In some embodiments, the expanding parts  122   bd  are abutted against the inner sidewall of the top flange  20 , which defines the hole  20   a,  with the elastic force. For example, the expanding parts  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  coupled to the extending parts  122   bc  are elastically movable via the elastic member  122   bm,  thereby allowing the expanding parts  122   bd  to be engaged with the inner sidewall of the top flange  20  in the hole  20   a.  In other embodiments in which the hole  20   a  is a threaded hole, the expanding parts  122   bd  are engaged with the top flange  20  in a threaded manner. It should be appreciated that other suitable engaging manner may be employed as long as the engaging mechanism  120  may be stably engaged with the top flange  20  during transportation. 
     In some embodiments, once the expanding parts  122   bd  are firmly inserted into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20 , the wafer carrier  10  may be transferred by the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  without swinging, and then the wafer carrier  10  may be transported to the destination location. In some embodiments, the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  is engaged with the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10  to limit the freedom of movement of the wafer carrier  10  in both of the X and Y directions. The automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is configured to control the displacement of the wafer carrier  10  via limiting multiple degrees of freedom of movement of the top flange  20  on the wafer carrier  10  to ensure stability during transporting the wafer carrier  10  from the originating location to the destination location. 
     In some embodiments, the operations of abutting the support members  114  of the base frame  110  against the top flange  20 , plugging the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20 , and lifting the top flange  20  are sequentially performed. In some embodiments, the operations of abutting the support members  114  of the base frame  110  against the top flange  20  and plugging the engaging portion  122   b  into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  are performed during the same step. The operation of plugging the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  may be performed prior to the operation of abutting the support members  114  of the base frame  110  against the top flange  20 . Alternatively, the operation of plugging the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  may be performed after abutting the support members  114  against the top flange  20 . In some other embodiments, after plugging the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20 , the operations of abutting the support members  114  of the base frame  110  against the top flange  20  and lifting the top flange  20  are performed simultaneously. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6E , when arriving the destination location, the wafer carrier  10  is loaded on the receiving surface RPs&#39; of the receiving place RP′. In some embodiments, the receiving place RP′ is viewed as the destination location. A reverse sequence of operations may be performed to release the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  from the top flange  20  to unload the wafer carrier  10 . For example, with reference to  FIGS. 3A-3B , the stabilizer  126  is removed from the top of the rod portion  122   a.  Since the pressing force applied to the rod portion  122   a  is removed, the active expansion component  122  may be moved upwardly due to the restoration force. For example, the elastic member  122   bm  offers the elastic force that enables the expanding parts  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  moving back in the contracted state. For example, the expanding parts  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  are retracted from the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  and then accommodated in the recess  112   r  of the base plate  112 . 
     After loading the wafer carrier  10  on the receiving surface RPs&#39; of the receiving place RP′, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  controlled by the transport means may be moved downwardly. When lowering the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 , the support members  114  of the base frame  110  are no longer in physical contact with the top flange  20 , so that the top flange  20  is released from the support members  114 . For example, the second parts  114   b  of the support members  114  are not in abutting contact with the first portion  22  of the top flange  20  and may be suspended in the gap G without contacting the top flange  20  and the wafer carrier  10  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 6B ). In some embodiments, the operations of retracting the engaging portion  122   b  from the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  and lowering down the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  are sequentially performed. In other embodiments, the operation of lowering down the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is performed before the operation of reverting the engaging portion  122   b  from the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20 . Alternatively, after loading the wafer carrier  10  on the receiving surface RPs&#39; of the receiving place RP′, the operations of reverting the engaging portion  122   b  from the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20  and lowering down the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  are performed simultaneously. 
     After releasing the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  and the support members  114  of the base frame  110  from the top flange  20 , the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be moved away from the wafer carrier  10  along the direction from the left side LS to the right side as indicated by the arrow AR 1 . In some embodiments, after loading the wafer carrier  10 , the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is driven to slide from the right side RS to the left side LS as indicated by the arrow AR 4 . 
