An inventory system includes a plurality of mobile drive units with a processor
control and with a positioning system that enables the mobile drive units to navigate
a factory floor. The mobile drive units interface with a material handling system
to receive order requests and deliver inventory items to pack stations located
on the factory floor. The inventory items are stored in trays stacked into movable
inventory pods, which may be transported by the mobile drive units throughout the
factory floor. The mobile drive units dock and undock with the movable inventory
pods using a docking mechanism. The movable inventory pods are stored in a virtual
storage grid when they are not being transported by the mobile drive units. It
is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring
an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the
subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
37 CFR 1.72(b).
