Method and system for transporting inventory items

US8170711B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kiva Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Raffaello D'Andrea · Ithaca, US
• Peter K. Mansfield · Bellevue, US
• Michael C. Mountz · Lexington, US
• Dennis Polic · North Reading, US
• Patrick R. Dingle · Salem, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2011
• Grant date: May 1, 2012
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05D1/0234
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.