Staples has been granted a patent for a system-directed robotic cart picking system. The technology involves generating a picking itinerary, transporting carts in an order fulfillment center, assigning pickers based on zones, determining tasks, and outputting pick instructions. The system aims to streamline order fulfillment processes efficiently. GlobalData’s report on Staples gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Staples, Autonomous delivery mgmt was a key innovation area identified from patents. Staples's grant share as of March 2024 was 74%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Robotic cart picking system for order fulfillment center

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Staples Inc

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11939162B2) outlines a method and system for optimizing order fulfillment processes in a fulfillment center. The method involves generating a picking itinerary based on item locations and order data, assigning pickers to specific zones within the center based on zone scores, and directing them to pick items and place them in carts following a pick-to-cart routing. The system includes a processor, memory storing instructions, and components such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for cart transportation and picker client devices for task instructions.

The innovative approach detailed in the patent focuses on streamlining the picking process in fulfillment centers by efficiently assigning tasks to pickers based on zone scores and item locations. By utilizing AGVs for cart transportation and pick-to-cart routing, the system aims to enhance the overall efficiency and accuracy of order fulfillment operations. Additionally, the method includes features such as reassigning pickers to different zones upon task completion and utilizing clustering algorithms to determine zone boundaries, further optimizing the workflow within the fulfillment center. Overall, the patent highlights a comprehensive system designed to improve the productivity and effectiveness of order fulfillment processes in fulfillment centers.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.