Method and system for retrieving inventory items

US7894933B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kiva Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael C. Mountz · Lexington, US
• Peter R. Wurman · Acton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 19, 2005
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2011
• Expiry date: Mar 26, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/087
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method for retrieving inventory items within an inventory system includes receiving a retrieval request that identifies an inventory item and selecting, from a plurality of inventory stations, an inventory station to fulfill an order associated with the retrieval request. The method also includes selecting an inventory holder from a plurality of inventory holders that store the inventory item and selecting, from a plurality of mobile drive units, a mobile drive unit to move the selected inventory holder to the selected inventory station.