Abstract: An order fulfillment system including an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) structure, robotic vehicles, storage bins, and different service areas in a continuous arrangement positioned adjacent to an outer perimeter of the ASRS structure at one or more service levels of the ASRS structure, is provided. The robotic vehicles are navigable within the ASRS structure at the service level(s) positioned above and/or below storage levels of the ASRS structure. The robotic vehicles carry the storage bins within the ASRS structure during transfer of the storage bins to and from storage locations of the ASRS structure. Each service area includes one or more workstations of a type configured for one or more tasks different from one or more workstations at another service area. Each service area receives a drop-off of the storage bins at and/or a travel of the storage bins through each service area by the robotic vehicles.

Abstract: A multi-zone automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) and a method for controlling operation of robotic storage/retrieval vehicles (RSRVs) therein are provided. The multi-zone ASRS includes first and second storage zones isolated by at least one barrier and including first and second groups of storage locations respectively for accommodating storage units therein. The multi-zone ASRS includes one or more portals opening through the barrier(s) between the storage zones, and at least one track layout. The track layout(s) includes first and second track areas occupying the first and second storage zones respectively, and one or more connective track segments interconnecting the first and second track areas through the portal(s). The RSRVs deposit and retrieve the storage units to and from the storage locations and travel on the first and second track areas via the connective track segment(s) to respectively access the first and second groups of storage locations therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-nodal supply chain system including multiple interconnected entities and a method for executing a supply chain workflow using transportable and continuously trackable, standardized storage bins is provided. The entities include a network of node facilities distributed throughout a geographical region, inter-nodal transport vehicles (INTVs), storage bins storable in indexed storage locations within the node facilities and the INTVs, and a computerized system. The computerized system stores bin identifiers of the storage bins and location identifiers of the indexed storage locations and dynamic storage locations of the storage bins. The computerized system also updates the location identifiers as the storage bins are transferred between the node facilities and the INTVs.

Abstract: A multi-entity inventory management system including reassignable storage bins and a method for managing product inventory of different entities, for example, vendors, at one or more facilities including one or more storage structures served by robotic handlers, are provided. Each storage bin stores one or more caches of the products. A computerized inventory management system (CIMS) stores digital records including entity identifiers, product catalogues containing product identifiers of the products offered by each entity to customers, and unique bin identifiers assigned to the storage bins. The CIMS executes a digital transfer of ownership of inventory from a stocked entity to a needful entity, for example, based on an inventory shortfall, a complete absence of inventory of the needful entity, orders for the product inventory being received, etc. Along with an inventory swap through the storage bins, the CIMS executes commerce between the entities and implements inventory reservation.

Abstract: A multi-entity inventory management system including reassignable storage bins and a method for managing product inventory of different entities, for example, vendors, at one or more facilities including one or more storage structures served by robotic handlers, are provided. Each storage bin stores one or more caches of the products. A computerized inventory management system (CIMS) stores digital records including entity identifiers, product catalogues containing product identifiers of the products offered by each entity to customers, and unique bin identifiers assigned to the storage bins. The CIMS executes a digital transfer of ownership of inventory from a stocked entity to a needful entity, for example, based on an inventory shortfall, a complete absence of inventory of the needful entity, orders for the product inventory being received, etc. Along with an inventory swap through the storage bins, the CIMS executes commerce between the entities and implements inventory reservation.

Abstract: A multi-nodal supply chain system including multiple interconnected entities and a method for executing a supply chain workflow using transportable and continuously trackable, standardized storage bins is provided. The entities include a network of node facilities distributed throughout a geographical region, inter-nodal transport vehicles (INTVs), storage bins storable in indexed storage locations within the node facilities and the INTVs, and a computerized system. The computerized system stores bin identifiers of the storage bins and location identifiers of the indexed storage locations and dynamic storage locations of the storage bins. The computerized system also updates the location identifiers as the storage bins are transferred between the node facilities and the INTVs.