Abstract: Techniques for controlling movement of a mobile drive unit within a workspace are described. In an example, a system may access a map of the workspace. The map defines a policy for the movement of the mobile drive unit within the workspace based on a volume of the workspace associated with a fire shutter. The fire shutter is located within the workspace and is operable to manage a spread of a fire within the workspace. The system may generate at least a portion of a movement path for the mobile drive unit within the workspace based on the map and on an event for transporting material from a location in the workspace. The portion of the movement path is in compliance with the policy defined in the map. The system provides at least the portion of the movement path to the mobile drive unit over a data network.

Abstract: A transfer rack on one floor of an inventory system can receive multiple containers each carrying an inventory item designated for an operation on a different floor of the inventory system. A vertical lift can move the transfer rack carrying the multiple containers from the one floor to the different floor. On the different floor, the multiple containers may be swapped for different multiple containers each carrying an inventory item designated for an operation on the one floor. The vertical lift may return the transfer rack carrying the different multiple containers to the one floor.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the establishment, use and adjustment of timeout durations for individual RFID tags. Each RFID tag within an inventory system has a timeout duration that is based at least in part on a time duration between receipts of a RFID tag identifier associated with the RFID tag.

Abstract: Item information such as an identity or arrangement of a selected inventory item of an inventory system can be determined. A classification of the selected inventory item can be obtained based at least in part on the item information. The selected inventory item can be routed based at least in part on the classification of the selected inventory item. For example, the selected inventory item may be routed for manual handling if the classification of the selected inventory item indicates that the selected inventory item is designated for an operation to be performed relative to the selected inventory item by a human operator. Alternatively, the selected inventory item may be routed for automated handling if the classification of the selected inventory item indicates that the selected inventory item is designated for an operation to be performed relative to the selected inventory item by a robotic manipulator.

Abstract: A transfer rack on one floor of an inventory system can receive multiple containers each carrying an inventory item designated for an operation on a different floor of the inventory system. A vertical lift can move the transfer rack carrying the multiple containers from the one floor to the different floor. On the different floor, the multiple containers may be swapped for different multiple containers each carrying an inventory item designated for an operation on the one floor. The vertical lift may return the transfer rack carrying the different multiple containers to the one floor.