A method of processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of a plurality of objects and directing the plurality of objects toward an input area from at least one input conveyance system, acquiring an object from the plurality of objects at the input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, and moving the acquired object toward an identified processing location using the programmable motion device, said identified processing location being associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location being provided as one of a plurality of processing locations that are radially spaced from the programmable motion device.

This disclosure relates to sortable tracking objects. In particular, this disclosure relates to sortable tracking objects that can be associated with item containers and items for tracking and organization.

A return receptacle system which uses a detection system to guide the user to deposit items into the correct receptacle. The system detects the item to be deposited and provides guidance or instruction to properly deposit the item. In addition, or alternatively, the system allows access to only the appropriate receptacle opening. Additional detection systems and/or sensors may be provided to monitor or ensure only the appropriate items are deposited.

A distribution system is disclosed for use in an induction system with an object processing system. The distribution system provides distribution of dissimilar objects into one of a plurality of receiving units. The distribution system includes an urging system for urging an object on a conveyor from the conveyor to one of a plurality of adjacent receiving stations via a receiving chute, wherein each receiving station is lower than the conveyor.

A conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor has a conveyor belt and a plurality of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advancing upward along the incline. The conveyor may be positioned at an inclined angle relative to the horizontal ground, i.e., between about 5° and 85° or the conveyor can be substantially vertical, i.e., about 90° relative to the horizontal ground. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the inclined conveyor and carry and hold articles on substantially vertical conveyors. The article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt may provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away from the conveyor belt on the incline.

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to form groups at respective sort destinations. A scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item fed into the apparatus. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. When an item to be manually sorted is encountered, a visual alert aligned with a selected destination is activated until manual transfer is confirmed.

The present application discloses a system, a method, and a computer system for correlating information to facilitate automated sortation. The method includes (i) receiving, by one or more processors, a first optical sensor data comprising a first element of routing data required to route an item but not a second element of routing data required, in addition to the first element, to route the item, (ii) obtaining the second element of routing data from a second optical sensor data, and (iii) causing the item to be routed based at least in part on the first element of routing data and the second element of routing data.

Methods for sorting and sequencing objects are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a plurality of objects, each object associated with an identifier including group data identifying a group to which the object belongs, and sequence data identifying a sequential position for the object within the group. The method can include determining the group data and the sequence data for each object by reading the identifier associated with the object; sorting the plurality of objects by directing each object into one of a plurality of buffer locations based on the group data for the object; and sequencing the set of objects associated with each buffer location by placing each object into a position within the corresponding set of objects based on the sequence data for the object.

A distribution system is disclosed for use with an induction system with an object processing system. The distribution system provides distribution of dissimilar objects into one of a plurality of receiving units. The distribution system includes an urging system for urging an object on a conveyor from the conveyor to a chute that includes at least one actuatable door for selectively dropping the object through the at least one actuable door, said chute leading to a first receiving station with a second receiving station being positioned below the at least one actuable door.

Methods for detecting electronics amongst a plurality of recycling materials.