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: In combination, a storage unit storable within a three-dimensional storage system and a storage/retrieval vehicle navigable through the three-dimensional storage system to storage locations therein at which the storage unit is selectively storable and retrievable. The storage/retrieval vehicle comprises a frame conveyable through the three-dimensional storage system, a platform atop the frame for receipt of the storage unit on the platform, and a loading/unloading mechanism operable to load and unload the storage unit to and from the platform at four different sides thereof. The storage unit and the storage/retrieval vehicle are configured to enable unloading of the storage unit from the platform in any one of four different directions at four different respective sides of the vehicle regardless of an original orientation in which the storage unit was previously loaded onto the platform and without reorienting the storage unit from the original orientation.

Abstract: In combination, a storage unit storable within a three-dimensional storage system and a storage/retrieval vehicle navigable through the three-dimensional storage system to storage locations therein at which the storage unit is selectively storable and retrievable. The storage/retrieval vehicle comprises a frame conveyable through the three-dimensional storage system, a platform atop the frame for receipt of the storage unit on the platform, and a loading/unloading mechanism operable to load and unload the storage unit to and from the platform at four different sides thereof. The storage unit and the storage/retrieval vehicle are configured to enable unloading of the storage unit from the platform in any one of four different directions at four different respective sides of the vehicle regardless of an original orientation in which the storage unit was previously loaded onto the platform and without reorienting the storage unit from the original orientation.

Abstract: In combination, a storage unit storable within a three-dimensional storage system and a storage/retrieval vehicle navigable through the three-dimensional storage system to storage locations therein at which the storage unit is selectively storable and retrievable. The storage/retrieval vehicle comprises a frame conveyable through the three-dimensional storage system, a platform atop the frame for receipt of the storage unit on the platform, and a loading/unloading mechanism operable to load and unload the storage unit to and from the platform at four different sides thereof. The storage unit and the storage/retrieval vehicle are configured to enable unloading of the storage unit from the platform in any one of four different directions at four different respective sides of the vehicle regardless of an original orientation in which the storage unit was previously loaded onto the platform and without reorienting the storage unit from the original orientation.

Abstract: In combination, a storage unit storable within a three-dimensional storage system and a storage/retrieval vehicle navigable through the three-dimensional storage system to storage locations therein at which the storage unit is selectively storable and retrievable. The storage/retrieval vehicle comprises a frame conveyable through the three-dimensional storage system, a platform atop the frame for receipt of the storage unit on the platform, and a loading/unloading mechanism operable to load and unload the storage unit to and from the platform at four different sides thereof. The storage unit and the storage/retrieval vehicle are configured to enable unloading of the storage unit from the platform in any one of four different directions at four different respective sides of the vehicle regardless of an original orientation in which the storage unit was previously loaded onto the platform and without reorienting the storage unit from the original orientation.