Replenishing a retail facility
US9663293B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2209/04
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system includes storage shelves and display shelves at a retail facility. The system also includes a management module operable to determine to replenish a display shelf with an inventory item stored by a storage shelf. The management module is also operable to coordinate movement of mobile drive units to replenish the display shelf with the inventory item at an inventory restocking station. The system also includes a first mobile drive unit and a second mobile drive unit. The first mobile drive unit is operable to receive first instructions from the management module to transport the display shelf to the inventory restocking station. The second mobile drive unit is operable to receive second instructions from the management module to transport the storage shelf to the inventory restocking station. At the inventory restocking station, the display shelf receives the inventory item.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.