Abstract: A unique digital identifier of a bundled set of items may be generated based on imaging data or other information captured from the bundled set, stored, and used for any purpose. The imaging data or other information may depict or describe the bundled set after the items have been wrapped or otherwise combined in a unique manner using a binding agent, e.g., a sheet of shrink wrap, a rubber band, or any other materials. Unique digital identifiers of bundled sets of items may be stored in association with information regarding the items. When a bundled set of items is recognized based on its unique digital identifier, information regarding the bundled set may be accessed and used for any purpose, such as to identify a common container for the bundled set based on attributes of any of the items or an order with which the bundled set is associated.

Abstract: Described are systems, methods, and apparatus for automated item singulation. The system includes a singulation station in which a plurality of different type items may be transitioned onto a singulation table. The singulation table activates and the movement of the singulation table causes the items to de-shingle, separate in distance with respect to one another and migrate along the singulation table toward a pick conveyor. As the de-shingled and singulated items arrive on the pick conveyor they are detected and individually picked by a robotic unit and transitioned from the singulation station.

Abstract: A container exchange station is provided in connection with a workspace of an inventory system. At the container exchange station, containers are exchanged between container holders and container shuttles. The container holders are configured to hold one or more containers having consolidated inventory items in high density storage. The container shuttles are also configured to hold one or more containers for performing other operations with respect to inventory items in the one or more containers. The containers are configured to hold inventory items while the inventory items move for various operations throughout the workspace and while the inventory items are stowed in high density storage in the workspace.

Abstract: Described are systems, methods, and apparatus for automated item sortation and consolidation of items of a consolidation set. The system includes a consolidation station in which a series of automated devices, robotic arms, conveyors, scanners, etc., move and consolidate items of consolidation sets. The automated devices are controlled by an inventory management system that sends instructions to the various devices to coordinate operation of those devices and to coordinate flow of items through the consolidation station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of portable receptacles within a materials handling facility are described. The materials handling facility utilizes at least one linear induction motor (LIM) to move the portable receptacles having conductive elements from a first location to a second location within the facility. The LIMs may be configured such that most, if not all, of the movement of the receptacles is controlled by the application of energy from the LIMs to the conductive elements of the receptacles. This energy may cause the receptacles to move from one LIM to another LIM, where each LIM in sequence can apply force to the receptacle to pass it to the next LIM in the sequence. In some implementations, the portable receptacles are configured such that at least a base portion of the receptacle includes a conductive element to interact with the LIMs, while maintaining an overall light-weight configuration.

Abstract: Described are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing the movement of inventory items within a materials handling facility using rollable containers and a gravity feed conveyance system. Inventory items are placed in the rollable containers and are routed to different locations within the materials handling facility along the gravity feed conveyance system, through use of gravitational forces that cause the rollable containers to roll. By using gravity to route inventory items within the materials handling facility, the energy and power requirements for the materials handling facility are reduced, which reduces overhead costs and which is better for the environment.

Abstract: Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes first and second rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, and an annular ring of rollers affixed on the outer surface of one of the first and second annular rim. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.

Abstract: Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes a hub, first and second annular rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, spokes that extend from the hub to the first and second annular rims, a pinion ring including pinion rods that extend between the inner surfaces of the first and second annular rims, and first and second annular rings of rollers affixed on the outer surfaces of the first and second annular rims. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for an automated materials handling facility. The automated materials handling facility uses a series of automated devices, such as automated guidance vehicles, mobile drive units, robotic arms, automated sorters, etc., to facilitate item receive, stow, pick, shipping and other aspects of materials handling. The automated devices are controlled by a materials handling control system that sends instructions to the various devices to coordinate operation of those devices and to coordinate flow of items through the materials handling system.

Abstract: Concepts of omnidirectional vehicle transport are described. In one embodiment, an omnidirectional vehicle includes a transportation platform, a drive system, and wheels. At a surface level, the vehicle can maneuver in any direction, including longitudinal and lateral directions. The vehicle can also be positioned to engage the wheels with a track having a rack gear to engage with the wheels. A control system of the vehicle can then drive the wheels in engagement with the track to raise the vehicle to a second level. At the second level, the vehicle can maneuver to transfer items onto the vehicle for transportation of the items back to the surface level. After the items are transferred onto the vehicle, it can be positioned for engagement with the track, and the control system can drive the wheels to lower the vehicle to the surface level and offload the items.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for an automated materials handling facility. The automated materials handling facility uses a series of automated devices, such as automated guidance vehicles, mobile drive units, robotic arms, automated sorters, etc., to facilitate item receive, stow, pick, shipping and other aspects of materials handling. The automated devices are controlled by a materials handling control system that sends instructions to the various devices to coordinate operation of those devices and to coordinate flow of items through the materials handling system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of portable receptacles within a materials handling facility are described. The materials handling facility utilizes at least one linear induction motor (LIM) to move the portable receptacles having conductive elements from a first location to a second location within the facility. The LIMs may be configured such that most, if not all, of the movement of the receptacles is controlled by the application of energy from the LIMs to the conductive elements of the receptacles. This energy may cause the receptacles to move from one LIM to another LIM, where each LIM in sequence can apply force to the receptacle to pass it to the next LIM in the sequence. In some implementations, the portable receptacles are configured such that at least a base portion of the receptacle includes a conductive element to interact with the LIMs, while maintaining an overall light-weight configuration.

Abstract: Concepts of omnidirectional vehicle transport are described. In one embodiment, an omnidirectional vehicle includes a transportation platform, a drive system, and wheels. At a surface level, the vehicle can maneuver in any direction, including longitudinal and lateral directions. The vehicle can also be positioned to engage the wheels with a track having a rack gear to engage with the wheels. A control system of the vehicle can then drive the wheels in engagement with the track to raise the vehicle to a second level. At the second level, the vehicle can maneuver to transfer items onto the vehicle for transportation of the items back to the surface level. After the items are transferred onto the vehicle, it can be positioned for engagement with the track, and the control system can drive the wheels to lower the vehicle to the surface level and offload the items.

Abstract: Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes a hub, first and second annular rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, spokes that extend from the hub to the first and second annular rims, a pinion ring including pinion rods that extend between the inner surfaces of the first and second annular rims, and first and second annular rings of rollers affixed on the outer surfaces of the first and second annular rims. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of portable receptacles within a materials handling facility are described. The materials handling facility utilizes at least one linear induction motor (LIM) to move the portable receptacles having conductive elements from a first location to a second location within the facility. The LIMs may be configured such that most, if not all, of the movement of the receptacles is controlled by the application of energy from the LIMs to the conductive elements of the receptacles. This energy may cause the receptacles to move from one LIM to another LIM, where each LIM in sequence can apply force to the receptacle to pass it to the next LIM in the sequence. In some implementations, the portable receptacles are configured such that at least a base portion of the receptacle includes a conductive element to interact with the LIMs, while maintaining an overall light-weight configuration.

Abstract: A container exchange station is provided in connection with a workspace of an inventory system. At the container exchange station, containers are exchanged between container holders and container shuttles. The container holders are configured to hold one or more containers having consolidated inventory items in high density storage. The container shuttles are also configured to hold one or more containers for performing other operations with respect to inventory items in the one or more containers. The containers are configured to hold inventory items while the inventory items move for various operations throughout the workspace and while the inventory items are stowed in high density storage in the workspace.