Systems and methods can enhance efficiencies of order fulfillment processes. For example, this document describes systems and methods for optimizing the efficiency of multiple order sortation process lines to expedite order processing in a cost-effective manner. In some embodiments, this innovation includes an efficient method for loading or filling the capacity of multiple parallel order sortation process lines so that they operate at peak efficiently and the operators are utilized at a high level. Additionally, the systems and methods promote efficiency enhancements of order sortation equipment by reducing the potential for downtime due to material flow interferences.

An automated in-rack picking solution enables improved efficiency by permitting automatic reconfiguration of automated picking system (APS) deployments within an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The storage volume of an ASRS can be more thoroughly utilized, even with a smaller number of APSs, when at least one APS is operable to autonomously relocate within the ASRS based at least on a stored item's location and/or property (e.g., suitability for handling by a particular end effector). An exemplary solution includes an APS positioned to reach stored items within a first subset of storage locations when affixed to a first attachment point; a transport component operable to relocate the APS to a second attachment point, wherein the APS is positioned to reach stored items within a second subset of the storage locations when affixed to the second attachment point; and a controller operable to instruct relocation of the APS.

The control unit includes a retrieval target article identification unit configured to identify a retrieval target article from among the articles stored in the storage unit on the basis of retrieval information indicating a retrieval completion state, a reverse sequential operation calculation unit configured to calculate a reverse sequential operation when it is assumed that the retrieval target article is moved to the storage position in the storage unit in a reverse sequence from the retrieval completion state, and a retrieval operation calculation unit configured to calculate a retrieval operation in which the retrieval target article is moved from the storage position in the storage unit and is in the retrieval completion state by reproducing the reverse sequential operation in reverse.

An unloading device for unloading a tote from a shelf in a warehouse includes at least two arms for grabbing the tote in the shelf, whereby the arms essentially each extend in a horizontal direction and are arranged distant and parallel to each other. The arms are movable in a vertical and/or horizontal direction in respect to a position of the tote in the shelf and in their horizontal distance to each other in respect to the shape of the tote. Additionally, each arm includes a motorized conveyer belt extending along the essential horizontal direction on the arm up to touching a tip of the respective arm for unloading the tote from the shelf.

Systems and methods can enhance efficiencies of order fulfillment processes. For example, this document describes systems and methods for optimizing the efficiency of order sortation processes to expedite order processing in a cost-effective manner. The systems and methods facilitate high utilization of labor due to reductions in wasted movements and even loading of workers of a team of workers. Additionally, the systems and methods promote efficiency enhancements of order sortation equipment by reducing the potential for downtime due to material flow interferences.

A system and methods for utilizing a grid storage array for high rate picking in a micro-fulfilment facility. The system includes a grid storage array and multiple transfer ports that are dedicated to a particular directional function, i.e. discharge ports and intake ports. The system includes a multi-function workstation that can operate as either a picking station or a decant station. A conveyor loop is provided and includes right-angle-transfers (RATs) and accumulators to transport and sequence the flow of storage bins and order totes. The combination and configuration of the grid storage array, conveyor loop, and multi-function workstation optimizes space utilization which is particularly beneficial in micro-fulfilment facilities where space is at a premium.

A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system includes a plurality of supply bins providing supply of a plurality of objects, with the plurality of supply bins being provided with a bin conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the bin conveyance system, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected supply bin, and a movable carriage for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device, and for carrying the selected object to one of a plurality of destination containers.

A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system a perception unit for perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of an object associated with an input conveyance system, and an acquisition system for acquiring the object from a plurality of objects at an input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, wherein the programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing location. The identified processing location being associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location being provided as one of a plurality of processing locations. The processing system also includes a delivery system for receiving the object in a carrier and for delivering the object toward the identified processing location.

A system for use in consolidating items into orders and delivering items to a workstation is described herein. The system includes a plurality of workstations, each workstation including an assembling area for assembling orders, an assembly line system configured to deliver items to the plurality of workstations, and a computing system to execute the steps of: receiving an order notification indicating an order, identifying items included in the order, assigning a corresponding workstation to the order, and operating the assembly line system to deliver the identified items included in the order to the corresponding workstation.

A component supply unit storage and retrieval system includes a unit storage configured to store multiple component supply units used when multiple components are supplied to a component mounter, a storage holding base configured to hold the unit storage, a unit warehouse configured to store the component supply units more than the unit storage, and a storage and retrieval robot configured to deliver the component supply unit between the unit storage and the unit warehouse.