Abstract: Described are automated systems and methods for the handling and processing of items at material handling facility. The exemplary systems and methods can receive the items from various upstream processes and systems and can process and handle the items so that they can be provided to various downstream processes and systems. The exemplary systems and methods can provide modular systems and methods that can perform automated singulation, sortation, retrieval, and packing of items without any manual handling.

Abstract: A device for manipulating items for facility operations is described. The device includes a first arm assembly that includes a first arm, a second arm parallel to the first arm, a first shaft disposed between the first arm and the second arm at a first location along the first arm and the second arm, and a first head attachment disposed between the first arm and the second arm at a second location along the first arm and the second arm. The device also includes a first driver coupled to the first shaft and configured to control movement of the first arm assembly about a first axis extending along a length of the first shaft. The device further includes a second driver coupled to first head attachment and configured to control movement of the first head attachment about a second axis extending along a length of the first head attachment.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated balancing and flow management of items in multi-item orders to packing equipment. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining a first order identifier associated with a first item identifier and a second item identifier, determining that a first sorting load associated with a first item sorting machine is less than a second sorting load associated with a second item sorting machine, and determining a first tote identifier associated with the first item sorting machine. The method may include determining that a first item associated with the first item identifier is placed in a first tote associated with the first tote identifier, causing the first tote to be routed to the first item sorting machine, and determining that the first item and a second item associated with the second item identifier are ready for packing into a shipment.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated item sorting for multi-item orders. In one embodiment, an example system may include a number of modular sorting machines coupled in series, the number of modular sorting machines comprising a first modular sorting machine, a first support coupled to the first modular sorting machine, a second support coupled to the first modular sorting machine, where the first support and the second support together form a first chute, and where the first support and the second support are configured to support a number of bins. The system may include a first bin of the number of bins disposed in the first chute at a first vertical position, and a second bin of the number of bins disposed in the first chute at a second vertical position, where the first bin and the second bin are configured to receive items for multi-item orders.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for automated gates to secure mobile carrier unit payloads. In one embodiment, an example system for a mobile carrier unit of a sortation system may include an automated gate configured to block an open end of the mobile carrier unit in a first position, and to unblock the open end of the mobile carrier unit in a second position, and a controller configured to control operation of the gate. The controller may be configured to determine that the conveyor belt is activated, cause the automated gate to move to the second position, determine that the item is off the conveyor belt, and cause the automated gate to move to the first position.