Mobile sorter platforms and method for sorting articles

A method for sorting articles, the method comprising:

• determining, by a controller, a location and an orientation of a marker formed on a first panel of a platform assembly, the first panel comprising a plurality of markers thereon, the markers forming a track on the first panel for transit thereabout by a plurality of vehicles, each marker comprising one or more magnetic characteristics for determining the orientation of the marker, wherein the platform assembly defines a first orientation in which the platform assembly is in a retracted position and a second orientation in which the platform assembly is in an extended position with a horizontal disposition,
• determining, by the controller, an identity of an article carried by the vehicle based on an identifier on the article;
• communicating over a network, by the controller, with the vehicle to direct the vehicle to deposit the article carried thereon into a container associated with the marker and the article, the container positioned about at least one of the plurality of markers.