System and Method for Maneuvering a Mobile Drive Unit

Abstract

A mobile drive unit is provided for transporting an inventory holder. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with the inventory holder, move the inventory holder in a first translational direction, and while docked with the inventory holder, selectively rotate the inventory holder while continuing to move in the first translational direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to mobile drive units, and more specifically to a system and method for maneuvering a mobile drive unit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Modern inventory systems, such as those in mail-order warehouses, supply chain distribution centers, airport luggage systems, and custom-order manufacturing facilities, face significant challenges in responding to requests for inventory items. As inventory systems grow, the challenges of simultaneously completing a large number of packing, storing, and other inventory-related tasks becomes non-trivial. In inventory systems tasked with responding to large numbers of diverse inventory requests, inefficient utilization of system resources, including space, equipment, and manpower, can result in lower throughput, unacceptably long response times, an ever-increasing backlog of unfinished tasks, and, in general, poor system performance. Additionally, expanding or reducing the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages and problems associated with inventory storage have been substantially reduced or eliminated. In particular, a mobile inventory system is provided that includes one or more mobile drive units capable of selectively rotating inventory holders while moving any of one or more of those inventory holders between locations within a physical space associated with the mobile inventory system.

Problems solved by technology

Modern inventory systems, such as those in mail-order warehouses, supply chain distribution centers, airport luggage systems, and custom-order manufacturing facilities, face significant challenges in responding to requests for inventory items.

In inventory systems tasked with responding to large numbers of diverse inventory requests, inefficient utilization of system resources, including space, equipment, and manpower, can result in lower throughput, unacceptably long response times, an ever-increasing backlog of unfinished tasks, and, in general, poor system performance.

Additionally, expanding or reducing the size or capabilities of many inventory systems requires significant changes to existing infrastructure and equipment.

As a result, the cost of incremental changes to capacity or functionality may be prohibitively expensive limiting the ability of the system to accommodate fluctuations in system throughput.

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