Automated empty container flow for sortation systems

A system comprising:

• a first station;
• a second station;
• a track comprising a first buffer path adjacent to the first station and a second buffer path adjacent to the second station;
• a first shuttle configured to move along the track;
• a second shuttle configured to move along the track;
• memory comprising computer-executable instructions;
• and
• one or more computer processors configured to access the memory and execute the computer-executable instructions to:
• determine that the first shuttle is empty;
• determine that the second shuttle is empty;
• determine a first number of shuttles at the first buffer path;
• determine a second number of shuttles at the second buffer path;
• determine, based at least in part on the first number and the second number, that the first shuttle and the second shuttle are to be routed to the first buffer path;
• and
• cause the first shuttle and the second shuttle to be routed to the first buffer path.

A method for controlling empty shuttle movement, the method comprising:

• determining, by a controller, that a first shuttle is empty;
• determining that a second shuttle is empty;
• determining a first number of shuttles at a first buffer path;
• determining a second number of shuttles at a second buffer path;
• determining, based at least in part on the first number and the second number, that the first shuttle and the second shuttle are to be routed to the first buffer path;
• and
• causing the first shuttle and the second shuttle to be routed to the first buffer path.