Patent attributes
Methods and apparatus for robotic induction in materials handling facilities with multiple inventory areas are disclosed. A control system directs one of one or more robotic devices to transport a particular portable storage unit of a plurality of portable storage units from a stock storage area to a particular induction and stowage station of one or more induction and stowage stations. The control system directs induction of one or more single units of items from one or more locations of the particular portable storage unit, while the particular portable storage unit is located at the induction and stowage station, into the conveyance mechanism. The control system directs stowage of received stock comprising one or more types of items to one or more indicated locations of the particular portable storage unit while the particular portable storage unit is located at the particular induction and stowage station.
