Robotic induction in materials handling facilities with batch singulation
US9266236B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2014 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/00
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for robotic induction in materials handling facilities with batch singulation inventory areas are disclosed. A control system directs the one or more robotic devices to transport a particular portable storage unit of a plurality of portable storage units to and from a particular induction station of one or more induction stations. The control system directs induction of one or more single units of items from one or more locations of the portable storage unit, while the particular portable storage unit is located at an induction station, into the conveyance mechanism at the particular induction station. The control system directs picks of batches of heterogeneous items from a separate inventory storage area. The control system directs induction of single units of items from the batches of heterogeneous items picked from the separate inventory storage area into the conveyance mechanism at a batch singulation station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.