     It is noted that although the operating method shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D  starts from moving the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  along the direction as indicated by the arrow AR 1 , in other embodiments, the operating method may start from moving the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  into the gap G along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 4 . The automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be driven to slide out of the gap G along the direction indicated by either the arrow AR 1  or the arrow AR 4 . For example, the direction indicated by the arrow AR 1  (or AR 4 ) is substantially parallel to the short sides  10   w  of the wafer carrier  10 . It is also noted that the illustration of a single automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is merely an example, and multiple automated wafer carrier handling apparatus may be connected to the transport means for transporting multiple wafer carriers at the same time for improving productivity. 
       FIG. 7A  to  FIG. 7E  are schematic views illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus at various stages of performing an operation method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and  FIG. 7F  is a schematic perspective view illustrating an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus carrying a wafer carrier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 7A-7F  shows that the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is configured to lift the top flange  20  along the long sides of the wafer carrier  10 . The operating method of the automated wafer carrier handling system may be similar to the operating method described above, so the detailed descriptions may be simplified for the sake of brevity. While the operation method is illustrated and described below as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A-7B and 7F , the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be positioned at the front side FS′ of the wafer carrier  10  and then moved into the gap G along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 5 . For example, the moving direction of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is substantially parallel to the long sides  10   s  of the wafer carrier  10 . For example, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  slides along the horizontal direction from the front side FS′ of the wafer carrier  10  to the back side BS′ of the wafer carrier  10  until the base frame  110  is positioned above the top flange  20 . In some embodiments, the active expansion component is aligned with the hole of the top flange  20 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , at this stage, the base frame  110  of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may not be in physical contact with the top flange  20  and the wafer carrier  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7C , after positioning the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  above the top flange  20 , the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is moved along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 2 . For example, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is lifted until the support members  114  are brought into abutting contact with the top flange  20 . The top flange  20  mounted on the wafer carrier  10  may be leaned against the support members  114  for limitation of freedom of movement in the vertical direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7D , the engaging mechanism  120  is moved along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 3  to be engaged with the top flange  20 . With reference to  FIG. 1D , for example, during the movement of lowering down the active expansion component  122 , the stabilizer  126  is rotated to press the active expansion component  122  down relative to the base plate  112 , so that the engaging portion  122   b  of the active expansion component  122  is moved out of the recess  112   r  of the base plate  112  and to be deployed in the expanded state, and then the expanding parts  122   bd  of the engaging portion  122   b  may be plugged into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20 . In some embodiments, the active expansion component  122  is plugged into the top flange  20  after abutting the support members  114  against the top flange  20 . In other embodiments, the operation steps illustrated in  FIGS. 7C-7D  may be performed simultaneously in the same step. After the active expansion component  122  is firmly inserted into the hole  20   a  of the top flange  20 , the wafer carrier  10  may be lifted and transported to the destination location via the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7E , the wafer carrier  10  may be loaded on the receiving surface RPs&#39; of the receiving place RP′ via the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . After loading the wafer carrier  10 , the top flange  20  on the wafer carrier  10  may be released from the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 , and then the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is moved away from the wafer carrier  10  for next round. For example, after the wafer carrier  10  is disposed on the receiving surface RPs&#39; of the receiving place RP′, the engaging mechanism  120  is retracted from the hole of the top flange  20  and the base frame  110  is slightly lowered down so that the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is no longer in abutting contact with the top flange  20 . Subsequently, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is moved away from the wafer carrier  10  along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 5 . In other embodiments, the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  is driven to slide out of the gap G from the back side BS′ to the front side BS′ along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 6 . In some embodiments, the operating step starts from moving the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  along the direction indicated by the arrow AR 6  to slide into the gap G at the originating location in order to transporting the wafer carrier  10  to the destination location. The automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100  may be moved into/out of the gap G from any orientation (e.g., from the front side FS′, the back side BS′, the right side RS, or the left side LS) of the wafer carrier  10 , thereby improving the efficiency and the flexibility of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating an operating method of an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. An operating method may be employed to transport the target wafer carrier from an originating location to a destination location among stations in the FAB without having to wait for the operator to load/unload the wafer carriers. It is noted that an operating method including the following operations is merely an example, and construes no limitation in the disclosure. While an operating method is illustrated and described below as a series of acts or operations, it should be understood that additional operation(s) may be provided before, during, and after the operating method, certain operation(s) may be performed concurrently with other operations, and certain operation(s) may be omitted. 
