System and method for maneuvering a mobile drive unit

US8649899B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Peter R. Wurman · Acton, US
• Raffaello D'Andrea · Ithaca, US
• Michael T. Barbehenn · North Reading, US
• Andrew E. Hoffman · Arlington, US
• David C. Koehler · Jacksonville, US
• Michael C. Mountz · Lexington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 19, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 11, 2014
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/087
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of rotating an inventory holder includes moving an inventory holder towards a rotation area along a straight segment of a path with a first face of the inventory holder facing a first direction. The rotation area includes a portion of a workspace designated for rotation of inventory holders. The method further includes moving the inventory holder into the rotation area along a first arced segment with an orientation of the first face perpendicular to the first arced segment. The method additionally includes executing a rotation maneuver within the rotation area and moving the inventory holder out of the rotation area along a second arced segment with a second face facing the first direction.