Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for active and passive electromagnetic switching for sortation shuttles along a track. An example system for active and passive electromagnetic switching for sortation shuttles may include a track having a first linear path and a first curved path that intersects the first linear path. The system may include a shuttle with a first ferrous block, the shuttle configured to move along the track, a first set of electromagnets disposed along a side of the first curved path, and a first set of permanent magnets disposed along a side of the first linear path. Energizing the first set of electromagnets causes the shuttle to merge onto the first curved path via interaction with the first ferrous block.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with first and second modes, the first mode, associated with allowing for the availability of one or more of a first level of power consumption and processor activity for the portable electronic device, and allowing general unlocked user interaction with the user interface of the portable electronic device; the second mode, associated with allowing for the availability of one or more of a second level of power consumption or processor activity, and allowing locked user interaction with the user interface; and the locked user interaction allowing for the provision of one or more specific limited user inputs using the user interface, to directly interact with associated second mode output provided using the user interface in the second mode, the one or more specific limited user inputs not being associated with general unlocking of portable electronic device to enter the first mode of operation.