Automated handling and manipulation of packages and packages specially adapted therefor

A system comprising:

• a support frame;
• a detection component configured to perform at least one of imaging, sensing, or scanning to locate, in a three-dimensional space in which the system operates, a first contact point and a second contact point located on a package;
• a package-holder coupled to the support frame, the package-holder comprising:
• a first package-engaging structure, and
• a second package-engaging structure,
• the package-holder configured to engage the first contact point on the package using the first package-engaging structure and to engage the second contact point on the package using the second package-engaging structure,
• the package having an opening/closing mechanism comprising:
• a first side comprising a first magnet,
• a second side comprising a second magnet, and
• a recess that is at least one of fixed to or integrally formed within the first side and the second side,
• wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are oriented to bias the first side and the second side towards each other when in magnetic proximity;
• and
• a package-manipulator coupled to the support frame and comprising a third package-engaging structure comprising a movable mechanism with a distal end, wherein the third package-engaging structure is configured to:
• adaptively reposition to a location in the three-dimensional space that is between the first side and the second side and at the recess based on the detection component locating the first contact point and the second contact point,
• operate the moveable mechanism to engage the distal end with the recess of the opening/closing mechanism, and subsequently,
• displace the first side and the second side apart against the bias of the first magnet and the second magnet to transition the opening/closing mechanism from a closed configuration to an open configuration.