Patent ID: 9280153
Filing Date: 2016-03-08
CPC Classification: B65G,G05B,G05D,G06Q

Claim Text:
1. An inventory management system, comprising: an inventory holder configured to store inventory items, the inventory holder comprising a frame having a ferromagnetic surface, the inventory holder further having a center of mass dependent on a distribution of inventory items stored in the inventory holder; a mobile drive unit configured to lift and move the inventory holder, the mobile drive unit comprising: a drive module comprising one or more wheels configured to propel the mobile drive unit; and a docking head configured to engage the frame for lifting, the docking head comprising one or more magnets arranged so as to engage with the ferromagnetic surface of the inventory holder when the mobile drive unit is lifting the inventory holder, the one or more magnets configured to (i) secure the inventory holder to the mobile drive unit during lifting and/or moving by the mobile drive unit, and (ii) provide information about a position of the center of mass of the inventory holder relative to mobile drive unit when lifted by the mobile drive unit; and a management module configured to at least instruct the mobile drive unit to lift and move the inventory holder.