Robotic induction in materials handling facilities with multiple inventory areas
US8594834B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/087
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for robotic induction in materials handling facilities with multiple inventory areas are disclosed. Each inventory area includes multiple portable storage units with one or more locations for stowing one or more types of items. Mobile robotic devices transport the portable storage units within a respective inventory area to one or more induction stations located within the respective inventory area. A control system directs the one or more robotic devices to transport the one or more portable storage units to and from the one or more induction stations of the respective inventory area. The induction stations are located near a conveyance mechanism. The control system also directs induction of one or more single units of items from one or more locations of a storage unit currently at an induction station of the respective inventory area into the conveyance mechanism at the respective induction station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.