     At the operation  202 , a base frame and an engaging mechanism of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus are brought into abutting contact with the top flange mounted on the wafer carrier to limit degrees of freedom of movement of the top flange, where the engaging mechanism is disposed on the base frame. For example, the operation  202  includes the following actions. 
     At the action  2022 , the base frame of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus is moved in the gap between the top flange and the wafer carrier in a first direction (e.g., one of directions indicated by the arrows (AR 1 /AR 4  shown in  FIG. 6E  or AR 5 /AR 6  shown in  FIG. 7E ), and  FIGS. 6A-6B  or  FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate the views corresponding to the action. 
     At the action  2024 , the base frame of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus is moved in a second direction (e.g., the direction indicated by the arrow AR 2  shown in  FIG. 6C  or  FIG. 7C ) to be in contact with the top flange, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and  FIG. 6C  or  FIG. 7C  illustrates the front view corresponding to the action. 
     At the action  2026 , the engaging mechanism of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus may be moved in a third direction (e.g., the direction indicated by the arrow AR 3  shown in  FIG. 6D  or  FIG. 7D ) to be engaged with the hole of the top flange, where the third direction is opposite to the second direction, and  FIG. 6D  or  FIG. 7D  illustrates the front view corresponding to the action. In some embodiments, the actions  2024  and  2026  may be performed at a same time, and not one before the other, 
     At the operation  204 , the wafer carrier is transported by the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus from an originating location to a destination location. For example, the wafer carrier is lifted after bring the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus into abutting contact with the top flange, and then the wafer carrier is transported to a destination location. When the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus carrying the wafer carrier arrives at the destination location, the wafer carrier is loaded on the predetermined position.  FIG. 6E  or  FIG. 7E  illustrates the view corresponding to the step of loading the wafer carrier on the receiving place at the destination location. 
     At the operation  206 , the top flange mounted on the wafer carrier is released from the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus at the destination location. For example, the operation  206  includes the following actions. 
     At the action  2062 , the engaging mechanism is reverted in the second direction from the hole of the top flange. At the action  2064 , the base frame of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus is moved along the third direction to be suspended in the gap between the top flange and the wafer carrier. In some embodiments, the actions  2062  and  2064  may be performed at a same time, and not one before the other. At the action  2066 , the base frame of the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus is moved away from the wafer carrier.  FIG. 6E  or  FIG. 7E  illustrates the view corresponding to the step of moving the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus away from the wafer carrier. 
     According to some embodiments, an apparatus for automated wafer carrier handling which is adapted to transport a wafer carrier is provided. The apparatus includes a base frame and an engaging mechanism disposed on the base frame. The engaging mechanism includes a controller and an active expansion component moveably coupled to the base frame and controlled by the controller to perform a reciprocating movement relative to the base frame. The active expansion component is driven by the controller to pass through the base frame to be engaged with a top flange mounted on the wafer carrier. 
     According to some alternative embodiments, an operation method for automated wafer carrier handling includes at least the following steps. A base frame and an engaging mechanism of an automated wafer carrier handling apparatus are brought into abutting contact with a top flange mounted on a wafer carrier to limit at least one degree of freedom of movement of the top flange, where the engaging mechanism is disposed on the base frame. The wafer carrier is transported to a destination location by the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus. The top flange mounted on the wafer carrier is released from the automated wafer carrier handling apparatus at the destination location. 
     According to some alternative embodiments, an operation method for automated wafer carrier handling includes at least the following steps. A base frame of an apparatus is moved in a gap between a top flange and a wafer carrier to be in contact with the top flange, wherein the top flange is mounted on the wafer carrier. An active expansion component of the apparatus is lowered to be engaged with a hole of the top flange, wherein the active expansion component is disposed on the base frame. The top flange mounted on the wafer carrier is moved via the apparatus to transport the wafer carrier. 
     The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.