System and method for bulk transfer-based container unloading

A system for unloading items from a container, the system comprising:

• a camera configured to capture a sequence of images of the items;
• a movable chassis configured for deployment into an open end of the container, to a selectable depth within the container;
• a conveyor supported by the movable chassis, the conveyor configured to extend from an input end positioned within the container according to the selectable depth to an output end external to the container;
• a bulk transfer assembly supported by the movable chassis at the selectable depth and an adjustable height, the bulk transfer assembly including:
• (i) a feeder configured to engage with the items and displace a portion of the items towards the conveyor, and
• (ii) a collector configured to receive and direct the displaced items to the input end of the conveyor for transport to the output end of the conveyor;
• a controller configured to:
• detect, from the sequence of images, an item incompatible with the bulk transfer assembly;
• and
• generate a notification in response to detecting the incompatible item.