An automated dispensing system that releases a selected quantity of an edible or non-edible bulk product is provided. Using a digital interface or a dispense button, consumers select a specified amount of bulk product to be dispensed (by weight, mass, or cost). The product is then dispensed into a receptacle container and the system calculates the quantity and corresponding cost that was dispensed into the receptacle container. Using an identification key system, consumers can activate the automatic dispensing system. The identification key may be used to track and store the user's dispensed bulk products. This information may be uploaded to a database that is later called upon at the time of checkout to tabulate the users total cost of dispensed bulk products. The system can also update an inventory database of the bulk products.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to determining an action to be performed based on vibrations detected on a product display unit. In some embodiments, a system for determining an action to perform based on vibrations comprises the product display unit, one or more vibration sensors, the one or more vibration sensors affixed to the product display unit and configured to detect vibration of the product display unit and transmit an indication of the vibration of the product display unit, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more vibration sensors and configured to receive, from the one or more vibration sensors, the indication of the vibration, estimate, based on the indication of the vibration a characteristic of at least one item on the product display unit, and determine, based on the characteristic, the action to be performed.

Some embodiments provide a system comprising: multiple self-propelled motorized transport units; a wireless communication network; and a central computer comprising: a transceiver, a control circuit and a memory storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: receive a request from a customer requesting location information for a requested item; identify the requested item is a category of items, and identify category location information; communicate routing instructions to the motorized transport unit based on the category location information causing the motorized transport unit to initiate physical movement; and communicate to the motorized transport unit a species clarification inquiry instruction configured to cause the motorized transport unit, while implementing routing instructions to move toward the category location, to present a clarification inquiry to the customer seeking clarification in narrowing the identified category to one or more products categorized within the identified category.

Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.

The present disclosure relates to a goods information obtaining device, a shelf, a shelf managing system and a method. A goods information obtaining device for obtaining goods information within a shelf unit, includes: at least one reflector; and at least one image sensor for sensing a reflection image of goods within the shelf unit that are reflected one or more times by the at least one reflector.

Embodiments of this disclosure provide a goods shelf system and a method of monitoring items of the goods shelf system. The goods shelf system comprises: a goods shelf comprising a bearing body for bearing an item; a signal transmitting unit located on a side of the bearing body; a plurality of signal receiving units, located on the bearing body, for receiving a signal transmitted by the signal transmitting unit; and a processing unit, electrically connected with the signal receiving unit, for acquiring a storage state of the item on the bearing body according to an signal outputted by the signal receiving unit, wherein one or more of the plurality of signal receiving units shielded by the items are not able to receive the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting unit.

Disclosed herein are mobile battery powered smart shelving units, systems, and methods for optimizing retail operations using these smart shelving units. These smart shelving units may comprise any combination of at least one: wheeled frame, display screen, a battery, a computer, a Wi-Fi module, a low frequency Bluetooth module, and an RFID reader/scanner, and an interactive touch screen. A system for optimizing retail operations may comprise a central computer hub configured for wireless communication with the computer and Wi-Fi module on the smart shelving unit(s) to continually exchange information related to the merchandise thereon, such as updated pricing, quantity, marketing, demonstrations, etc. The smart shelving units can communicate wirelessly in real time with a plurality of other smart shelving units, a central computer hub, and other low frequency Bluetooth devices nearby. In some embodiments, these smart shelving units may also be used to sell food and beverages.

Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.

A service rack system includes a service rack and one or more totes. Each of the one or more totes have a full indicator and a refill indicator. The service rack includes front, back, right, and left sides. The front side is directly opposite the back side. The service rack also includes a panel on each of the right and left sides, at least one supply rack angled towards the front side, and at least one return rack angled towards the back side. The at least one supply rack is constructed to support one or more columns of totes such that each column includes at least two totes. Each column of totes has a full state and a refill state. The full state includes at least two totes positioned such that the full indicator of one tote faces the front side. The refill state includes a tote positioned such that its refill indicator is directly adjacent the front side.

Shelves or other fixtures may be used to support items at a facility. Weighing modules including load cells may be used at the fixtures to acquire weight data indicative of changes to the fixture as items are added or removed from the fixture. Weighing modules may be modular and repositionable with respect to a crossbar or other supporting member that provides electrical power and data connectivity. This allows for the fixtures to be easily reconfigured to accommodate items of different sizes.