Abstract: A wheel-based generator system for a utility cart is provided. The wheel-based generator system includes a generator, an omni-directional wheel coupled to the generator and configured to drive the generator as the utility cart is pushed across a floor, and a regulator coupled to the generator. The generator is configured to transform mechanical energy from motion of the omni-directional wheel into electrical energy for charging one or more batteries of one or more electronic devices on the utility cart. The regulator is configured to control at least one of an output voltage of the generator and a polarity of the output voltage of the generator.

Abstract: A smart container for facilitating operations in a facility is provided. The smart container includes an apparatus configured to store and transport one or more items, one or more electronic devices disposed one or more sides on the apparatus, and a wheel-based charging system coupled to the apparatus and configured to charge one or more battery packs for the one or more electronic devices. The one or more electronic devices are configured to transmit information for monitoring and tracking a position of the smart container throughout an environment.