US Patent 10988313 Fulfillment system, article and method of operating same

Fulfillment systems may include an item storage and retrieval system which stores and automatically retrieves items, and an order sorting system, downstream from the item storage and retrieval system, which automatically collates retrieved items into orders. A control system controls operation, advantageously allowing operation without any item buffering buffer between the item storage and retrieval system and the order sorting system. Optionally, a destination sortation system may collate orders by intended destinations. The fulfillment system can handle orders for end user consumer as well as for retail locations simultaneously. Robots and/or conveyors may operate to move items between the systems.