Variable compliance EOAT for optimization of GCU

A computer-implemented method;

• comprising:
• identifying an item to be manipulated using an end effector;
• determining a placement location for the identified item based at least n part on an attribute of the item;
• grasping the item using the end effector;
• moving the item to the placement location;
• varying a compliance associated with the end effector based at least in part on a determination that the item is within a threshold distance of the placement location;
• and
• placing the item at the placement location.

An inventory management system comprising:

• at least one robotic arm assembly;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory including instructions that, when executed with the processor, cause the robotic arm assembly to, at least:
• remove an item from a first location;
• determine a second location to receive the item, the second location determined to optimize a gross cubic utilization;
• move the item into proximity of the second location;
• vary a level of compliance of the robotic arm assembly;
• and
• place the item into the second location.