Abstract: A system receives a first indication associated with a first device picking up a package and transmits a first instruction to the first device to travel to a location associated with transferring the package to a second device. The system may transmit a second instruction to the second device to travel to the location to receive the package from the first device. The system receives a second indication associated with the package being transferred from the first device to the second device at the location. One or more third devices may meet at the location to transfer packages to the second device. In some instances, the location may be determined based at least in part on a current location of the first device and/or a current location of the second device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for foldable containers for manual and robotic use. In one embodiment, an example foldable container may include a first container wall, a second container wall configured to rotate outwards in a first direction with respect to the first container wall, and a bottom container platform configured to rotate outwards in a second direction with respect to the first container wall. The bottom container platform may include an automatic locking mechanism configured to engage with the second container wall when the foldable container is in an unfolded position, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Some embodiments may include a number of wheels. The foldable container may be configured to be transported using (i) the plurality of wheels via manual pushing, and (ii) robotic manipulation to lift and move the foldable container.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for foldable containers for manual and robotic use. In one embodiment, an example foldable container may include a first container wall, a second container wall configured to rotate outwards in a first direction with respect to the first container wall, and a bottom container platform configured to rotate outwards in a second direction with respect to the first container wall. The bottom container platform may include an automatic locking mechanism configured to engage with the second container wall when the foldable container is in an unfolded position, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Some embodiments may include a number of wheels. The foldable container may be configured to be transported using (i) the plurality of wheels via manual pushing, and (ii) robotic manipulation to lift and move the foldable container.

Abstract: A system receives a first indication associated with a first device picking up a package and transmits a first instruction to the first device to travel to a location associated with transferring the package to a second device. The system may transmit a second instruction to the second device to travel to the location to receive the package from the first device. The system receives a second indication associated with the package being transferred from the first device to the second device at the location. One or more third devices may meet at the location to transfer packages to the second device. In some instances, the location may be determined based at least in part on a current location of the first device and/or a current location of the second device.

Abstract: With respect to a transfer facility configured to optimize package transfers therethrough, a container housing packages may be delivered to a first floor of the transfer facility. The packages may be transported to consolidation stations based on destinations associated therewith. In some examples, the packages may be bound for a single destination and thus transported to a single consolidation station. In some examples, the packages may be bound for multiple destinations and thus transported to a second floor of the transfer facility for sortation. A destination and mode of transportation associated with the package may be determined at an induction station on the second floor, as well as a consolidation station associated therewith. A drive unit may insert the package into a chute for transit down a slide to the consolidation station, where it may be placed into another container for shipment to the destination via the mode of transportation.

Abstract: Hybrid sortation systems and methods may include a floor having a plurality of transfer locations, a plurality of container drive units or pods that may be positioned at respective transfer locations to receive packages, and a plurality of overdrive units that may travel over and sort packages to respective transfer locations. The overdrive units may be configured to travel over container drive units or pods, such that operations or movements of container drive units or pods may be substantially decoupled or independent from operations or movements of overdrive units. In this manner, sort density and throughput of such hybrid sortation systems may be increased, while also reducing congestion associated with operations or movements of robotic drive units.

Abstract: A mobile drive unit includes a pivot between the front chassis unit and the rear chassis unit, which both support a support structure that pivotally supports a payload housing. The mobile drive unit can have a sensor and control system.

Abstract: With respect to a transfer facility configured to optimize package transfers therethrough, a container housing packages may be delivered to a first floor of the transfer facility. The packages may be transported to consolidation stations based on destinations associated therewith. In some examples, the packages may be bound for a single destination and thus transported to a single consolidation station. In some examples, the packages may be bound for multiple destinations and thus transported to a second floor of the transfer facility for sortation. A destination and mode of transportation associated with the package may be determined at an induction station on the second floor, as well as a consolidation station associated therewith. A drive unit may insert the package into a chute for transit down a slide to the consolidation station, where it may be placed into another container for shipment to the destination via the mode of transportation.

Abstract: A mobile drive unit includes a pivot between the front chassis unit and the rear chassis unit, which both support a support structure that pivotally supports a payload housing.

Abstract: A mobile drive unit includes a pivot between the front chassis unit and the rear chassis unit, which both support a support structure that pivotally supports a payload housing.